Our horses and donkeys represent many different breeds and range in size from 30 inches to 17 hands. All potential STAR horses are carefully screened for behavior and training. Our horse lease program enables us to benefit from retired show stock. The lease program relieves STAR of the burden of providing for them in the event they can no longer work safely with our riders. When this occurs, the horses return to their owners for a second retirement. Donated animals must meet very specific requirements as we assume responsibility for them for the rest of their lives. STAR has been very successful in finding retirement homes for donated horses as necessary.

Bucky's Story

Equine Donation Information

Meet our Four-Legged Therapists:

 

Name & Description	Photo	Sponsored by:
Acorn Chestnut Welsh Pony Gelding		The Holiday Inn Express of Athens, TN and The Hampton Inn of Athens, TN
Apache Sorrell Snowflake Appaloosa Gelding		Steve & Ann Bailey
Bailey Palamino Quarter Horse Gelding		Xinergy Corp.
Bandy Pinto Pony Mare		Megan Ramsey
Cocoa Bay Standardbred Cross Mare		Mary & Scott Zimand
Doodle Bay Quarter Horse Gelding		Tellico Village Kiwanis Club
Flash Gray Miniature Donkey		Lynn & Jerry Lambert
Freckles Bay Snowflake Pony of the Americas Mare		Alece Ellis
Gordy Chestnut Quarter Horse Welsh Cross Gelding		The Nadaud Family
Gumby Black Thoroughbred Gelding		Sponsor Needed
Hodie Gray Miniature Donkey		Lynn & Jerry Lambert in honor of Grandmother and Pops
Honey Dun Pinto Miniature Horse Mare		Lynn & Jerry Lambert
Justin Credible Chestnut Quarter Horse Gelding		Roger & Sylvia Heider
Lightning Bug "Bug" Bay Shetland Pony Gelding		Faith Early Learning Center
Mr. T Chestnut Quarter Horse Gelding		Greg & Susan Sinatro
Oliver Chestnut Appendix Quarter Horse Gelding		Xinergy Corp.
Peabody Bay Welsh Pony Gelding		Gary & Fern Aron
Penrose Pinto Pony Gelding		Teenie Hayworth
RB Chestnut Quarter Horse Gelding		David & Gina Moore
Roxy Bay Thoroughbred Mare		Mo Steiner
Sampson Chestnut Draft Cross Gelding		Pam Craig and Cynthia McLean
Timone Gypsy Vanner Gelding		Susan Haisley and Michelle Lanter Brewer
Zipper Pinto Pony Gelding		Dale & Kitty Collier in Honor of Lindsey Collier

Awards
2007: Lad was named 2007 Region 5 Therapy Horse of the Year.
1999: Shannon, a STAR pony, received NARHA's Region 5 Therapy Horse of the Year and is now retired.
1997: STAR's well-loved pony, Bucky, received recognition from J.C. Penny's Golden Rule Award committee.
1995: Bucky was named “1995 Tennessee Companion Animal of the Year” by the Tennessee Veterinary Medical Association. He was given this honor for the special relationships he develops with his riders.
1991: Bucky received NARHA's Region 5 Therapy Horse of the Year.