33rd annual horse show

This year, there were 72 participants who competed in our annual horse show! It was a wonderful day full of big smiles and making memories. We enjoyed lunch from Rocky Top Hot Dogs and a sweet treat from Kona Ice. Thanks to contributions from our STAR Guild, we also hosted a bake sale! Thank you to everyone who helped make this day possible!

A special thank you to our arena sponsors: Morgan Stanley and Swaggerty’s; judges: Rita Dunn and Jocelyn Griffo; ring steward: Robin Bowen; and photographer: Barry Slaiman.

Participants entered two of three events: dressage, obstacle course, or equitation. Our participants, horses, and volunteers worked hard to make the show a success.

The show allows our participants to compete in a positive environment and demonstrate the skills they have learned. We appreciate Priscilla’s parents for sharing their thoughts with us:

“The horse show was wonderful!!! For the first time in Priscilla’s eight years, she won a sport award. She has never played organized sports or dance, gymnastics etc. (and quite honestly couldn’t because of her emotional irregulation). This was a great self esteem boost! We thank everyone at STAR for helping to transform her to a more confident girl. Her father and I have nothing, but positive praise and appreciation for STAR. The change in her from one year ago is miraculous. I thank God For STAR and all y’all that make it possible.”

Photos courtesy of Barry Slaiman and Hailey Rose Viars