It takes a village, and we have the best one, which means it is no easy task to pick who will receive the Vol of the Year awards. We are very grateful for all of our Vols, but we want to recognize these individuals who showed up for STAR in big ways throughout 2023. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your continued support of STAR - you have made all the difference in 2023!

On November 17, 2023 STAR held its annual Barn Party. We had a fantastic time celebrating another great year of programming at STAR! This event is a favorite with over 200 volunteers, participants, family members, staff, and board members in attendance.

Chick-Fil-A Lenoir City provided a delicious meal, attendees played a variety of games, Charlie (the horse) dominated at apple bobbing, the silent auction was a success, and we recognized our 2023 Volunteers of the Year!

If you missed out on this incredible event, we hope you will make plans to join us for our next one - mark your calendars for November 22, 2024!

In only a short time, there have been quite a few changes to our herd at STAR.

In the fall of 2023, we welcomed Black Jack, a draft cross gelding with a diverse background of experience as a mounted patrol horse, trail horse, and carriage horse. Meanwhile, Oso, Nikki, and Goya transitioned from South Knox to Lenoir City, where they have seamlessly settled into their new environment. Meanwhile, we bid farewell to Read as he embarked on a new chapter, finding a home with STAR staff member, Sam.

December of 2023 marked a somber moment as we said a hard goodbye to our beloved Bug, who crossed the rainbow bridge at the age of 27. Bug’s remarkable 22-year tenure at STAR left a lasting mark on our program and the countless lives he touched, leaving behind cherished memories that will endure.

Since the start of the new year, we have welcomed our newest horse in training, Iron Man, aka Tony the Pony. He will undergo a three month trial period to assess his suitability for our program. Simultaneously, we bid farewell to Ferris as he embarks on a well-deserved retirement. Formerly a mainstay for the Maryville College Equestrian Team, Ferris’ serene retirement is a testament to his years of dedicated service.
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We are actively seeking a retirement home for our best guy, Oliver. After 16 remarkable years at STAR and a prior career in the hunter world, now at age 29, Oliver deserves a peaceful retirement. Prospective caretakers should possess equine care experience, as Oliver requires special attention due to medical needs. Those interested in providing Oliver with a loving retirement home are encouraged to contact Stephanie by sending an email to [email protected] or calling the office. (If you ever have a desire to house a retired STAR horse when their time comes, please also be sure to let Stephanie know!)

As we continue to grow and expand our programs, we need more equine partners to join our herd!

​While STAR is not a retirement facility, we offer a fulfilling second career. We are the perfect place for a horse who is no longer able to do their previous job but is not ready to be turned out in a field. We are searching for horses that are rideable, sound, levelheaded, and easy going and are preferably younger than 18 years old.

Our screening process involves initial discussions, a visit to the horse’s current home, and if deemed suitable, a trial period at STAR. Both donation and free lease options are available.

For more information or to recommend a suitable addition to our herd, please call our office or send an email to Stephanie at [email protected]. Your assistance in ensuring the well-being and success of our equine companions is greatly appreciated!