Herd Update - fall 2024

In Summer of 2024, we gained several new faces around the barn! First came Blue, a thoroughbred gelding with a tattoo indicating he may have raced (we just can’t make out the numbers to check and see!) He was rescued by our Program Director’s family and has hopefully found a new job at STAR. Next we opened our barn doors to Belle, a Quarter Horse Paint cross mare who has dabbled in a little bit of everything from trail riding to fox hunting, and even some mounted shooting! Because we didn’t have enough color in our barn, we welcomed Abigail, a blanket Appaloosa mare who has also spent her time doing a little bit of everything. Moose soon followed, and he has competed in eventing with his owner (who is a vet at UT Veterinary Medical Center). He is a Leopard Appaloosa gelding, and you may notice that he has something in common with one of our other horses in the barn - like Fletcher, Moose only has one eye! We also bid farewell to Jazz, who came to us a few months ago. After spending some time in our training program, we realized she was just too speedy for us.

July of 2024 marked a somber moment as we said a hard goodbye to sweet Kate, who crossed the rainbow bridge. In her short time with STAR, she touched many hearts and is greatly missed.

Fall of 2024 welcomed Faith and Dolly, who will undergo a 3 month trial period to determine if this is the right job for them. These gals have a couple of things in common: 1) They are locals - Faith comes to us from Maryville College and Dolly is from down the road at Noah’s Ark Farm. 2) They look almost identical - Faith is a Quarter Horse flea-bitten grey and Dolly is Connemara flea-bitten grey!

Since the start of the summer, we have made the decision to part ways with Spirit. While he is an all around great pony, he is telling us he does not like this job. We did purchase Spirit, so we are looking to find the right home. He would be great for a young rider who already knows how to ride but is looking for a pony to work with. He is not a beginner rider pony, and does not do well on the lunge line for teaching beginners. He is looking for a young, confident rider who can conquer the world with him. Please let our Equine Manager Stephanie know if you are interested!

We are still 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, he deserves a peaceful retirement. Prospective caretakers should possess equine care experience, as he requires special attention due to medical needs. Those interested in providing Oliver with a loving retirement home are encouraged to contact Stephanie. (If you ever have a desire to house a retired STAR horse when their time comes, please also let her 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.
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For more information, to recommend a suitable addition to our herd, or anything related to our equine partners, 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!