changing strides

STAR’s Changing STRIDES program teaches life skills to at-risk youth, women in crisis, and those in rehabilitation by developing partnerships with horses.  This program provides the tools to better manage their lives and foster positive relationships while teaching problem-solving, appropriate communication, anger management, and personal fortitude.  Most of the lesson consists of interaction on the ground with the horses and learning to co-exist with herd animals where trust is the foundation.

Throughout the session, participants engage while making appropriate decisions through cause and effect, which the horses demonstrate in a very concrete manner. Our certified STAR instructors work to provide participants with a stimulating, educational and safe experience by incorporating one of the values from our “STRIDES to Success” statement each week. These values are:

• Safety
• Trust
• Respect
• Integrity
• Dedication
• Excellence
• Sensitivity

Changing STRIDES also addresses citizenship and public speaking. STAR facilitates small group sessions, clear boundaries and expectations, multi-sensory stimulation, and our equine partners' immediate feedback. Through the Changing STRIDES program, participants are provided with redirection, guidance, acceptance, and kindness. In return, we ask for a commitment to learning and honest reflection.

For more information about STAR's Changing Strides Program, please call 865-988-4711 or email our Director of Services.  The Changing STRIDES brochure is also available here.