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What We Do
Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding (STAR) works with children and adults aged four to 65+ with physical, mental, and neurological disabilities or those considered at-risk. We serve individuals from Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Fentress, Jefferson, Knox, Loudon, Monroe, McMinn, Roane, Sevier, and surrounding counties. The mission of STAR is to foster personal achievement by providing therapeutic experiences using horse-related activities for persons with disabilities or other special challenges. In 2023, STAR served 1,592 individuals through Equine Assisted Services. |
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History of STAR
STAR began in 1987 as Lynn Petr’s Therapeutic Recreation Master’s thesis project at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The program started with five riders, one horse, three volunteers, and one employee, Lynn. Beginning the program at Lynn’s farm was difficult since the riders who used a wheelchair had to be carried up a hill to the barn. Soon STAR moved to a seven-acre farm on Northshore Drive. The program grew on this leased property for four years. Then, when the farm sold, STAR leased a 13-acre location on Old Stage Road. After seven years at that property, the land was sold to developers, and STAR moved to a beautiful 25-acre farm on Yarnell Road. Following Yarnell Road, the decision was made to purchase property and build a facility geared entirely to STAR’s needs. |
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In 2002, STAR purchased 63 acres of pastureland in Loudon County, and the stable and outdoor arena was completed in 2004. Shangri-la Therapeutic Academy of Riding has served our East Tennessee community from its Loudon County facility ever since.
Then in 2016 STAR received a generous donation of an 47-acre equestrian facility from long time supporters, Gina and David Moore. Shortly after acquiring the property, fundraising began in order to tailor the facility to STAR's specific needs.
After several years of serving South Knoxville, a course-altering decision was made in July 2023 by STAR Board of Directors to pull back from the South Knox facility to concentrate efforts on expanding the Lenoir City campus.
This action is enabling us to focus on enriching program offerings while utilizing existing space more efficiently. We are also in the beginning stages of significant alterations to structures as we prepare to expand services here.
We have been blessed that many donors from the South Knox campaign are allowing us to re-allocate their gift to support enhancements and program growth in Lenoir City. We are excited for where Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding is headed!
Then in 2016 STAR received a generous donation of an 47-acre equestrian facility from long time supporters, Gina and David Moore. Shortly after acquiring the property, fundraising began in order to tailor the facility to STAR's specific needs.
After several years of serving South Knoxville, a course-altering decision was made in July 2023 by STAR Board of Directors to pull back from the South Knox facility to concentrate efforts on expanding the Lenoir City campus.
This action is enabling us to focus on enriching program offerings while utilizing existing space more efficiently. We are also in the beginning stages of significant alterations to structures as we prepare to expand services here.
We have been blessed that many donors from the South Knox campaign are allowing us to re-allocate their gift to support enhancements and program growth in Lenoir City. We are excited for where Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding is headed!
