If your child loves horses as much as mine does, she/he will LOVE Rising Starr Horse Rescue! My daughter and I had the opportunity to visit this beautiful farm several months ago and we can't wait to return! The rescue features multiple pastures/rings and a large indoor ring for lessons.
The heart and soul behind this amazing non-profit organization is Kelly Stackpole, who also owned and operated Moonlight Farm in Redding for many years (where my daughter took lessons and attended summer camp) until she outgrew the space last fall. At that time Rising Starr Horse Rescue was growing and really needed more space for the number of rescue horses coming their way. When my daughter and I visited the new farm, we were amazed at how many lucky horses are now under their care in their big barn. She knows many of the original horses by name (and personality) -- Willow, Pixie Pony, Raisen, Dakota, Sammy --- and is slowly getting to know the rest! You can see photos of some of the horses here and here. At the beautiful new location in Wilton, Kelly and her devoted team are rescuing one horse at a time all while providing educational opportunities for the community through volunteer and riding instruction programs.
Now Enrolling for the Fall Riding Program
Lessons include ring work, occasional trail riding, ground horsemanship, medical and barn lessons. Lessons run rain or shine.
The year-round riding program is broken into three 13-week trimesters.
1) September 7 to November 28, 2020
2) November 30 to March 6, 2021
3) March 8 to May 29, 2021
Riding days are Monday through Saturday. Times are allotted on a first come first serve basis and riding level so that each student can benefit the most from their lesson. Owner Kelly Stackpole suggests that students progress further and have more fun in small group lessons with peers. Upon occasion she may ask that a student take a half hour private if necessary. New students might be asked to take a private lesson to properly place them in a class which they will feel most comfortable joining.
What will my child need to wear for riding?
All riders must have a properly fitting helmet, boots with a heel and wear long pants (NO jeans; yoga pants or proper riding pants only, unless you own your own saddle that has been approved by management for Rising Starr horses). Understanding that riding can be an expensive sport and children grow quickly, Rising Starr Horse Rescue has a small exchange program for apparel that kids have grown out of and do have a few pairs of boots at the barn that may be borrowed.
Many safety guidelines have been put in place for 2020.
Temperature checks will be taken with a forehead, no contact thermometer. All students must wear a mask or bandanna. Hand washing stations are located at the ring and indoor facility. Social distancing and safety for all students on and off the horses is a priority.
For more information visit the web site or call 203-257-8345. Please let Kelly know that you heard about Rising Starr Horse Rescue from Macaroni Kid!
More About Rising Starr Horse Rescue
Rising Starr Horse Rescue is a 501c3 organization that gives America's horses a second chance at life while giving the community the chance to experience the love and compassion horses have for humans. We offer adoptions, boarding, lessons, leasing, life coaching, equine yoga, team building and school and youth programs. We encourage and invite anybody who is interested in our cause to become part of our team. For more information visit www.risingstarrhorserescue.org for information.
Publisher received complimentary riding lessons in exchange for advertising. Opinions expressed herein are her own.
