Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding

🚗 Let's hit the road for a great cause! 🐴

We are still driving toward our goal of 1,000 pre-orders to bring the Tennessee "Horse Country" specialty license plate to life!

Every single pre-order gets us closer to making this plate official — and your purchase directly supports the life-changing therapeutic programs right here at STAR. Check out our FAQ to learn more!

Secure your plate today and show your support everywhere you drive: rideatstar.org/horse-country!

Sponsorship opportunities are officially open for STAR’s 10th-Annual Songwriters in the Round on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026!

Whether you are a local business looking to make an impact or an individual passionate about our riders, partnering with us for this incredible night of Nashville storytelling and dinner inside the indoor arena is the perfect way to show your support.

Every sponsorship directly funds our programs, making a life-changing difference for children and adults experiencing the power of therapeutic horsemanship.

Single tickets will go on sale July 1. Learn more about sponsorship opportunities and this incredible night here: https://www.rideatstar.org/2026-songwriters-sponsor-levels.html

Our Minis in Motion paid a special visit to the residents at Foothills Transitional Care & Rehabilitation on Friday, and it’s safe to say hearts were completely melted. P***y and Eddie showed up dressed in their absolute finest summer attire, bringing an instant wave of joy and sunshine into the room.

There is something truly magical about the connection between these miniature horses and the people they visit. While many therapy programs offer incredible benefits, our minis connect on a completely different level.

Seeing the pure happiness on the residents' faces is exactly why we do what we do. A massive thank you to the wonderful staff and residents at Foothills for welcoming us with open arms!

If you're heading to the barn for the start of our summer session this weekend, you're going to notice some upgrades! In addition to the new arena footing, we've also had some painting done in our Great Room, which is used for events and meetings at STAR. 🎨✨

A huge thank you to McLain's Painting for the beautiful refresh in our Great Room, and to the wonderful donor who helped make it happen! We can't wait for our participants and volunteers to see the brighter, refreshed space during summer session!

Welcome to the STAR Herd, Dilly! 🐴🎉

Dilly is a 5-year-old bay Standardbred/Saddlebred gelding. He came to us from Traveler's owner out of North Carolina. His owner says he is easy going and slow despite his long legs.

Dilly has spent his years trail riding in the mountains of North Carolina. His owner thinks he would be a great fit for STAR, and we can't wait to get to know him!

🧦 Fun fact: Dilly's full name is Dillio (derived from dili yohi which means socks in Cherokee).

🚗💨 "Horse Country" License Plate Update!

First, a huge THANK YOU to everyone who has already pre-ordered! 🙌 To give us plenty of time to reach our 1,000-plate goal, the State of Tennessee has officially extended our deadline to June 15, 2027. This is a totally standard practice, as building a community of 1,000 drivers usually takes more than a year!

We are well on our way, and you can help us cross the finish line even faster:
🗣️ Spread the word to friends, family, and your riding communities.
📲 Share on social media and tag STAR!

We’ve made it super easy with ready-to-use graphics and captions. Grab your digital toolkit here: www.rideatstar.org/horse-country-share-it

Have questions? Check out our FAQs or give us a call at (865) 988-4711. Pre-order your plate: https://bit.ly/4vLxjt3

Let's get these plates on the road! 🐴✨

🌟 Looking for a peaceful, welcoming space for a loved one with Alzheimer's or dementia? Our Reflections Program at STAR is welcoming new participants! 🌟

Reflections is a gentle, unmounted equine-assisted program where outside limits fade away. It provides a safe, motivating environment to connect with our equine partners, encourage warm conversation, and enjoy light movement — whether that’s grooming a horse, helping around the barn, or just strolling the aisles to chat.

For Caregivers: You are welcome to participate alongside your loved one, or use this time for a well-deserved respite.

📅 When: Meets the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month. The next program is set for Monday, June 15.

Come experience the unique peace that only a horse can provide. Learn more or sign up by calling us at (865) 988-4711 or visiting www.rideatstar.org.

✨ Showcase Your Support for 35 Years of Horse Show! ✨

The countdown is on for a milestone celebration! On Saturday, July 25, we are hosting our 35th-Annual Horse Show at Shangri-La. For three and a half decades, this incredible event has been a highlight of our year — a day absolutely bursting with smiles, pride, and unforgettable accomplishments as our participants step into the arena to show off the hard work and skills they have mastered.

Want to be a part of this beautiful tradition? Advertisements are still available for our 2026 Horse Show Program! 📖🐴

Placing an ad is a wonderful way to:
🌟 Shout out your favorite rider or volunteer with a personalized message.
🌟 Show your local business’s dedication to our community and a great cause.
🌟 Directly support our participants as they shine in the spotlight.

Let’s fill this year's keepsake program with encouragement and community pride!

👉 Secure your ad spot today at: https://bit.ly/49JmoaG