Southlands Therapeutic Riding Society (STaRS) is a registered, non-profit charity that provides therapeutic equestrian opportunities for individuals living with physical, developmental, cognitive and/or mental health disabilities. STaRS is a proud member of the British Columbia Association of Therapeutic Riding (BCTRA) and an accredited member of the Canadian National Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA).
Therapeutic equestrian opportunities include horseback riding and. At STaRS, we believe that facilitated partnership with horses and nature can uncover strengths, inspire possibilities and nurture empowerment.
STaRS operates primarily at Shannon Stables, Thistle Stables, and Southlands Heritage Farm, an urban farm consisting of a 17-stall horse barn, a heritage orchard, market garden, duck pond, goats, and chickens. The atmosphere is soothing and serene, an ideal setting to grow and flourish.
Our riding and horsemanship programs operate alongside typical horseback riding lessons and education programs, creating unique opportunities for integrated programming and modelling inclusiveness.
STaRS depends on donations, grants and volunteer time. We exist both for the community, and because of the community. Our donors and volunteers are crucial to our success.