STARS, Inc. (Special Troopers Adaptive Riding School)
Sioux City, Iowa
STARS, Inc. (Special Troopers Adaptive Riding School) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit riding center just north of Sioux City, Iowa. Its mission is to provide equine services for people with emotional, intellectual and physical disabilities through therapeutic riding, equine assisted learning and equine assisted psychotherapy.
- Therapeutic riding
- Equine assisted learning (EAL) for groups
- Equine assisted psychotherapy (EAP)
- Horse camp
- Yoga with horses
- Children and adults age 2 and up with a diagnosed disability (riding)
- People with autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy or Down syndrome
- People with anxiety or depression
- Organizations and groups (EAL)
- Counseling clients (EAP)
More about this center
About the Program
Therapeutic riding is open to anyone age 2 or older with a diagnosed disability, and riders need a doctor's approval. Sessions run six weeks with one one-hour class per week, typically on Monday to Wednesday evenings. Riders groom, tack and ride, and certified instructors focus on each rider's goals.
STARS also runs ground-based programs. Its equine-assisted psychotherapy pairs a licensed mental health professional with a qualified equine specialist, and equine assisted learning is offered to groups working on teamwork and communication. Yoga with Horses is a Saturday morning class open to everyone, priced at $25 as listed.
History and Staff
According to its website, STARS was founded in 1984 at the barn of Dr. Mark and Sue Wheeler and moved in 1996 to its current 25-acre riding center. It operates year round in a heated facility. The site lists three Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors and two Certified Equine Specialists, and points to PATH Intl. and Eagala for certification details.
Volunteering
Volunteers must be at least 14, and no horse experience is needed. New volunteers attend an orientation, receive hands-on training and pass background checks. Volunteers 18 or younger need a parent or guardian signature.
Location
STARS is at 33148 K22, Sioux City, IA 51108, just north of the city on 25 acres.
From public records, not yet reviewed by the center · Last updated Oct 2026 Suggest an edit
Common Questions
Answered from the center’s own website and public records.
How do we sign up for therapeutic riding?
The website has a Therapeutic Riding Information Form and a contact form. You can also call the riding center at (712) 239-5042. Riders need a doctor's approval.
What does therapeutic riding cost?
Call (712) 239-5042 to ask about current rates. For general context, see our guide to equine therapy costs.
How do I arrange equine assisted learning or psychotherapy?
The website asks groups interested in EAL, and anyone interested in EAP, to call the riding center at (712) 239-5042.
When are classes held?
Riding classes typically meet Monday to Wednesday evenings in six-week sessions. The website lists Yoga with Horses on second Saturdays from 9 to 10 a.m., with 2026 dates from May to October.
Location
Sioux City, Iowa 51108
Questions to Ask When You Call
The center is the best source for these answers.
- Are you running now, and taking new riders?Start here. We couldn’t confirm a current schedule.
- Which ages and needs do you work with?Ask about experience with your rider’s specific condition.
- Is a licensed PT, OT or speech therapist involved?Therapist-led hippotherapy is usually the only kind insurance may cover.
- What does a session cost, and are there scholarships?Many nonprofit programs offer sliding scales or sponsored spots.
- Do you have a mounting ramp or lift?Important for riders who use a wheelchair or need help mounting.