Morning Star Riding Center
Hickman, Nebraska
Morning Star Riding Center is the adaptive riding program of Still Waters Equestrian Academy, a nonprofit in Hickman, Nebraska. The academy's website also calls it Morning Star Adaptive Riding. It offers adaptive and therapeutic riding for children and adults with physical, intellectual or emotional needs, alongside the academy's riding lessons, summer day camps and boarding.
- Adaptive / therapeutic riding
- Equine assisted learning (mounted or unmounted)
- Team building days for businesses
- Riding lessons through Still Waters (ages five to adult)
- Summer day camps
- Horse boarding
- Children and adults with physical disabilities
- Children and adults with intellectual disabilities
- Children and adults with emotional needs
- Youth groups, clubs and families
- Businesses and work teams
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, Still Waters Equestrian Academy started Morning Star in 2017 after seeing a need for lessons that could be adapted for riders who may not thrive in a typical lesson setting. Adaptive riding appointments are scheduled weekly or biweekly, for individuals or groups.
Morning Star also offers equine assisted learning, a non-therapeutic service, mounted or unmounted, that uses games and activities to build skills such as problem solving, decision making and creativity. Businesses can book team building days that include a facility tour, hands-on work with horses and an optional debrief with the on-site mental health therapist.
The Horses and Staff
Kristin Carlson is the program director and lead riding instructor. She holds a PATH Intl. therapeutic riding instructor certification and previously taught adaptive riding at Special Troopers Adaptive Riding School in Sioux City, Iowa.
The program's horses include Tolef, whose wide back suits riders of all mobility levels; Painter, a Belgian/paint horse with several years of therapy work; Charlie Brown, a small, quiet horse for young or nervous riders; Butter, a mini horse who also visits places like nursing homes and schools; and Joe, a quarter horse who neck reins for riders who use only one hand. Therapy horses must pass a temperament test before training begins.
Getting Started
Riders need a documented disability or diagnosis and clearance from a doctor. Complete the online participant application, have a physician complete the Physician's Release and email it to info@stillwaterseq.org, then wait for staff to call and schedule an intake evaluation. A parent or guardian completes part of the form for applicants under 18.
Location
Still Waters Equestrian Academy lists its address as 1360 Cyprus Blvd, Hickman, NE 68372. Call (402) 432-0543 or email char@stillwaterseq.org.
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 I enroll in Morning Star adaptive riding?
Submit the participant application on the Still Waters website and a Physician's Release signed by your doctor. Staff then contact you to schedule an intake evaluation.
Who can ride?
Children and adults with a documented disability or diagnosis and a doctor's clearance. An interview with Morning Star staff is part of the process.
How much does it cost?
Scholarships are available, and families can talk with the academy about cost by calling (402) 432-0543 or emailing char@stillwaterseq.org.
How often are sessions held?
Adaptive riding appointments are scheduled weekly or biweekly.
Location
Hickman, Nebraska 68372
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.