2019 marks our 15th year of equine therapy. It’s been a privilege to serve in this ministry and watch God at work in the lives of so many beautiful families. Last night I read this testimony that was posted on our facebook page. I felt that I just had to share this incredible word. As you read this, may you be encouraged.
Shining Stars Therapeutic Ministries took a chance on me and because they did, I'm doing so many new things!! Remember my hip shaking video? How about the swimming video? I never did those things until I met my new friends and I got on my pony!! My instructor said that I was a blessing to them. I think we are all winning!
Sadly, tonight ends the first session, but the summer session starts up real soon! I love my team! This Rare Ruby team just gets bigger and better all the time!!
I'll have a follow-up scan on my hips coming up next month. 5 months ago the surgeon said we were looking at surgery. We are praying that all of the good things I've been doing and all of the hard work I've put in will push surgery back..
Only God knows what the future holds!
That is so true Ruby! Thank you for reminding us that all things work out for our good when we put our faith and trust in God.
“So we are convinced that every detail of our lives
is continually woven together to fit into God’s perfect plan
of bringing good into our lives, for we are his lovers
who have been called to fulfill his designed purpose.”
Romans 8:28
Exciting Happenings
Shining Stars All Around
Congratulations on an Amazing Horse Show!!
By Karen Bowling
SSTM Newsletter Editor
CONGRATULATIONS Shining Stars Therapeutic Riding students for making the Gettysburg Riding Club 2019 Benefit Show such a fun day!!! Aaron, Victoria, Barbara, Christian, Vicky, Ryan, and Lina--you are WINNERS!!! And special recognition also goes out to our Driving Program students who excelled with their carts, pulled by Thelma, Louise & Tig!! The ribbons were flying proudly!!
THANKS TO EVERYONE
who has donated horse related items to Shining Stars.
Because of so many donations, we are no longer accepting
used blankets, brushes, boots, helmets,leathers, etc...
Thank you for your consideration. YOU HAVE BEEN A BLESSING!
Check out these awesome cards! Only $10 and you get all these great discounts.
You can pick them up at the arena during class.
Cards will also be available at the Spring Bazaar on May 18th!
Then again when Summer Sessions begin on June 10th,
Monday-Thursday 5-7:30pm. OR contact Maggie @ 717-321-5981
2019 Capital Campaign
OUR MISSION
Shining Stars Therapeutic Riding Program (SSTR) is a 501c3 non-profit organization with a mission to provide a means of therapy using horses to help people with disabilities.
SSTR is celebrating its 15th year in equine therapy. We currently have over 200 participants, 207 volunteers and 16 horses.
Our programs include:
Therapeutic Riding
Cart driving for students and seniors unable to get on the back of a horse
Summer Horse Camps for foster kids and single parent families
Saturday Night Respite (care givers get a 2 hour break while we enjoy the kids)
Stars & Stripes veterans’ program……and more.
OUR FUTURE GOAL
Many people are familiar with the indoor Therapeutic Learning Center (TLC) located on York Rd in Gettysburg, but are not aware that the horses cannot be housed there because of zoning regulations. Our horses live on a farm 6 miles from the TLC and are hauled to classes each day. The farm has a 13 stall barn, 4 separate fields, a run-in shed, an outdoor arena, and a house for the stable manager/director to live in plus rooms for offices. This is where we hold Summer Horse Camps, training, cart lessons, and Equine Biology classes.
The current owners are planning to retire soon and must sell the farm, giving SSTR first option to buy. The purchase of this farm will give us a permanent home for our horses and the ability to continue the additional programs mentioned for generations to come.
THE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
In order to acquire such a purchase SSTR is looking for “Legacy Givers”. Individuals willing to sow into our special needs community to assure these therapies will be available to them in the future.
Each Legacy Giver would donate $1200.00 and will have a plaque placed in the TLC to commemorate their part in making this mission possible and to keep their legacy alive!
Please consider the importance of becoming a "Legacy Giver" to bless others!
Go to our website link for detailed information on how you can do this: http://www.shiningstarstr.com/leaving-a-legacy/
Volunteers Are Special
The Heart & Hands of Our Programs
Please come to the volunteer training either May 21 OR May 23.
Summer volunteers are needed for either 1 or 2 hour slots.
One time a week for 8 weeks. No worries if you miss a day for vacation.
Volunteers are the only way our kids can get equine therapy
BECOME A SSTM VOLUNTEER!!!
BECOME A SSTM HORSE LEADER!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY HOCHIE!!!!
The very first HORSE VOLUNTEER for Shining Stars Therapeutic Riding was Brandy's HOCHIE!!! Loved by all who have known him, his career spans many different equestrian aspects, from championship trick riding events, cowboy church sessions, patriotic parades, visits to hospitals, teaching many how to ride, and the recipient of countless hugs & kisses from our students! Hochie was even a subject in a book by our SSTM friend, Sharon Miner.
On April 2, 2019 Hochie turned 37 years old!! Join us as we continue to express our joy & gratitude for the SS ministry vision which was facilitated by this amazing paint horse and fulfilled with God's loving providence.
Coming Events!
SAVE THE DATE....MAY 18
Come out to Shining Stars 5th Annual Spring Bazaar!!!
We will have a food stand and we are also taking pre-orders for
Chicken Dinners which includes half a chicken, macaroni salad,
baked beans apple sauce and a diner roll & butter for $10. Dinner tickets are available by contacting
Maggie 717-321-5981 or maggiestrous1817@gmail.com Yard sale and crafters contact Melissa Bowlin 717-253-8520
We are doing indoor spaces $20 and outdoor spaces $10, rain or shine.
Confirmed spots
Crafters
Shirley Baker - Hand poured candles,
crocheted afghans and pillows
Others
The Popcorn Lady of Pa
Vendors
AVON - Melissa Bowlin
Color Street - Kandi Troy
REGISTER YOUR TEAM FOR THE GOLF OUTING!! JUNE 22
AT MOUNTAIN VIEW GOLF CLUB
We still have a few slots left for summer horse camp. If you are interested and your independent rider is between the ages of 7 and 14 please sign up ASAP.
Get a registration form here: www.shiningstarstr.com
STAY TUNED
FOR ADAMS COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
UPDATES!!
Each November SSTM is privileged to be accepted as a participant in the Adams County Community Foundation's "Giving Spree" event held at the Gettysburg Middle School. Every year donations from this exhibition continue to increase and local non-profits are blessed. ACCF goals for 2019 Giving Spree total donations are to reach a million dollars! Eighty local organizations are expected to participate. Last year the top organization reached $63,000 in donations in just the 3 hours of the event!! SSTM was blessed with $6,000. WE WANT TO DOUBLE THAT IN 2019!!! In order to do that I need a few helpers...CAN YOU STEP UP????
