BETTER TOGETHER-STARLIGHT THERAPEUTIC RIDING CENTER

Beer Together Starlight Therapeutic Riding Center

THE HORSES’ POWER TO HEAL HUMANS AND BRING A COMMUNITY TOGETHER

Avery was a straight-A student and a 'happy- go- lucky' kid. Still, when the family moved to Midland in 2017, Shannon Key noticed a decline in her daughter's motivation and happiness. Hearing about Starlight Therapeutic Riding Center, Key was eager to enroll her daughter in the program. "I wanted to find something that would make a difference for Avery, and therapeutic riding seemed like a perfect fit," Key said. "Honestly, I couldn't believe the change in her demeanor being with the horses made from day one."

Stories from parents like Key are the reason Starlight Therapeutic Riding Center (STRC) is burgeoning. With a five-week session slated to begin in late March and three one-week summer camps on the calendar, STRC is prepared to expand its program. 36

STRC's founder and longtime Midlander, Chim Williams Welborn, grew up riding horses on her family's ranch, and her passion for riding continues today. "Horses have been a consistent part of my life," Welborn said. "And I'd always dreamed of starting a therapeutic riding program, but the timing wasn't right until now."

Welborn began working with friends who shared her belief in the powerful connection between horses and humans to establish a nonprofit designed to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities in partnership with the horse, and Starlight was conceived.

In April 2019, Starlight became a nonprofit 501 C (3), elected a board of directors, and plans for a pilot program ensued. STRC collaborated with avid polo

player and former MPC president, Louisa Musselman Fikes to secure a lease at the Holt Arena for lessons. Eager to help, Fikes and her sister Molly Musselman Smith offered the use of their horses for the pilot program. STRC Equine Director and Instructor, Shelley Duffin, said, "I've known most of the Musselman's horses for close to six years. I'm so thankful for Molly and Louisa's support and humbled to have the opportunity to use their amazing horses in our program."

To cover the cost of the pilot program, board members and STRC Gift Officer, Elizabeth Maybin, enlisted the assistance of donors. "The cost of the pilot program was close to $45,000, and we raised almost $50,000," Maybin said. "I'm overwhelmed by the warm reception we've received from potential donors, and I'm excited about our future."

STRC's Operations Director, Carey Muniz, noted that activities involving horses are costly and require significant manpower. STRC relied heavily on volunteers to help with lessons and assist with the horses during the pilot. "Volunteers, including our youth volunteers, reasons for helping varied, but their service was invaluable," Muniz said. "Our volunteers logged more than 300 hours - we couldn't have done it without them."

During the pilot, the board also was focused on finding a barn or other permanent structure for an office, tack room, and possibly stalls, and in November 2019, the Holt family presented an unexpected offer to purchase the Holt Barn. Honored that the family wanted Starlight to make its home in a barn that had been a fixture in the Holt family for generations, Welborn and husband, Greg, donated the funds for the expenditure, and the board unanimously approved the purchase.

Horsewoman and board member, Jenni Hord, knows the importance of having a permanent structure and a predictable routine for horses. "Our horses thrive in a consistent environment," Hord said. "The barn and the land give us the flexibility to grow and gives our equine partners a safe and secure environment. Their emotional availability is critical to our participant's success."

STRC is currently accepting applications for its summer camps, and visitors are welcome to make an appointment to tour the facility. Instructor, Ginger Cage, said, "Parents are always welcome to visit the barn and meet our equine partners."

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chicora Williams Welborn, President Greg Welborn, Vice President/Treasurer Elizabeth Woodside Jones, Secretary Gina Short Friedman, Interim Executive Director Chris Considine Jennifer Davis Hord Modesta Williams

"STARLIGHT WAS MY VISION, AND IT WILL FOREVER BE MY HEART, BUT NOW IT BELONGS TO THE COMMUNITY," WELBORN SAID. "I HOPE THAT OUR CHILDREN AND FUTURE GENERATIONS MOVING THROUGH THE BARN AISLES WILL REALIZE HOW FORTUNATE THEY ARE TO HAVE A HORSE AND RECOGNIZE THE OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE BACK."