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Rising Beyond Limitations

When a nonverbal student at the Idaho School for the Deaf and Blind started riding at Rising Stars, something remarkable happened. He said his first words—"Chester, Chester, Chester"— the name of his favorite horse. Sonja Ruble, a teacher at the school, knew exactly what he wanted. Through his communication device, now programmed with the horse's name, the boy had finally found his voice.

"We knew immediately what he wanted, but he had no way to tell us before," Sonja recalls.

Stories like this unfold frequently at Rising Stars, located south of Twin Falls, where therapeutic equine activities help people with various challenges rise beyond their limitations.

From Pilot to Powerhouse

What began in 2009 as a pilot program serving 18 participants one afternoon per week has grown into a thriving center serving 112 participants weekly each summer and 80 during fall, winter, and spring. Founder Marni Porath quickly discovered huge demand for therapeutic riding in the Magic Valley.

The rhythmic movement of horseback riding provides sensory input that improves balance, coordination, and core strength—translating to greater independence and confidence for many with physical or cognitive challenges.

As Marni explains, "The three-dimensional motion of the horse from a physical standpoint—you just can't replace that with one-dimensional movement in the clinic." For participants who struggle with walking, riding the horse imitates the movement of walking for them, helping them develop those same muscles.

The movement also opens up communication pathways, and Marni notes they often see participants doing things on horseback that they don't do in traditional therapy settings— perhaps because they forget they are working because of the distraction of being on the horse, or perhaps the movement just makes it possible to better focus on tasks. As Sonja's son put it in a speech he prepared on his communication device: "PT at the office is boring." At Rising Stars, participants gain tools while having fun—making all the difference.  Porath does note that therapeutic equine activities are just a piece of the puzzle and traditional therapy is still a very important component. 

One participant's journey shows this impact. A 19-year-old woman who began riding as a young child returned to the unmounted program after medical issues prevented continued riding. She uses a motorized wheelchair controlled by head switches. Initially tentative about maneuvering rough terrain, she now confidently leads a miniature horse through obstacle courses and up hills. "Her mom says that her confidence in doing things away from Rising Stars has also improved a lot," Marni notes.

Built for Inclusion

Sonja brings students from the Idaho School for the Deaf and Blind specifically because Marni and her staff have made the facility accessible with braille and tactile signs, trained staff, and adapted programming. The indoor and outdoor spaces allow students to learn skills in a controlled environment and immediately use them outside.

"There's something to be said when you come to a place and you're surrounded by people that understand you, and their entire goal is to include you," Sonja explains.

Rising Stars relies on an extraordinary volunteer network—80 to 90 volunteers contributing thousands of hours annually. "They're part of our team and part of our village," Marni says.

The Twin Falls community has supported Rising Stars since families pooled $100 donations for that first year's insurance. The First Federal Foundation has been particularly instrumental over the years—from the first tack shed and pickup truck to corrals at the current location, a lift for less mobile participants, and recently, a PEMF machine for horse health maintenance.

"We couldn't have gotten anywhere without the community," Marni says, "but also a lot of support from First Federal."

Looking Ahead

Rising Stars has been a remarkable success, which can often lead to positive challenges around demand. With 70 people currently waiting 18 months to two years for services, Marni’s focus is on sustainable growth to serve more participants who need these programs.

"We would like to continue to provide services to the people that really need them and have less of a waiting list," Marni notes."

Community members can help support the growth of Rising Stars through volunteering (no horse experience necessary), donations, or simply spreading the word. The facility welcomes visitors any day of the week—service organizations, church groups, and anyone interested in seeing the programs in action.

Learn more about Rising Stars at www.risingstarsriding.com.