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Rising Beyond Limitations

When a nonverbal student at the Idaho School for the Deaf and Blind said his first words—"Chester, Chester, Chester"—his teacher Sonja Ruble knew exactly what he wanted. Chester was the horse he'd been working with at Rising Stars Therapeutic Riding Center, and through weeks of programming the horse's name into his communication device, the boy had finally found his voice.

"We knew immediately what he wanted, but he had no way to tell us that 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 that now serves 112 participants each summer and 80 during fall, winter, and spring. Founder and Director Marni Porath guides programs ranging from mounted therapeutic riding and hippotherapy (working with occupational and physical therapists) to unmounted activities for those who cannot ride.

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

The benefits extend far beyond physical therapy, however. Marni has witnessed a 19-year-old participant who uses a motorized wheelchair controlled by head switches gain remarkable confidence navigating rough terrain while leading a miniature horse through courses. "Her mom says that her confidence in doing things away from Rising Stars has also improved a lot," Marni notes.

A Community Partnership

Sonja brings students from the Idaho School for the Deaf and Blind specifically because Marni has 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 practice 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.

First Federal Foundation has been instrumental in Rising Stars' growth, funding everything from the first tack shed and pickup truck to corrals, a new lift for less mobile participants, and a PEMF machine for horse health maintenance.

Getting Involved

Despite remarkable success, Rising Stars still faces challenges. With 70 people on the waiting list and wait times of 18 months to two years, the need far exceeds current capacity. The center relies heavily on grants, donations, and between 40,000-50,000 volunteer hours annually—representing 80 to 90 volunteers throughout the year.

Whether through volunteering, donations, or simply spreading the word, the community can help ensure more stories like these become reality.

"We welcome visitors any day of the week," Marni says. "Give us a call—you don't have to be a horse person to volunteer here."

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