Cross Plains Review
Thursday, May 1, 2003

Rising Star Farms ~ Cultivating HOPE

By Deborah Lowitzer

CONGRESSMAN STENHOLM VISITS RISING STAR FARMS -- Sarah Davis, Horse Trainer of Rising Star (left) and Becky Gover, Certified Instructor of Rising Star (right), are photographed with Congressman Charles Stenholm.

Just off Highway 36, and 8 miles east of Cross Plains, on 200 acres, set Rising Star Farms, a magical place, hidden and sheltered between West Texas farm land and acres of indigenous trees.  It is a place where dreams really can come true.

Entering the gates of Rising Star Farms, three flags wave in the breeze, welcoming you on to the property.  The Texas flag, the United States flag and the Rising Star Farms flag.  Even the order in which they stand, seem to give an indication of what is about to be experienced here, and what the farm is made of.  Texas, representing the strength, determination and independence of spirit that embodies our great state.  The United States, with all of its enduring freedom, fortitude, self-sacrifice and welcoming of every soul, regardless of ability or disability into its arms.  Then, The Rising Star Farms Foundation flag, humbly, yet proudly beckoning you to enter and experience all the treasure that it has to share.

Rising Star Farms Foundation is the dream two families have cherished in their hearts for many years.  That vision became a reality, and continues to grow everyday.  Lawrence and Rita Shepherd and Jim and Connie Reynolds are the backbone and glue that run and hold this amazing program together, but they would never think that.  They would tell you it's the varied, enthusiastic and self-less volunteers, the highly trained and obedient horses, and of course the hope that lies within the smiles of the participants themselves that make it the healing place that it is.

Under the umbrella of the North American Handicapped Association, and being a "National Heritage Foundation," they are fully equipped to meet the unique requirements of special needs individuals.  Rising Star Farms Foundation facilities meet all of the standards of the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association).  Working with each participant's doctor's recommendations and the goals of their parents or guardian, each rider/participant's unique situation is specialized just for them.  Through "Equine Facilitated Therapy" they are designed to not only provide excellent physical activity, such as developing muscle tone and strength, eye-hand coordination, balance and flexibility, but go a step further in teaching and nurturing self assurance, worth and confidence.  The participants learn that they can accomplish and master feats that were out of their reach and impossible before the program.  For those who do not desire to ride, there is also a non-riding program that includes grooming, horse maintenance and getting in better physical and mental shape.  The youngest participant is 2½ years old and the oldest is 76. 

Safety is a top priority.  There is one certified EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) and two certified ECA's (Emergency Care Attendants) on site.  Their horses go through a training regime that is similar to the training that police horses go through.  The horses must have a good temperament and maintain their composure in unusual and even frightening situations.  Various scenarios are played out in training to desensitize the horse to sudden movements or unpredictable actions of the rider.  Dr. Curtis Creach DVM, the vice president of the Board of Directors, is also the local veterinarian here in Cross Plains.  He has worked with the Foundation for about 3½ years.

Rising Star Farms Foundation is a non-profit foundation.  They make no money off of what they lovingly do, nor do they charge for their services.  They rely solely on private donations and volunteers.  If they would ask anything, as they pour their heart into this valuable program, it is that you would come out and see for yourself what they have to offer and perhaps then be moved to participate as a volunteer in this wonderful and life-changing endeavor.  As United States Congressman, Charles Stenholm remarked as he toured the farm, "Hopefully this dream that you have if further coming to pass...young men and women are getting something here that only a horse can bring...the magic in an animal is something special."

As you look at the logo of the Rising Star Farms Foundation, the first thing you see is the silhouette of a majestic horse.  Upon further inspection, you will notice the outline of a smiling child's face, looking up, with a star in his eye, representing the hope he feels, as his dreams too are becoming a reality.

For further information on this amazing opportunity, please call (254) 643-1177, Fax (254) 643-1133, log on to www.risingstarfarms.org.  Or just drop by and experience the magic.

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