Our Mission: We partner with horses to provide programs that improve the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social areas in the lives of the individuals we serve. 

Our Vision: We exist to serve our community with hope and unconditional love through horsemanship programs that develop strength, build confidence, and achieve goals. At Shining Stars, families get the support they need from the horses they love.

Our Values: We serve our community with genuine and unbiased respect, trust, and compassion through a commitment to paramount stewardship of all people, horses, and resources entrusted to us. We behave with unconditional love and humble service as constant and steadfast priorities because our faith in Christ is the center of our lives and decisions.

Located near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Shining Stars Therapeutic Riding Program, Inc. is dedicated to serving individuals with special needs through the transformative power of therapeutic horsemanship. Rooted in compassion, guided by hope, and empowered by love, we strive to improve the lives of our participants by fostering strength, confidence, and joy—both in and out of the saddle.

Shining Stars was founded in 2003 with a simple yet powerful vision: to create a place where children and adults with special needs could experience healing and growth through a connection with horses. What began with a handful of volunteers and a dream has grown into a vibrant, welcoming community of trained staff, dedicated supporters, and resilient riders. Today, we serve over 200 individuals in our community annually, offering programs that focus on physical, emotional, and spiritual development. 

A note from our Founding Executive Director Brandy Crago

In 2003, Shining Stars began as a Sunday school program, offering children with developmental disabilities an opportunity to learn about Jesus in a setting that was designed specifically for their special needs. At that time, I had just retired from a 20-year career in the equine industry. It was there that I witnessed the dramatic impact horses had in the lives of those who were hurting – both mentally and physically. I saw firsthand how God created a connection between humans and horses. So, with the support of my husband Vaughn, a team of volunteers that had a heart for God, a love for children, and an understanding of horses, Shining Stars became not only a Sunday school program, but an equine therapy ministry as well.

Today, Shining Stars continues to exist because of the generosity of others. Currently, we are operating from two locations and more growth is on the horizon. We are grateful for the many individuals and businesses that fund these programs and keep our horses well-fed and cared for. We could not do this without you!

God has established Shining Stars in our community as a mission field. Our desire is to serve as a refuge for those searching for hope and healing. He has a plan and a purpose for each one of us.

The love we have for our Lord is what we strive to show others.

What a great opportunity we have that we can serve Christ through facilitating the connection between horses and humans. Here hope is apparent with every milestone achieved, heart healed and blessing bestowed.

Psalm 90:17 “Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands.”