Food Bank

The Starlight Ranch will hold a food bank on the first Friday of every month from 12-2 p.m. They will also have emergency food during the month. For more information call 912-778- 3976 leave a message if no answer.

History of Therapeutic Horseback Riding

Therapeutic horseback riding has been around for a long time. It has been reported that therapeutic riding was used by the Greeks to raise the spirits of incurably ill people. In 17th century literature, there are references to horseback riding being prescribed for people with low morale, neurological disorders, and gout. In 1670 an English doctor, Lord Thomas Sydenham, even wrote “There is no better treatment for the body and soul than many hours each week in the saddle, riding the horse.” In 1875, French physician Cassaign studied the value of horseback riding as therapy and concluded that it helped treat certain kinds of neurological disorders and resulted in psychological improvements. During World War I, England offered riding therapy for wounded soldiers at Oxford Hospital. By the 1950s, British therapists were considering using horseback riding as a therapy for all types of handicaps. Therapeutic riding was formally introduced on the world stage and the benefits it offered were showcased in 1952, when Mme Liz Hartel of Denmark entered the Olympic Games and won a silver medal in dressage. She had been stricken with polio and had used a wheelchair since 1943. This episode highlighted the possibilities that therapeutic horseback riding offered to disabled individuals and the world took notice. In 1969, England formed the British Riding for the Disabled Association while Canada and the United States formed the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association. Today, therapeutic horseback riding is practiced worldwide.

The Horse's Prayer

"To thee, my master, I offer my prayer. Feed me, water and care for me, and, when the day's work is done, provide me with shelter, a clean, dry bed and stall wide enough for me to lie down in comfort.
Always be kind to me. Talk to me. Your voice often means as much to me as the reins. Pet me sometimes, that I may serve you the more gladly and learn to love you. Never strike, beat or kick me when I do not understand what you want, but give me a chance to understand you. Watch me, and if I fail to do your bidding, see if something is not wrong with my gear or my feet.
Do not check me so that I cannot have the free use of my head. If you insist that I wear blinders, so that I cannot see behind me as it was intended I should, I pray you be careful that the blinders stand well out from my eyes.
Do not overload me, or hitch me where water will drip on me. Keep me well shod. Examine my teeth when I do not eat; I may have an ulcerated tooth and that, you know, is very painful. Do not tie my head in an unnatural position, or take away my best defense against flies and mosquitoes by cutting off my tail. I cannot tell you when I am thirsty, so give me clean, cool water often. Save me, by all means in your power, from that fatal disease - the glanders. I cannot tell you in words when I am sick, so watch me, that by signs you may know my condition. Give me all possible shelter from the hot sun, and put a blanket on me, not when I am working but when I am standing in the cold. Never put a frosty bit in my mouth; first warm it by holding it a moment in your hands.
I try to carry you and your burdens without a murmur, and wait patiently for you long hours of the day or night. Without the power to choose my shoes or path, I sometimes fall on the hard pavements which I have often prayed might not be of cement but of such a nature as to give me a safe and secure footing. Remember that I must be ready at any moment to lose my life in your service.
And finally, o my master, when my useful strength is gone, do not turn me out to starve or freeze, or sell me to some cruel owner to be slowly tortured and starved to death; but do thou, my master, take my life in the kindest way, and your God will reward you here and hereafter. You will not consider me irreverent if I ask this in the name of Him who was born in a stable, Amen"
- Author Unknown-

august,26th 2008
St.Clairs Starlight Ranch Joins With President Bush's Council on Service and Civic Participation to Deliver President's Volunteer Service Award
Prestigious Award Honors Outstanding Commitment to Volunteer Service

Waynesville Ga.– St.Clairs Starlight Ranch today announced it has teamed with the White House to become a Certifying Organization for the President's Volunteer Service Award, a national program recognizing Americans who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to volunteer service. Established in 2003, the Award was created by President George W. Bush to give Presidential recognition to individuals, families and groups who meet requirements for volunteer service, measured by the number of service hours performed over 12-months.St. Clairs Starlight Ranch is one of thousands of organizations that have joined forces to deliver the President's Volunteer Service Award and honor the volunteers who strengthen our Nation. As a Certifying Organization for the Award, St.Clairs Starlight Ranch is responsible for verifying service hours, nominating potential recipients and delivering the Award.
"We are extremely proud to recognize our most outstanding volunteers with the President's Volunteer Service Award," said Ms.St.Clair president and founder,. "St.Clairs Starlight Ranch "volunteers are role models in our community, donating their time, energy and talent to bring us closer together as neighbors and a Nation. The Award is our way of thanking these volunteers and inspiring everyone in our community to make volunteering a central part of their lives."
"Even if you've never volunteered before, the President's Volunteer Service Award is within your reach," Tasha Middleton said. "There are so many ways to contribute, and every volunteer hour makes a difference in improving the quality of life for others. We encourage everyone to get involved and to bring along your family, friends and neighbors. Together, we can strengthen America – one hour at a time."
The Award is issued by the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation, a group convened by President George W. Bush to help foster and encourage a culture of volunteer service and civic participation among Americans. Chaired by two-time Super Bowl Champion Darrell Green, with former U.S. Senators Bob Dole and John Glenn as honorary co-chairs, the Council is composed of leaders in government, media, entertainment, business, education, nonprofit and volunteer service organizations and community volunteering.
For more information about volunteering with St.Clairs Starlight Ranch,
Call 778-3976 leave a message, all calls will be returned.
web site www.stclairsstarlightranch.com or email starlightranch08@yahoo.com
For more information on the President's Volunteer Service Award, visit www.presidentialserviceawards.gov or call 1-866-545-5307.