Land donation will quadruple size of riding school

Mark and Sue Wheeler donated 22 acres of land to the Special Troopers Adaptive Riding School (S.T.A.R.S.) Inc.

The Wheelers, neighbors to the north of the riding school on K-22, also donated the initial 5 acres when the school started 25 years ago.

"They have been long-time friends, neighbors and supporters of the program," said Jessie Christopherson, S.T.A.R.S. executive director, of the Wheelers.

The Wheeler's donation kicks off the 2008-09 25th Anniversary Fundraising Campaign.

"S.T.A.R.S. gratefully acknowledges Dr. and Mrs. Wheeler's generous donation and support in this campaign, Christopherson said.

S.T.A.R.S. provides therapeutic horseback riding for those with physical and emotional challenges.

The additional 22 acres will provide savings for S.T.A.R.S., Christopherson said.

"It's a tremendous help to us because that property allows us to raise all of our own hay, which will cut down on feeding costs," she said.

Those extra acres will also enlarge a small, inadequate pasture which will aid in the horses' health, Christopherson said.

"They can turn out into the pasture and it helps with their stress rates," she said. "How would you like to have roommates all the time? It helps them (horses) not burn out."

S.T.A.R.S. will be celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2009, making it the longest running therapeutic riding center in the Midwest.

Christopherson said the goal of the fundraising campaign is to raise an additional $50,000.