HAGERSTOWN, MD (October 30, 2018) – The
Washington County Department of Business Development
is pleased to announce
STAR Equestrian Center
as recipient of the 2018-2019 Washington County Farm of the Year. The winning farm showcases excellence in agriculture and promotes a greater understanding of the challenges faced by today’s farmers. Production, conservation, preservation, community involvement, and dedication to farming and agriculture is the gold standard for this award.
STAR Equestrian Center is a 30-acre horse farm that also serves as a therapeutic riding center and therapeutic farm. This year marks STAR Community’s 20-year celebration of doing business in Washington County. This is an atypical farm, as it does contain a 10-acre parcel of hay crop production, but its main production is providing healing via equine.
Washington County Business Agricultural Specialist, Leslie Hart, said, “Star Equestrian Center is a recognized equine facility in Washington County and the surrounding area for connecting horses to humans and repairing the body, mind and soul. The horses and staff at STAR Equestrian center are all star.”
STAR is a place where people can learn about horses, learn about themselves, heal and make lasting friendships. Therapeutic and recreational riding classes are the farm’s largest programs. STAR also offers a program called Horses for Heroes that specifically serves veterans and first responders. Four new veterans have been added to the program and STAR averages serving 8 veterans on a weekly basis. Many of these veterans suffer from chronic life debilitating symptoms of substance abuse and PTSD and find peace and solace in volunteering by being able to give back to those less fortunate.
With over 80 participants a week involved in various programs at the farm, STAR relies heavily on volunteers. They average 60 volunteers weekly and partner with various organizations throughout the community to sustain the farm’s success.
In response to receiving the award, STAR said, “This is a great honor to the staff at STAR for all of the hard work that goes into keeping our equine herd healthy, for keeping our farm beautiful and well maintained, for the dedication to the Washington County public for the past 20 years, serving folks with disabilities and those who join us without disabilities as well.”
