H.R. No. 1457
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Stars and Strides Stables Therapeutic Riding
Center in Weatherford has enriched the lives of children and adults
with disabilities by giving them the opportunity to experience the
myriad benefits of horseback riding; and
WHEREAS, The nonprofit organization was founded in 2012 by
owners David and Teresa Miller, whose daughter, Courtney, was born
with Kabuki syndrome, a condition associated with various physical
and cognitive differences; the Millers enrolled Courtney in
equine-assisted therapy when she was nine years old and were
impressed with the impact it had on both her health and self-esteem;
Ms. Miller, who earned certification as an equine therapy
instructor through the Professional Association of Therapeutic
Horsemanship International, was inspired to open a facility of her
own in Parker County; the organization has since grown from serving
two clients to approximately 50 clients per week, and it has added a
number of experienced former show horses to its stables; and
WHEREAS, Stars and Strides provides equine-assisted therapy
to children and adults with a variety of different disabilities,
and it now includes a Protectors Program for veterans and first
responders who are recovering from post-traumatic stress disorder
or traumatic injury; all riders are encouraged to begin riding
independently as soon and as safely as possible, and with the help
of caring guidance and instruction, young clients often exceed
their parents' expectations with what they can accomplish; some of
the program's students have gone on to compete in equestrian shows
for riders with special needs, as well as in open shows for riders
of all ability levels; and
WHEREAS, In just seven years, Stars and Strides Stables has
contributed to the health, happiness, and well-being of many
individuals and gained a well-deserved reputation for excellence,
and David and Teresa Miller may take great pride in the outstanding
program they have built; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas
Legislature hereby honor the Stars and Strides Stables Therapeutic
Riding Center for the beneficial service it offers to people with
disabilities and extend to David and Teresa Miller sincere best
wishes for continued success; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Stars and Strides as an expression of high regard by
the Texas House of Representatives.
King of Parker
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1457 was adopted by the House on May
10, 2019, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House