Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding

Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding (STAR) is a nonprofit organization, established in 1987, with a mission to facilitate personal development through therapeutic experiences using horse-related activities for individuals with disabilities. Situated in Lenoir City, TN, STAR is renowned as the oldest therapeutic riding program in Tennessee, distinguished with premier accreditation from the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.). Catering to a diverse range of disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, head trauma, and more, STAR serves participants from 11 counties in East Tennessee, with an average of 150 weekly participants between the ages of 4 and 60+. The organization employs PATh Intl. certified instructors, 35 to 40 horses/ponies, and over 500 volunteers annually to operate its four main programs: Therapeutic Riding, Changing STRIDES, Heroes and Horses, and Minis in Motion. Being deeply rooted in the Health Care industry, STAR's focus on providing therapeutic experiences aligns with the growing demand for inclusive and accessible healthcare services. Despite not having a recent track record of external investments, STAR's commitment to fostering personal achievement and its standing as a trailblazer in therapeutic riding make it a prime candidate for impact-driven investors seeking to support innovative and socially impactful initiatives in healthcare. For potential venture capital partners, STAR represents an opportunity to contribute to the advancement of inclusive healthcare solutions and social impact initiatives.