The South Dakota State University equestrian team will host an open house for the Special Training and Riding Skills (STARS) program next week at the Nathelle and Lawrence DeHaan Equestrian Center.

"I am very excited to welcome STARS to campus," SDSU equestrian head coach Megan McGee said. "This is a wonderful program and we feel very fortunate to provide this opportunity for our student-athletes and community members to become involved in such a worthwhile activity. STARS has helped so many participants achieve amazing results with the help of some truly fantastic horses."

STARS is a therapeutic riding program that provides clients the opportunity to grow mentally and physically by improving range of motion, flexibility, posture and muscle strength, as well as gaining confidence and increasing self-esteem.

The open house is scheduled for 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 10 at the DeHaan Equestrian Center, which is located on the U.S. Highway 14 Bypass, north and east of the main SDSU campus.

Training sessions began Aug. 3 and will continue on Tuesdays and Thursdays through Aug. 12.

The program also is made possible through assistance from the Brookings Area United Way and Brookings Area Interagency Council. For more information on sponsorship or volunteer opportunities, contact STARS at (605) 696-5221.