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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, The Stars and Strides Stables Therapeutic Riding |
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Center in Weatherford has enriched the lives of children and adults |
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with disabilities by giving them the opportunity to experience the |
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myriad benefits of horseback riding; and |
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WHEREAS, The nonprofit organization was founded in 2012 by |
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owners David and Teresa Miller, whose daughter, Courtney, was born |
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with Kabuki syndrome, a condition associated with various physical |
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and cognitive differences; the Millers enrolled Courtney in |
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equine-assisted therapy when she was nine years old and were |
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impressed with the impact it had on both her health and self-esteem; |
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Ms. Miller, who earned certification as an equine therapy |
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instructor through the Professional Association of Therapeutic |
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Horsemanship International, was inspired to open a facility of her |
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own in Parker County; the organization has since grown from serving |
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two clients to approximately 50 clients per week, and it has added a |
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number of experienced former show horses to its stables; and |
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WHEREAS, Stars and Strides provides equine-assisted therapy |
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to children and adults with a variety of different disabilities, |
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and it now includes a Protectors Program for veterans and first |
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responders who are recovering from post-traumatic stress disorder |
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or traumatic injury; all riders are encouraged to begin riding |
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independently as soon and as safely as possible, and with the help |
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of caring guidance and instruction, young clients often exceed |
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their parents' expectations with what they can accomplish; some of |
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the program's students have gone on to compete in equestrian shows |
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for riders with special needs, as well as in open shows for riders |
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of all ability levels; and |
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WHEREAS, In just seven years, Stars and Strides Stables has |
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contributed to the health, happiness, and well-being of many |
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individuals and gained a well-deserved reputation for excellence, |
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and David and Teresa Miller may take great pride in the outstanding |
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program they have built; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas |
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Legislature hereby honor the Stars and Strides Stables Therapeutic |
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Riding Center for the beneficial service it offers to people with |
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disabilities and extend to David and Teresa Miller sincere best |
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wishes for continued success; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for Stars and Strides as an expression of high regard by |
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the Texas House of Representatives. |