Our Story
Since 1991, Rising Stars of Equestrian Therapy has provided therapeutic and recreational horseback riding lessons to children and adults with physical, mental, social and/or emotional challenges.
Our founders, Pat Morris and her step-son Ric were always horse people. She was a nurse and he was a teacher. They realized long ago that combining their love for helping people with their love for riding horses could benefit others, especially those with disabilities.
Oswald Vargas, LMFT joined the team in 2014 to aid in targeting specific needs of our clients.
Meet Our Board of Directors
Rising Stars Equestrian Therapy is a nonprofit approved by the State of California and recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a tax exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Pat Morris
Director & Founder - Pat has a background in nursing and has provided therapeutic horseback riding lessons to the injured and disabled for nearly 40 years. Pat has been recognized for her dedication and outstanding work as a "Community Hero" by the City of Rancho Cucamonga, the Daily Bulletin, & the U.S. Postal Service. She has also received the "Community Service Award" by the Chaffey Joint Union High School District and a "Community Project Award" by the Foothill Optomists Club.
Richard Morris
President & Founder - Ric is a retired local businessman and Theater Arts teacher. As a retired Captain of the U.S. Cavalry, Ric heads up our "Soldiers Helping Soldiers" program, aimed to help injured Veterans through equine therapy.
Michael Gonzales
Vice President - Michael is an insurance agent and the owner of Michael Gonzales Farmers Insurance Agency in Rancho Cucamonga.
Steve Canell
Secretary/Treasurer - Steve is a Sr. Cyber Security Engineer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).
Jim Totaro
Member - Jim is a retired businessman.
Darwin Bowles, D.C.
Member - Darwin is a chiropractor and the owner of Kingdom's Health Chiropractic in Rancho Cucamonga.
Oswald Vargas, LMFT
While not on the Board of Directors, "Dr. Oz", as we like to call him, is our own in-house Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Oz is the owner of Lionheart Counseling and Consulting Group.
Want to know more about us?
If you have any questions, please contact us!