Star Equestrian Ctr

Pros

• Great place to volunteer.
• They were met with smiles, and everyone they encountered was personable.
• The services offered are commendable, and they would highly recommend them to anyone.
• Fantastic experiences have been reported.
• The daughter began attending, loved it, and the instructors and volunteers were great with the children.
• Over a year of lessons, she still loves it; the instructors and the horses are fantastic.
• The staff are amazing; the facilities are great and everyone loves their jobs.
• The staff are dedicated to the best possible experience for riders and horses.
• The helpers and riders are a blast to be around; they make the place feel like family.
• Fantastic staff, horses, and parties; kids had a blast.
• The center is clean and friendly.
• It is a great place that really cares about the people they serve.

Cons

• They do not answer the phone or return messages for weeks.
• The organization is poorly managed, with administrative decisions that remove children from lists after payment is reported and nothing is done to resolve it.
• They tell families that even with proof of payment, admission cannot be guaranteed.
• The current administrator is perceived as uncaring.
• For years, calls go unanswered and no one returns calls.
• They discriminate against deaf people, despite serving deaf/disabled clients.
• Leadership turnover and lack of transparency have left long-time customers distrustful and uncertain about the direction of Star.

Review

Star Equestrian Center comes through in these accounts as a place that many in the community genuinely value for its spirit and its program, even as the stories reveal a mix of strong positives and some troubling gaps. On the positive side, several reviewers describe it as a welcoming, family-like environment where volunteers, staff, and riders form close connections. One person recalls delivering a Hay Hut to the center and being greeted with smiles and personable staff, noting that the services offered are commendable and that they would recommend Star to anyone. That encounter stands out as a sign of the center's warmth and community reach.

Families in particular speak to how their children engage with Star. One parent recounts fantastic experiences so far after their daughter attended following a friend's birthday party, and notes that she absolutely loves it. The update after more than a year of lessons reinforces this sentiment: the daughter "still loves it," and the instructors and the horses are described as absolutely fantastic. The sense of continuity and growth over time is a recurring theme in these reviews, with many praising the instructors and the care given to both riders and horses.

In terms of the day-to-day atmosphere and operational vibe, several reviewers highlight the staff's dedication and the positive energy around the program. Phrases like "The staff are amazing," "the winter session but quickly signed up for Spring session too," and "Great facilities and you can see how much everyone loves their jobs" illustrate a consensus that, when functioning well, Star presents a supportive, enjoyable experience for riders and families alike. The sense that staff go the extra mile to ensure a rewarding experience for both riders and horses comes through clearly in multiple comments.

The sense of community extends to those who volunteer and support the center. One reviewer who has been helping and riding for two years describes the helpers and riders as a blast to be around, noting that they feel more like family. This camaraderie is echoed by others who celebrate the ongoing volunteer culture and the way it shapes the overall mood of the place. The sentiment is that Star is more than a program; it's a community where people form meaningful relationships around riding and horses.

Yet, the collection of reflections does not shy away from the darker undercurrents that can accompany any busy, multi-program organization. A number of reviewers describe significant administrative and communication challenges. One account calls Star "poorly managed," recounting a scenario where paperwork was submitted and payment made, only to be told later that payment was not provided and that the daughter was removed from the list. The message conveyed is not just about a single error, but about a frustrating pattern of miscommunication and about staff who are unwilling to work with families, with one claimant even suggesting that, even with proof of payment, enrollment would not be possible. The impact of such experiences is poignant: a child who had looked forward to participating became heartbroken.

Communication problems surface again elsewhere in the reviews. Another reviewer notes a persistent difficulty in reaching the center by phone, saying they have been trying to contact Star for two years with no one answering and no calls returned. These kinds of anecdotes point to systemic issues with accessibility and responsiveness, issues that can be magnified when families are navigating schedules, payments, and enrollment for their children.

Longer-term concerns about leadership and organizational stability also appear. A parent who has brought their daughter to Star for seven years describes the arc of experience as having been the most affordable way to expose her to horses, yet laments the frequent turnover of lesson instructors - six in that period - and singles out only one positive leadership decision (promoting a strong lesson instructor to barn manager) as an exception. The reviewer recounts a time when Star appeared to be at its peak under that manager, followed by a breakup of that leadership with both the barn manager and the director no longer employed, leaving them without clear guidance and "completely lost confidence" in the organization. The underlying tension between dedicated programming and inconsistent management is a recurring thread in these responses.

In a more hopeful vein, there are strong affirmations about Star's capacity to serve diverse riders, including those with special needs. One family expresses gratitude for a multi-challenged daughter who loves riding, calling Star a life-enhancing, high-quality program within their area. The appreciation for the program's ability to reach and support riders who may require more tailored attention underscores the true value many find in Star's offerings, even amid organizational concerns.

There is also a provocative critique related to inclusivity and volunteer opportunities for deaf individuals. A reviewer who is deaf describes an alarming contradiction: Star serves deaf and disabled clients but, in their view, does not extend the same opportunities to deaf volunteers. They express frustration and anger at what they see as discrimination against deaf volunteers, tying their grievance to broader questions about how the center embraces diversity and inclusivity in its volunteer program. This perspective adds an important dimension to the overall picture, highlighting that not all who engage with Star feel the same level of access or opportunity, even if the program's clients receive support.

Taken together, the collection of reviews paints a nuanced portrait of Star Equestrian Center. On the one hand, it is celebrated for its welcoming atmosphere, dedicated staff, meaningful classes, and a sense of family among volunteers, instructors, and riders. On the other hand, there are serious concerns about administrative consistency, communication, and leadership stability, along with at least one pointed claim about exclusivity in volunteering that touches on broader issues of accessibility and inclusion. Prospective families and volunteers might find in Star a deeply rewarding riding environment, especially for those who prioritize a caring community and a love for horses. They should also be aware of the ongoing challenges some have faced with responsiveness, enrollment processes, and organizational clarity, and consider reaching out through multiple channels or seeking referrals from current participants who can share up-to-date experiences.

This part of Hagerstown, Maryland, offers a variety of amenities that may be attractive to seniors looking for a convenient and enjoyable living environment. With a range of dining options such as Waffle House, McDonald's, and IHOP nearby, residents can easily find a meal to suit their cravings. The presence of hospitals like Meritus Urgent Care and Washington County Hospital ensures access to quality healthcare services. Places of worship such as Emmanuel Baptist Temple and St Joseph Catholic Church offer spiritual fulfillment, while cafes like Starbucks and Panera Bread provide opportunities for socializing over coffee or tea. Additionally, pharmacies like Walmart Pharmacy and CVS Pharmacy are easily accessible for medication needs, and parks like Woodland Way Park and Hagerstown City Park offer scenic spaces for outdoor recreation. Overall, this area combines convenience with essential services for senior residents seeking a comfortable and well-rounded living experience in Hagerstown.

Restaurants

• Waffle House (2.9 miles)
• McDonald's (2.9 miles)
• Taco Bell (2.9 miles)
• IHOP (3.1 miles)
• TGI Friday's (3.1 miles)
• Foster's on the Point (3.3 miles)
• Hoffmans All American Grill (3.3 miles)

Hospitals

• Meritus Urgent Care (2.9 miles)
• Western Maryland Hospital Center (4 miles)
• Maryland Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (4 miles)
• Western MD State Hospital (4 miles)
• Washington County Hospital (5.2 miles)
• Davita Hagerstown Dialysis (6 miles)

Places of Worship

• Emmanuel Baptist Temple (3 miles)
• St Joseph Catholic Church (5 miles)

Transportation

• Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR) (3.1 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (3.1 miles)
• Panera Bread (3.1 miles)
• Starbucks (4.5 miles)
• Free Range Cafe (4.5 miles)
• Rik's Cafe (5.4 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walmart Pharmacy (3.1 miles)
• Home Care Pharmacy (3.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.5 miles)
• Martin's Pharmacy (3.6 miles)
• Alternative Drug Alcohol (3.9 miles)
• Walgreens (4.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.2 miles)

Physicians

• Parkway Radiology (3.4 miles)
• Parkway Neuroscience & Spine - John Caruso MD (3.4 miles)
• Progressive Mri (3.4 miles)
• Wolters Kluwer Health (3.4 miles)
• White Oak Pediatric and Adult Medicine (3.5 miles)
• Urgent Care (3.5 miles)
• Potomac Family Medicine (3.5 miles)

Parks

• Woodland Way Park (4.5 miles)
• Hagerstown City Park (4.8 miles)
• Hagerstown Fairgrounds (5.2 miles)
• Doubs Woods Park (5.7 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Valley Mall RPX & VIP (4.7 miles)