Community Connections
Shining a local light on:
Rising Starr Horse Rescue
Proudly serving:
Bethel, Bridgeport, Brookfield, Danbury, Darien, Easton, Fairfield, Greenwich, New Canaan, New Fairfield, New Milford, Newtown, Norwalk, Redding, Ridgefield, Southport, Stamford, Weston, Westport, Wilton
Learn more about their charity:
Community Connections
Community Connections shines a light on local charities whose compassion, service, and dedication strengthen the fabric of our community. By sharing their stories, we hope to inspire others and help the spirit of giving spread throughout our towns.
Under the spotlight today: Rising Starr Horse Rescue
An interview with Kelly Stackpole, Rising Starr Horse Rescue
How do you brighten our community?
Rising Starr rescued America's at-risk horses through more than just horse rescue. Education is key. Our educational programs include free Equine Assisted services for Veterans, First Responders and active duty, as well as our handicap population.
A Junior Board, a vast volunteer program with mentors focusing on our mission, safety and leadership. All of these programs allow us to rescue more of America's at-risk horses.
Who do you serve in our community?
Horses
Persons of all ages.
Veterans, First Responders
Active Duty and Special forces
Handicapped persons of all ages
What are you most proud of?
Our continued community support and the commitment of our team and Board to stand for America's at-risk horses.
What was the spark that started your organization?
Founded in 2015 by Kelly stackpole rising star was born after she discovered that many young healthy and Senior horses were being discarded and sent to slaughter what began as rescuing one horse at a time quickly became a mission of rescue and advocacy for America's at risk horses and the people who love them.
What is one of your future impact goals?
Today volunteers of all ages supported by both aboard and Junior board treat every horse with the love and respect they deserve while inspiring compassion and leadership in the Next Generation. Sharing with anyone who wants to walk through our doors The Compassion that horses have for humans. In 2026 we are busy not only working on the infrastructure of our farm in Connecticut but our new $154 Acres sanctuary in Virginia for horses that we will not be able to place in regular homes that are in need of sanctuary for various reasons and to be able to be a safety net for every horse we adopt out should they need to come back to Rising Starr. In 2026 we also continue to grow our Stand Fast equine assisted Services Program for veterans First Responders active duty and Special Forces.
How did you change a life?
Rising star has taken over 350 horses and giving them a second chance at life when we started we did not realize the impact that the horses have on humans watching so many of today's youth and their high anxiety walk through our doors and let the magic of horses feed their souls has been the most wonderful byproduct of rescuing horses.
Who are your community partners?
We are so lucky to partner with many in our community like agriventures Agway, Fairfield County Bank, Artist Andrea Rowan, Laurent Ranch, Eversource, Laurel Rock , Southwest Cafe, Sipsters, Fountain Inn, Toy Chest Green Envy.
Local-Insta thanks Fairfield County Bank for making our Community Connections series possible!
Celebrating the charities that make our community stronger.
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