Meet The Team

  • Captain Richard "Ric" Morris

    FOUNDER , U.S. Calvary, Retired

    Captain Morris served for sixteen years as a Calvary Commander and helicopter pilot. He received severe spinal injuries while serving in Vet Nam.
    After his military service, he became a high school and university instructor. For the past eighteen years he has been the CEO for the Rising Stars of Equestrian Therapy; an organization that works with special needs individuals.
    He is also the founder for the Soldiers Helping Soldiers therapy program.
    Captain Morris has received several citations from the California Senate and Assembly and the City of Rancho Cucamonga for his volunteer work.
  • Ruth Esther Morris

    TREASUER

    Ruth Morris is the newest member of the team since Ruth and Ric were married January 2, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
    Mrs. Morris was born on a farm in northern Indiana. Her father was one of the first chiropractors in Indiana. Her mother baked all occasion cakes. Ruth earned a Master’s Degree from Indiana University in Elementary Education. She is a retired elementary school teacher after thirty years of teaching first through sixth grades in the inner-city schools of Indianapolis. Her heart for teaching youth is transferred to encouraging the clients during their lessons at the Rising Stars Stables.
    Mrs. Morris has one daughter, three granddaughters and two great-grandsons living in Indiana. Her oldest daughter and her husband live in the state of Washington.
    Ruth has published two books: Adventures on Promise Island, a novel for teens; and Prayer Adventures With the Trinity, teaching people how to pray more effectively. She wrote a blog on how to pray for her church for seven years. w/ww.chapelhillumc.com/prayerblog. Ruth has been an active member of Aglow International for fifteen years.
    Ric is teaching Ruth how to paint with oils, thus fulfilling her dream of painting.
    Mrs. Morris has embraced her new life at the stables working with the clients and their families to receive their new levels of healing. She is grateful how everyone has embraced her into their lives.

Dr. Sharon Stein snuggled with Chuck, Rising Stars Board of Directors, Publicity


The Rising Stars of Equestrian Therapy Board of Directors 

Richard Morris, CEO  

Ruth Morris, Treasurer

Debra Clark, Secretary

Dr. Sharon Stein, Publicity

Jeffery Clark

Andria Scott

Jesse Rodriguez

Emma Johnson

    

2024 HORSE OF THE YEAR

CRUISER

ABOUT CRUISER

The Enduring Legacy of a Gentle Giant

Cruiser, a revered therapy horse, left an indelible mark on countless lives. Born around 1984, he defied expectations with a remarkable lifespan of nearly 40 years, surpassing the average horse's life expectancy.
Early Life and Rodeo Career
Before joining the therapy program, Cruiser was a skilled rodeo horse tasked with catching cattle. His impressive stature and agility made him well-suited for the demanding role.
Therapy Career
Cruiser dedicated approximately 20 years to serving the therapy program, touching hundreds of lives. His gentle nature and patience made him an ideal companion for clients seeking comfort, confidence and emotional healing.
Personality and Quirks
Cruiser embodied the spirit of a gentle giant:
- Loved snacks of all kinds
- Delighted in rolling in arenas
- Challenged handlers with keeping his gray coat clean
- Exuded calmness, ensuring clients felt at ease
Impact and Legacy
Cruiser's contributions were immense:
- Provided comfort to anxious clients
- Inspired confidence in riders
- Formed lasting bonds with clients and handlers
- Demonstrated exceptional adaptability and resilience
Celebration of Life
Though Cruiser crossed the rainbow bridge in early 2024, his legacy endures:
- Remembered as Horse of the Year
- Honored for his decades-long dedication
- Celebrated for touching countless lives
- Forever in the hearts of those he helped
Cruiser's extraordinary life serves as a testament to the transformative power of animal-assisted therapy and the enduring impact of one remarkable horse.
REST IN PEACE BIG GUY!