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.

ASSISTANT

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.

DIRECTOR AND INSTRUCTOR

Dianna Voss: A Lifetime of Passion for Horses and Helping Others.

Dianna Voss's connection to Rising Stars Equestrian Therapy spans over three decades, beginning when she rode alongside Pat Morris' grandson at the Alta Loma facility. Her family has been ardent supporters of the program, with Dianna and her sisters developing a love for horses from a young age, inspired by their mother Mary Voss.

While her sisters pursued jumping, Dianna dedicated herself to dressage, achieving impressive success with numerous championships, including several on Rising Stars' own horses. Her expertise has also led to her serving as a show judge and loaning her horses to Paralympic riders.

Beyond her equestrian accomplishments, Dianna has a strong background in the medical field, having worked as an EMT at a local hospital. She also possesses 2 degrees in Business Management. Currently, she is devoted to raising her son.

Dianna's passion for helping others and sharing her knowledge has led her to Rising Stars, where she is eager to guide riders in improving their skills. Her lifetime of experience, combined with her compassion and expertise, make her an invaluable asset to the Rising Stars team.

My name is Deborah Garland, a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), who joined with Rising Stars of Equestrian Therapy to serve individuals who could use some emotional and mental health help. I hold therapy sessions here at Sycamore Equestrian Center among horses and nature. I started as an equine-assisted psychotherapist in November 2022, and I started seeing clients in 2009 while getting my Masters in Counseling Psychology.

I was drawn to becoming an MFT after I lost my horse ranch and training business in 2006 from ‘a 500 year flood’ in New Mexico. I moved back to California to live with family and returned to school. Once I became licensed, I had to try to combine my life long passion to be around horses with my new career.

Horses are now being used to serve many different populations in therapies. My clients are able to regulate and focus while we deal with difficult emotions and talk about issues that are causing them difficulties in life. Many clients who may resist the idea of talk therapy enjoy the experiential aspect of therapy with equines.

Please feel free to contact me at

909-667-1961 or email DeborahLGarland@gmail.com and I would be happy to answer any questions.

Courtney, a devoted Domestic Violence Counselor at Rising Stars, has been an integral part of the organization's mission to provide hope and healing to those in need. Her journey with Rising Stars began as a volunteer during her graduate studies, where she discovered a profound connection with the organization's mission and its majestic equine partners.

As a volunteer, Courtney's passion and dedication quickly shone through, and she became an invaluable asset to the team. Her commitment to the organization's mission and values led to her appointment as a board member, where she continues to provide strategic guidance and support.

As a Domestic Violence Counselor, Courtney brings a unique blend of compassion, empathy, and expertise to her work. Her experience working with survivors of domestic violence has equipped her with a deep understanding of the complex emotional and psychological challenges they face. Through her work at Rising Stars, Courtney provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals to heal and rebuild their lives.

Courtney's love for the horses at Rising Stars is evident in the way she incorporates equine-assisted therapy into her counseling practice. She recognizes the profound impact that horses can have on the healing process and has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of the human-horse connection.

Throughout her journey with Rising Stars, Courtney has consistently demonstrated her commitment to the organization's mission and values. Her tireless efforts to provide hope and healing to those affected by domestic violence have made a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals.

As Rising Stars continues to grow and evolve, Courtney remains a steadfast and compassionate advocate for those in need. Her dedication, expertise, and love for the horses and the mission of Rising Stars make her an invaluable asset to the organization.

Brittany Baeza has over 20 years of hands-on experience in the equestrian world, including owning and caring for her own horse for two decades. She has extensive knowledge of horse care, training, and riding. 

Throughout her journey, Brittany has trained and mentored children in horseback riding, fostering a love for horses and ensuring a strong foundation in riding skills and safety. She also volunteered as a trail guide, where she combined her passion for horses with a dedication to creating memorable and safe experiences for riders of all levels.

Brittany’s expertise extends to working with green horses, having successfully trained and developed young and inexperienced horses into confident, well-mannered horses. 

Brittany has also competed in both Western and English pleasure classes, achieving success in the show ring. Her experience spans various disciplines, showcasing versatility as a rider and commitment to refining skills.

With a lifelong dedication to horses and a wealth of diverse experience, Brittany brings an understanding of horsemanship, riding, and horse training. ion goes here