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 is no stranger to Rising Stars. She began riding with Pat Morris' grandson at our Alta Loma facility over 30 years ago when the Voss children were in Elementary school. The Voss family have always been big supporters of the program. Dianna and her sisters all have been riding since their mother Mary Voss was pregnant with each of her 3 daughters. While Dianna's sisters chose to compete in the Jumping discipline, Dianna chose to focus her riding career in Dressage. Dianna not only has years of upper level training but also has many Dressage Championships. Several of the Championships were on Rising Stars own horses in addition to her family's horses. A few of Dianna's horses have been loaned to Paralympic riders during her time with Rising Stars. She has been a one of our many show Judges over the years. Dianna spent years working in the medical field as an EMT at a local hospital. Now she is a stay at home mom taking care of her son. Dianna is looking forward to helping all of our riders improve their riding skills.

Retired from riding however, he still loves to come out to greet people. He truly is a special horse to Rising Stars!