White Star shines after Andrew

Special to the News Leader

 

    The day after Hurricane Andrew, Diana Stearns, owner of White Star Farms, knew something had to change.

With nine Paso Fino horses and a carefully formulated breeding program well underway, Stearns found herself without any control in dealing with a disaster. The ranch where she boarded her horses was completely destroyed .... and the proprietor disappeared.

Today, five years later, the facility is in the same condition as it was the day after Andrew.

So the search for a permanent facility began. After a time, the perfect property was located and today White Star Farms stretches on five beautifully maintained acres in the heart of the Redland.

With 24 stalls, caretakers facilities, paddocks, riding ring, training areas and a swimming pool, White Star Farms is a full service facility that offers quality horses for sale, training and a superb full scale lesson program for both adults and children.

Today there are more than 20 Paso Fino horses. They are trained for show and for pleasure -- and you can't beat a Paso Fino for a trail horse. Their beautiful lateral four-beat gait is amazing and wonderful to experience as a rider.

In the corto gait, you can travel at the speed of a trot and cover a long distance without the uncomfortable bound you would get with other breeds, and without having to post. In addition to the walk and corto, the Paso Fino can really fly in the largo gait.

And to experience their canter is like being on a glider.

These horses are the Rolls Royces of the equine world. Their elegance, conformation and smooth mode of travel make them ideal for any rider of any age. Children love them and adults adore them.

Riding a Paso Fino opens up an entire new world for riders --once you saddle up, you'll be hooked.

"We love introducing people to the Paso Fino because we know how much pleasure they'll bring," said Stearns. These horses are so magnificent that I feel I'm providing a public service by providing access to them."

Access is provided not only through sales, but also through a quality lesson program offered by White Star Farms. Each instructor has been involved with horses for more than 28 years and have extensive experience with other breeds as well. They know the horse from the hoof to the head.

In addition to their love for the Paso Fino, they are people persons, too. Nearly half of the students are adults -- some just beginning their equestrian experience and many returning to the sport.

Also, White Star offers training to outside horses. If you are having problems and need some help, White Star staff can help you solve your training problems. And if you want your colt or filly trained with TLC, White Star Farms is the place to call.

The farm is located at 25005 S.W. 193^rd Ave. in Homestead. The telephone number is (305) 247-3211.