A black and white drawing of a horse 's head on a white background.

Meet Our Staff & Horses — Passionate Equestrian Experts & Equine Partners

At Spirit Song Equestrian in Anna, TX, our dedicated team of equestrian instructors and exceptional horses create a welcoming and enriching environment for individuals of all levels of experience. Our staff is committed to helping you build confidence, skill, and a deep appreciation for horsemanship and life. Our horses, carefully chosen for their gentle nature and reliability, are integral partners in every lesson. Contact us today at (972) 421-4412 to learn more about our programs and how we can support your riding journey.

A man is riding a horse on a white background.

Skilled Facilitators With Years of Experience 

Our facilitators have extensive backgrounds in horseback riding, training, and teaching. All of Spirit Song's facilitators hold professional certifications and have competed in various equestrian disciplines. With a focus on safety, proper technique, and skills development, our staff ensures that each individual progresses at a pace that aligns with who they are. Whether you're learning the basics or refining advanced skills, our knowledgeable team will guide you every step of the way.

Meet Our Team

A woman is standing next to a brown horse in a stable.

Starr McAlexander

Founder, Director, Riding Instructor

  • Equine-Assisted Life Skills Coach
  • Level II E3A Certified Advanced Practitioner (Personal Development Specialty)
  • USEDA Certified Drill Master

Starr McAlexander’s innate love of and intrinsic aptitude for horses began at the young age of 5. As a founder of Spirit Song, she is focusing 55 years of personal development and professional skill in horse ownership, training, and management to benefit youth.


Starr recognizes that each child is a blessing, possessing great worth, and she is devoted to building self-worth and purpose in her students of all ages. In each learning session, she adjusts riding, groundwork, and training styles to match the needs of each individual to that of the horse. This truly remarkable connection encourages youth to reach for and to achieve their highest, God-given potential.


Beginning with membership in a local 4-H Horse and Pony Club in Pennsylvania, Starr continued honing her centered riding and jumping skills with many wise trainers, learning diverse riding and training techniques – all having the common theme of producing a well-balanced and safe horse to ride as well as one that is pleasant to be around.


In 1997, Starr founded Two Point Meadows Riding Academy in Murphy, Texas, devoting her time to teaching students affiliated with the U.S. Pony Club. During this time, she started working with foster children and other youth who were experiencing some form of life trauma (opportunities looking for a solution), which revealed the opportunity for pairing her horses with youth looking for a friend and searching for purpose and self-worth.


While creating and developing this new path to youth instruction, from 2000 to 2004, she became a horse management judge for the US Pony Club’s Dressage, Eventing, and Show Jumping regional rallies. She became well versed in the need to maintain students’ levels of confidence in their abilities and promote safe riding practices.


Since 2008, Starr has nurtured a family-oriented riding atmosphere for children and youth at Spirit Song, in which parental involvement is encouraged. She takes pride in each student’s growth and achievement, ensuring that each learning session is focused on developing an individualized and personalized life skill and quality. The key to the success of her tailored learning program is the debriefing that occurs after each session with the student and the parent(s).


Several of Starr’s students have successfully progressed to university equestrian team status. Others continue to support Spirit Song, assisting in student instruction, horse training, and summer camps. Starr is proud of each of her students and believes that Spirit Song has successfully brightened each student's self-confidence and personal life purpose.


Starr is certified in both Level I and Level II as an Advanced Practitioner with the Equine Experiential Education Association (E3A), having a Specialty in Personal Development and Wellbeing.

Alison Selby

Director of Clinical Services

  • Equine-Assisted Life Skills Coach
  • Level II E3A Certified Advanced Practitioner (Personal Development Specialty)
  • PATH International Certified Advanced Instructor

Alison Selby has a diverse equestrian background, from hunters and jumpers to thoroughbred racing. She studied at the Potomac Horse Center and worked as an exercise rider at Belmont Park, gaining experience with top trainers. With degrees in psychology and social work, Alison integrates her expertise into equine-assisted learning, helping students build confidence and emotional resilience.

A woman is standing next to a black horse in a stable.
A woman is standing next to a brown horse in a stable.

Charissa Baxter

Director of Strategic Program Development

  • Level I E3A Certified Practitioner
  • Equine-Assisted Life Skills Coach

Charissa Baxter’s equestrian journey began in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. She has experience training and competing in Hunter/Jumper classes and holds a degree in psychology from Penn State University. Charissa oversees Spirit Song’s Building Blocks coaching programs, Bible camps, and youth empowerment initiatives, fostering personal growth through equine-assisted learning.

Andrew Fraser

Andrew Fraser is a combat veteran who served as a Tank Commander during the Global War on Terrorism with the US Army's Third Infantry Division. With a deep understanding of the struggles faced by those affected by trauma, Andrew brings a powerful lived testimony of healing, highlighting the transformative role that equines can play in restoring wounded souls. Based in North Texas, Andrew has partnered with Spirit Song Equestrian Academy, where he works closely with local youth and veteran communities. His mission is to help individuals find purposeful direction in their lives through the development of tailored strategies. Additionally, Andrew runs a Mighty Oaks Programs outpost, which focuses on faith-based healing options for veterans, providing support and guidance to those seeking recovery and peace.

A woman is standing next to a black horse in a stable.
A black and white drawing of a horse on a white background.

Meet Our Horses & Ponies

At Spirit Song Equestrian, our horses are our trusted partners and teachers. Carefully selected for their temperament and interaction skills, they provide a safe and engaging experience for all participants. Each horse plays a crucial role in our programs, helping individuals develop skills and confidence.

Our Equine Team

A close up of a brown horse wearing a bridle.
A brown horse is standing in a dirt field eating grass.
A brown and white horse is standing in a stable and looking at the camera.
A brown horse wearing a bridle is standing in a fenced in area.
A brown and white horse wearing a purple bridle
A brown horse is standing behind a metal fence in a pen.
A close up of a white horse 's face in a stable
A brown horse is standing in a dirt arena and looking at the camera.
A brown horse with a white spot on its forehead is standing in a pen.
A close up of a horse 's head in a stable
A brown and white horse standing in a field
A brown horse is running in a field next to a fence.
A black horse with a white spot on its face is standing in a grassy field.
A close up of a horse wearing a bridle and saddle
A brown horse is standing in a dirt field
A brown horse standing in a dirt arena looking at the camera
A brown horse with white spots is standing in a dirt field
A brown horse with the letter w on its back
Two ponies are eating hay in a dirt field.
A donkey is behind a fence looking through the bars.
A black and white drawing of a horse standing on a white background.

In Memory Of

Each of our horses has brought something unique to the Spirit Song program and touched many lives. We recognize the importance of their contribution.

A Supportive and Encouraging Learning Environment

At Spirit Song Equestrian, we believe that a positive learning atmosphere is key to success. Our instructors foster a supportive environment where each individual feels encouraged to challenge themselves while maintaining a strong connection with their horses. We emphasize patience, respect, and a love for horsemanship and the development of life skills.

A black and white drawing of a horse standing on a white background.

How to Get Started With Our Facilitators & Horses

Interested in developing your life skills with us? The first step is to submit an inquiry. Our team will discuss your goals, experience level, and program options. Once we find the best fit for you, we’ll guide you through the enrollment process. Remember, registering for events and classes is separate from our main programs, so reach out for personalized guidance.