Adaptive Riding & Equine Assisted Services
Adaptive Riding
Adaptive Riding, also known as therapeutic riding, is specifically designed to serve individuals with special medical needs, physical and cognitive disabilities. Our adaptive riding and horsemanship activities are conducted by a PATH Intl. certified instructor or instructor in training for individuals with special needs.
Activities are designed to meet each participant’s individual needs and the intent is for participants to progress in equestrian skills while improving their cognitive, emotional, social and/or behavioral skills. Secondary benefits include improved fine and gross motor skills, balance, strength, coordination, proprioception, tactile senses, team work, problem solving, self-image/confidence, communication, memory retention and much more.
Eligibility: Individuals four years of age and up with a medical diagnosis who fall within weight limits and meet precautions and contraindications guidelines set by PATH, Intl. and Sunrise.
Common diagnoses include: Autism, developmental delay/disability, ADD/ADHD, Dyspraxia, Cerebral Palsy, Down syndrome, head trauma/brain injury, hearing and vision impairment, genetic conditions/disorders, Multiple Sclerosis, intellectual disability, stroke, Muscular Dystrophy, Spina Bifida and orthopedic disorder.
Cost: $35 assessment fee must be paid at the time of your first lesson.
Cost: $35 per 30 minute PRIVATE lesson.
Cost: $35 per 45 minute GROUP (2 or more) lesson.
Lesson fees must be paid in advance.
How to enroll: Individuals contact Sunrise program director mwalters@sunriseinc.org for registration information.
Veteran & Service Member Programs
This program is designed to meet the unique needs of military veterans. PATH, Intl. certified instructors teach the 2-stage program which focuses on horsemanship and riding skills.
During the first stage, lasting 8 weeks, participants learn unmounted and mounted equestrian skills. During the second 6-week stage, participants continue to develop horsemanship skills while mentoring new stage 1 participants.
Once both stages are completed, program graduates may continue as a volunteer at Sunrise or volunteer at other community organizations. Through this mentorship model, participants solidify horsemanship skills, interact with other veterans, and give back to the program.
The group schedule and activities are designed to meet veteran’s needs with the intent for participants to progress in equestrian skills while achieving their personal goals. Secondary benefits include improved communication, decision-making skills, emotional awareness and regulation, tolerance for stress and novel situations, connecting with others, optimism, empathy, and community integration.
Length of lesson: 1 hour
Eligibility: Military veterans who meet precautions and contraindications guidelines set by PATH, Intl. and Sunrise Inc.
How to enroll: Individuals contact Sunrise program director mwalters@sunriseinc.org for registration information.
Groups & Field Trips
Sunrise offers group rates for field trips, team building groups, and more. Groups participate in horsemanship activities from the ground. Participants learn to be present, patient, learn body language, and equine communication performing activities under the supervision of a PATH certified instructor that encourage participants to interact with the horse 1:1 on the ground in meaningful activities.
Through these activities participants gain skills that carry over into other real-life situations with parents, peers, and colleagues.
Eligibility: Groups are open to all ages and backgrounds who could benefit from team building exercises and learning to be present. Fieldtrips are open to school age children with disabilities, home school groups, daycares, and adult groups with special needs.
How to enroll: Individuals contact Sunrise program director mwalters@sunriseinc.org for registration information.
Camps
Specialized summer programs provide children with special needs the opportunity to have summer fun. The program focus is enriched learning experiences with horses under the supervision of staff who are trained and specialize in teaching children with disabilities. Summer fun activities will include: therapeutic riding, horse games, grooming, arts & crafts, water games, literacy, gardening and music.
Eligibility: Camps are open to age-appropriate individuals with disabilities.
Cost: Full week camps are $400, daily rates are $100 per day.
How to enroll: Individuals contact Sunrise program director mwalters@sunriseinc.org for registration information.