Located on a 102-acre farm here is Sunrise Therapeutic Riding and Learning Centre, a registered charity that since 1982 has provided therapy, recreation and life skills opportunities for children and adults with a wide range of special needs.
A leader in the national therapeutic riding community, Sunrise is the first accredited Therapeutic Riding Instructor Training School in Canada. Its instructor training and internship programs attract student instructors from across Canada and around the world.
But to those who participate in weekly riding programs, Sunrise is a very special place of acceptance, accomplishment and achievement.
“The human-animal bond is a powerful motivator, and makes this a unique form of physical, cognitive and behavioural therapy that riders look forward to all week,” states a press release from the centre.
All lessons are taught by certified instructors, with input from a consultant physiotherapist and occupational therapist.
“In addition to our therapy and life skills programs, Sunrise offers a variety of seasonal recreation programs,” officials state. “These programs are fully integrated, enabling children with and without special needs to learn and play together in a structured, supportive setting, with proceeds supporting the year-round therapy program.”
This year, Sunrise encourages residents from across Wellington County to “join in the fun” at one of its special events in support of Sunrise programs.
On June 23 from 3pm to 7pm, Sunrise will host its Galloping Gourmets fundraiser on the Sunrise farm. Guests will be treated to a children’s riding demonstration and a meet and greet with celebrity chefs Janet and Greta Podleski, authors of the popular Looneyspoons cookbook series. A live auction (by Robert Milburn) will precede a family style gourmet dining experience provided by Allison’s Gourmet Catering.
Canadian music icon Rita MacNeil, who passed away last week, was scheduled to perform at the event. Sunrise officials say they will announce her replacement at a later date.
Tickets for the Galloping Gourmets event are $150 (including a $50 tax receipt) and can be obtained by calling Lynne at 519-837-0558 ext. 31.
Officials are also asking county residents to mark their calendars for Sunrise’s annual Hoofbeat Challenge on Sept. 28. Riders at the event will enjoy over 200 acres of trails during a “Hunter Pace,” which will begin at 11am, led by the Wellington County OPP Mounted Unit. Dog walkers are also welcome at the Hoofbeat Challenge, and will start out on their own special course at 10am. Ride/walk registration is a minimum $50 in pledges or entry (tax receipts provided) and includes a free T-shirt, lunch, raffle tickets, prizes and awards. The event also features lots of fun activities on the farm throughout the day for an entrance fee of $5.
To learn more or obtain a pledge sheet go to www.sunrise-therapeutic.ca or visit Sunrise’s booth at the Centre Wellington Equine Trade Show in Fergus on April 28.
