The third annual Hoofbeat Challenge fundraiser on Sept. 26 at Sunrise Therapeutic Riding and Learning Centre raised over $18,000.
The event, which featured a horse ride, pet walk, and walk in the Puslinch countryside, was sponsored by Medi-Cal Royal Canin and included all Sunrise riders and many supporters and community families. Sunrise riders of all abilities, both those from the therapeutic program and those from the riding club, rode on the trails or did other fun events in their lesson times during the week. This year, organizers added a family day, with free admission and children’s events. Many summer day campers returned to discover which team won the Camp Challenge trophy.
Supporters from the surrounding communities, including Pony Club and 4H participants, rode the trails raising funds to ensure Sunrise can continue to provide amazing inclusion programs for young people.
Joining the horses on the trails were dog walkers and those who just “walked for the cause” – all of whom brought in pledges. More and more families are facing the challenge of raising children with special needs. Although facilities in the community are improving, it is still a struggle for many parents who want to promote a healthy lifestyle and also find recreational programs that meet the needs of their children. The qualified staff at Sunrise help meet that need.
Sunrise offers a Little Breeches Club for children aged 4 to 7 of all abilities, two summer day camps (one for 5- to 7-year-olds and one for 8 years to teenage-plus) and a year round recreational and therapeutic riding program.
“Ordinary horses doing extraordinary things” has become the motto for Sunrise officials. They say Sunrise horses “weave a little bit of magic into the lives of our young people.
“They have a positive impact in a child’s development that is never forgotten.”
