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OUR MISSION

SonRise Equestrian Foundation is a non-profit organization guided by Christian-based values dedicated to improving the lives of children with special needs through therapeutic horse and ranch activities.

Where Kids and Horses Thrive

While SonRise is not a religious organization, our program is based on Christian morals and values.  We do not require our volunteers or participants to believe in those core values, but we expect that they will respect them.  Faith at SonRise is lived not preached. Because the Board of Directors, Staff, and Instructors believe in God and the saving grace of His Son Jesus Christ, it is our greatest desire to serve God by the demonstration of our faith through action. It is our highest honor to serve children and families of all backgrounds. No participant is ever denied our services based on religious or ethnic basis. We welcome any child with special needs up to 18 years old.

THE HEART OF SONRISE

​WHAT WE ARE ALL ABOUT

CREATING

CONNECTIONS

BUILDING

COMMUNITY

ENCOURAGING

GROWTH

BRINGING

COMFORT

WHO WE SERVE

SonRise serves a broad spectrum of special needs. Some children will always require assistance while riding, while others will develop higher levels of horsemanship.

Some Examples:

​

ADD/ ADHD

Cancer

Down Syndrome

Muscular Dystrophy

Autism

Cerebral Palsy

Epilepsy

Scoliosis

Bipolar Disorder

Cystic Fibrosis

​

And More.....

Family Struggles

Spinal Cord Injuries

Blindness

Depression

Learning Disabilities

Tourette Syndrome

Brain Injury

Developmental Delays

Multiple Sclerosis

Youth “At-Risk”

Regardless of individual needs, each child finds a loving and accepting community through SonRise. Whatever the challenge, our mission is to help these children thrive through the benefits of our therapeutic horsemanship programs.
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WHERE IT ALL
STARTED

SonRise Equestrian Foundation was founded in December 2005 by Melanie Buerke Bartoletti.

SonRise offers four weekly programs free of charge to children with special needs, up to 18 years old.

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OUR

PROGRAMS

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WHY HORSES?

As prey animals with a herd instinct, horses have a unique ability to provide feedback to body language and emotions. They identify and respond to leadership and authority, and offer a non-judgmental and forgiving relationship.

Physical Benefits

  • Fine & Gross Motor Skills

  • Balance & Coordination

  • Posture & Body Awareness

  • Muscle Development

  • Range of Motion

  • Flexibility

Cognitive Benefits

  • Self Control

  • Sequential Learning

  • Verbal Skills

  • Following Directions

  • Focus & Attention Span

  • Sensory Integration

  • Visual, Auditory, and Kinesthetic

  • Problem solving

Social Benefits

  • Collaboration & Teamwork

  • Communication

  • Relationships & Solidarity With Peers

  • Positive Role Models

  • Respect & Manners

  • Fun!

Psychological Benefits

  • Confidence

  • Trust

  • Impulse Control

  • Boundaries

  • Work Ethic

  • Personal Responsibility

  • Leadership

  • Empathy

  • Patience

  • Stress Reduction

THE BENEFITS

INTERESTED IN DONATING YOUR HORSE?

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THE TEAM

Meet the 2 and 4-legged family members of SonRise!
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