Hippotherapy literally means “treatment with the help of a horse.”  It is a horse assisted treatment strategy used by a physical, occupational, or speech therapist.  During treatment sessions the horse influences the child rather than the child controlling the horse.  This treatment approach is used to achieve goals such as improving the child’s posture, balance, mobility, and overall function.  Prospective client diagnosis  include those but not limited to:

Autism Spectrum Disorders
Learning impairments such as ADD
Sensory Integrative Dysfunction
Cerebral Palsy
Multiple Sclerosis
Stroke
Traumatic Brain Injury
Parkinson’s Disease
Down Syndrome
Spina Bifida
Hydrocephalus
Head Injuries/Neuro Impairments
Language Delays
Development Delays
Hearing Impairment
Orthopedic conditions
High-Risk Infants
Congenital/Genetic Disorders
Sensory Motor Problems
Extremity Paralysis or Amputation

Hippotherapy - Sonrise Camp has a dynamic hippotherapy program that provides therapy to children with physical and/or cognitive disabilities in the Northeast Georgia area. 

Therapeutic Riding - Each therapeutic riding client's weekly lesson includes both riding and care of the horse, so a relationship can develop between the person and the animal.

Hippotherapy sessions are designed by the OT or Speech Therapist on duty. All activities are closely supervised by trained instructors and assistants. Rebekah Vandyke is our NARHA Certified Riding Instructor and Janice Gardner is certified to teach horsemanship with the Christian Camp Horsemanship International organization.   Teaching methods, safety standards, and all other aspects of the program are guided by the principles of the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA).  Sonrise Camp, Inc. is a NARHA Premier Accredited Center.

Amber Gilbert is an occupational therapist who is fulfilling a life long dream by providing hippotherapy to children at Sonrise.  She is a graduate of Brenau University with her Masters in Science.  Amber is a registered therapist and a certified riding instructor with the North American Riding for the Handicap Association.

Diane Brower, M.Ed., CCC/SLP Executive Director of the Northeast Georgia Speech Center, is also providing speech therapy with our horses at Sonrise Camp.  She is certified with the American Hippotherapy Association.

The fee for our therapeutic riding/hippotherapy lessons is $30 per week and may be paid at each visit or monthly which is due in advance.  You have the option to purchase a personal helmet and a polo shirt with our Sonrise Equestrians logo with a fee of $75.00.

You may call the camp office 678 450-6905 to schedule a session or to ask any questions. 

My riding experiences by Ashley Laverdiere

     I am 10 years old and I have CP.  My legs are very stiff and I sometimes have trouble getting my right foot flat when I walk.  I started horse riding lessons with Ms. Amber and Ms. Rebekah this summer and in just 2 weeks it is easier for me to walk.  I've become stronger and so have my muscles.  It's amazing!!!!!  I love animals so I am so excited to get to spend time with my horse Thunder.  Thunder has really bonded with me; now we are inseparable.  I plan on being a vet so I'm not only making my muscles stronger but I'm also starting to understand exactly how horses work.  Someday I will have a therapeutic horse like Thunder.

For more information please contact Janice Gardner at 678-450-6905.