1982 Sunrise founded
• Started with 5 riders and 3 horses
• Guelph/Cambridge/Kitchener chapter of the national association, Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA)
• Rented facilities for 14 years, and operated seasonally/weather dependent (six different locations, with most moves necessitated by program growth, before the present farm)
1990 Camp Sunrise initiated
• Inclusive summer riding day camp program, for children of all abilities
1996 A permanent farm home purchased
• Facility had indoor riding arena, enabling Sunrise to move to year-round operation
• Located in Puslinch, just 15 minutes from Guelph and Cambridge
1996 to 2000 Extensive improvements made to property for accessibility and safety
• Funded by individuals, corporations and the Ontario Trillium Foundation
• Renovations included creating tack room, viewing lounge / meeting room upstairs and accessible washrooms. Also, improvements to fencing, shelters, etc.
2001 Drive shed renovated into Children’s Activity Room and offices
2001 Therapeutic Riding Instructor Training Program initiated
• Only Canadian residential training school
• Student Instructors train at Sunrise from across Canada and around the world
2002 “Little Breeches’ initiated
• Introduction to horses for 4- to 7-year-old children (integrated)
2006 “Building Brighter Futures” Development Campaign was launched
• This campaign provided a swimming pool, Marguerite’s Farm Discovery Camp Centre, and Accessible Adventure Playground
• Farm Discovery Day Camp initiated for younger children (5-8 years)
2007 Sunrise received National CanTRA Accreditation as a Residential Instructor Training School and Exam Centre.
2007 Sunrise received accreditation through the Ontario Camps Association (OCA)
2008 Stable Renovations
• Tack Room was enlarged and renovated through the Building Brighter Futures Campaign – Ontario Trillium Foundation grant.
• New accessible barn washroom.
2010 Rotary Children’s Nature Project completed
2010 McDonald’s Children’s Room completed
• Funded by Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada
2010 Received three-year Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) grant.
• Hired a Child & Youth Recreation Coordinator and purchased marketing material and technical equipment.
2011 Personal Support Worker program initiated at Camp Sunrise
2014 Junior Leader Program initiated at Camp Sunrise
• To provide more support options for campers with moderate special needs.
2014 Extensive Property Renovations
• 25’ Extension to Indoor Arena, funding by UPI Energy LP, to accommodate an improved mounting area, funded by an Ontario Trillium Foundation grant.
• Paddocks reconfigured, and addition shelters added, through a grant from the Rotary Club of Guelph Charitable Foundation to improve pasture rotation and reduce hay dependency.
2015 Life Skills Day Program initiated
• Funded through a grant from Scotiabank (2015-2018)
• Provided a farm and horticulture-based day program for adults with developmental disabilities.
• Program expanded in 2016
2016 Property Upgrades through private donor
• Construction of a garden shed, raised garden beds, picnic pavilion and picnic tables
• Extensive upgrades to Butterfly Gardens; initiation of herb and vegetable garden by Life Skills Program
2017 Conference and Clinics Offered
• Hosted Sunrise 35th Anniversary Conference Weekend, with 75 delegates representing 29 therapeutic riding centres across 6 provinces attending
• Eleven delegates completed the first American Hippotherapy Association (AHA) Level 1 (Hippotherapy) course to be offered in Canada.
2018 LED lights installed in all buildings
• Implementing an important environmental and cost-saving measure.
2019 Successful re-zoning of the existing agricultural property
• Agricultural/residential which will permit construction of a future residential and respite facility for adults with special needs.
2019 The Sunrise Therapy Forest was established
• For future programming and environmental projects
• A place to honour and remember loved ones through the planting of a tree or the naming of a bench.
2020 Arena renovations
• Made possible through a successful Ontario Trillium Grant
• New windows and doors as well as an insulated ceiling to improve arena sound proofing and temperature control.