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)
2007-2008 Milestones
- Sunrise received National CanTRA Accreditation as a Residential Instructor Training School and Exam Centre
- Sunrise received accreditation through the Ontario Camps Association (OCA)
- Tack Room was enlarged and renovated through the Building Brighter Futures Campaign – Ontario Trillium Foundation grant
- New accessible barn washroom
2010 Developments
- Rotary Children's Nature Project completed
- McDonald's Children's Room completed - Funded by Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada
- Received three-year Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) grant to hire a Child & Youth Recreation Coordinator and purchase marketing material and technical equipment
2011-2014 Program Expansions
- Personal Support Worker program initiated at Camp Sunrise
- Junior Leader Program initiated at Camp Sunrise to provide more support options for campers with moderate special needs
- 25' Extension to Indoor Arena, funding by UPI Energy LP, to accommodate an improved mounting area
- Paddocks reconfigured, and addition shelters added through Rotary Club of Guelph Charitable Foundation grant
2015-2016 Life Skills Program Development
- Life Skills Day Program initiated, funded through Scotiabank (2015-2018)
- Provided a farm and horticulture-based day program for adults with developmental disabilities
- Construction of garden shed, raised garden beds, picnic pavilion and picnic tables
- Extensive upgrades to Butterfly Gardens; initiation of herb and vegetable garden
2017-2020 Recent Developments
- Hosted 35th Anniversary Conference Weekend with 75 delegates from 29 therapeutic riding centres
- First American Hippotherapy Association Level 1 course offered in Canada
- LED lights installed in all buildings for environmental and cost savings
- Successful re-zoning for future residential and respite facility
- Establishment of the Sunrise Therapy Forest
- Arena renovations with new windows, doors, and insulated ceiling through Ontario Trillium Grant