Welcome
Sonshine Equine facilitates healing of body, mind and soul with horses.
"Where the LOVE of CHRIST Shines"
Support our Mission
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and improve conditions. Your generous donation will fund our mission.
Lessons-Meet and Greet
Lessons
Lessons are for anyone from age 5 years and older. The lessons are around 45 minutes long and are scheduled by appointment only. We teach all of our riders horsemanship which include grooming, saddling and riding. At this time we are scheduling lessons on Tuesday, Friday and Saturdays. We do recommend pony rides to those who are under the age of 5 years old.
We offer times during the week for groups to come out and learn horsemanship and to spend time with the horses.
Sonshine has a community service program for individuals to receive hours for school. Community service is a wonderful way to teach our children about volunteering and giving to the community.
Meet and Greet
The meet and greet is designed for you to meet the horses and staff. This is an opportunity for you to see if our program is the right fit for your family. Meet and greet are scheduled on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday's. Call to schedule your appointment.
Welcome to Sonshine Equine
Sonshine Equine Horsemanship and Therapeutic Riding Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) teaching center located in Sussex County Delaware. Its faith-based orientation promotes a caring and loving environment necessary for healing for the children and adults in our community.
The mission of Sonshine Equine is to help facilitate the healing of body, mind and soul though professionally designed and structured Equine Assisted Activities. Equine Assisted Activity Therapy (EAAT) is a therapeutic activity that positively effects the cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being of the participants whether or not they have special needs. Therapeutic riding provides benefits in the areas of health, education, sport and recreation & leisure.
A disability does not have to limit a person from riding horses as the rhythmic motion of a horse's gait can be very therapeutic. Horseback riding moves the rider's body in a manner similar to a human gait. Even riders with physical disabilities show improvement in flexibility, balance and muscle strength. In addition to the physical and mental therapeutic benefits, horseback riding also provides recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities allowing them to enjoy the outdoor activity.
The facility uses certified Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) instructors as well as utilizes methods of therapy nationally recognized for all individuals including those with physical, emotional or cognitive challenges. Our staff and volunteers are professionally trained so they can ensure safe equestrian activities.
At our center, we individually design a teaching profile for each rider or non-rider that addresses the specific needs and goals of each person.
Here are a few benefits of Equine Therapy
- Builds assertiveness/problem solving, Develops empathy/compassion,Increases emotional awareness, understanding and stability, Enables people to pick up social cues, Teaches tolerance and patience, Encourages self-regard/self-respect, Demands muscle flexibility and strength, Improves fine and gross motor skills including balance and endurance, Reduces stress/anxiety, Body awareness, Coordination
- Animals create special relationships with humans and this is especially true with horses. The nonverbal communication between a human and horse strengthens the emotional bond that is shared. Therefore, words aren’t needed for human and horse to be perfectly in tune with each other emotions and the relationship between them creates a love and understanding that is often indescribable.
Why Horses?
The goal of equine therapy is to aid in the healing process. When it comes to a horse's mindset, you have done nothing wrong and have no past problems that are relevant today. Horses see us as valuable, trustworthy and comforting.
The simple act of taking care of a horse or even petting a horse has a deep and calming effect on your mind and body. You do not need to ride a horse to benefit from equine therapy.
There is something special about caring for another living creature. It is something that needs to be experienced to understand.
Non riding activities
We also offer non riding activities for anyone interested in learning to care for a horse on the ground. Those activities may include grooming and bonding with the horses.
Donations and Scholarships
Sonshine Equine relies primarily on private donations in order to provide scholarships to those who would not otherwise be able to participate. You can make a donation by clicking on the link above, going to Facebook and click on donate now or send via mail.
Winter Break
We are closed for Winter Break January and February 2021. We are busy working on improvements to serve you better. We are also planning our 2021 calendar and we are excited to add a couple of new horsey features. We can not wait to share these with you soon!
Lesson, Horse Camp and Pony Rides
Lessons
Lessons are scheduled on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays by appointment. The lessons are 45 minutes where each person will learn horsemanship. That includes handling, grooming, tacking and riding a horse if the person is able.
Horse camp
We offer horse camp in July and August. The camp dates will be listed soon.
Pony Rides
New This Year
We are offering pony rides on Saturdays from 2:00pm until 4:00pm.
THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Thank you to all that have donated and continue to support Sonshine Equine. We have received riding helmets, saddles, barn equipment and financial donations. You are all a true blessing!
FINANCIAL DONATIONS
Your financial donations allow us to set up scholarships to sponsor a adult or child to ride for free. You can also sponsor a horse with your donation.
FAQs
if I want to sponsor a child to ride how does that work? We offer a 5 week Riding session. The sponsored rider will come 1 day a week for 5 weeks to learn about horses and ride if that is their goal.
If I know a child that you think would benefit from coming to Sonshine Equine, can I sponsor them? of course, with the parent or legal guardians consent.
Can I bring a group of people to meet and learn about the horses? Yes, we have groups that come and enjoy the experience of being around horse. We are open to school field trips, private groups, church groups, business, or any group that wants to learn horsemanship.
Do you teach adults to ride? Yes, we teach to all ages and abilities.
About Us
The mission of Sonshine Equine is to enhance the development and quality of life for children with everyday challenges using Equine Assisted Therapy. We focus on providing skill based instruction in a safe, nurturing and loving environment.
"Horses mend hearts and souls.
Jan Baldt and Dr. Christopher Baldt are the founders of Sonshine Equine. Jan is a Delaware native and has been teaching in children’s ministry at High Tide Church for 15 years. She has over 20 years of riding and horsemanship experience. She has owned an operated the daily responsibilities of a barn that offered horse boarding, riding pro
Jan Baldt and Dr. Christopher Baldt are the founders of Sonshine Equine. Jan is a Delaware native and has been teaching in children’s ministry at High Tide Church for 15 years. She has over 20 years of riding and horsemanship experience. She has owned an operated the daily responsibilities of a barn that offered horse boarding, riding programs, camps, pasture management and equine nutrition. Jan is a Certified PATH Instructor and teaches Equine Assisted Therapy and Riding.
Dr. Baldt is a local Human, dog and Equine Chiropractor who has been in private practice for over 30 years and is involved in our mission at Sonshine Equine. He treats humans and dogs in his practice in Long Neck, De. You can find more information by going to www.drbaldt.com
Come meet our miniature donkeys at Sonshine Equine...Wilma and Pebbles. Wilma is the mother and Pebbles is the daughter. Some days Pebbles thinks she is the boss! They love horse cookies and getting groomed or any attention they can get. They will put a huge smile on your face and give you tons of love.