Therapeutic Horseback Riding

SunnyBrook Meadows Therapeutic Riding is a Christ-centered nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities through the healing power of horses.

Located just a short drive from Montgomery, Muncy, and Williamsport, SunnyBrook serves as a beacon of hope for children and adults seeking improved mobility, confidence, and well-being.

Learn About Our Program

Benefits of Therapeutic Riding

At SunnyBrook Meadows, we believe that therapeutic riding is more than just an activity—it’s a pathway to transformative growth and empowerment for individuals with special needs. Here’s how our equine-assisted programs make a positive impact:

  • Improved Physical Strength and Balance

    Riding helps develop core strength and enhance balance by engaging muscle groups in ways that mimic the natural walking gait. This not only improves posture but also assists in overall mobility.

  • Enhanced Communication and Social Skills

    Riders interact with instructors, volunteers, and peers, fostering essential social interactions. This communication helps build relationships and enhances language skills in a supportive setting.

  • Boosted Confidence and Self-Esteem

    Mastering riding skills provides a sense of accomplishment, boosting self-confidence. Participants experience joy and a sense of independence while learning to ride.

  • Cognitive and Emotional Growth

    Therapeutic riding encourages focus, attention, and following directions. It also provides calming sensory input, which can help manage anxiety, stress, and behavioral issues.

  • Holistic Well-Being

    The genuine bond developed between horse and rider promotes emotional healing and provides comfort. Being in a natural, serene environment adds additional psychological and emotional benefits.

Our Clients

We serve a variety of individuals of all ages with all kinds of special needs such as:

  • Speech/Language Delayed

  • Parkinson’s Disease

  • Developmentally Delayed

  • Cerebral Palsy

  • Learning Disabled

  • Paraplegic

  • CVA/Stroke

  • Hearing and Vision Impaired

  • Down and Williams Syndromes

  • Attention Deficit Disorder

  • Intellectual Disability

  • Autism

  • Multiple Sclerosis

  • Hyperactivity

  • Amputee

  • Head Trauma Injuries

  • Muscular Dystrophy

  • Spina Bifida

Testimonials

See What Others Are Saying

Parents of Joann Stopper

As long as I can remember, Joann has loved horses. She would look at horse pictures for hours, watch horse movies, and play with her toy horses. When we heard about therapeutic horseback riding four years ago, we decided to... [Read More]

Parents of Daniela Brandt

Daniela, age 19, has a severe auditory processing disorder. She is mentally challenged and has a multitude of learning needs. Daniela, through the suggestion of her occupational therapist, started horseback riding seven years ago. It was Daniela’s occupational therapist who... [Read More]

Johanna Schoeneck

Special Olympics has had a tremendous impact on my life. I have multiple disorders including: Tourette’s Syndrome, severe ADHD, obsessive compulsive disorder and learning disabilities. I also have some physical complications such as scoliosis, a small and weak chest and... [Read More]

Lee and Dorothy Zimmerman

Olivia's Parents

Olivia has been a rider with SunnyBrook Meadows for just over a year. When we drive over Route 15, Olivia knows exactly where she is and recognizes the driveway to SunnyBrook Meadows! Her bouncing in the car and clapping hands... [Read More]