Sunrise Farms in Kankakee

We are in the Year or the Horse according to the Chinese Zodiac, and just like in the races, we’re OFF!

I recently had the chance to do some horsin’ around at Sunrise Farms and was amazed at everything they do! Operated by Karen Hemza since 1992, Sunrise Farms is an equestrian facility just outside of Aroma Park in Saint Anne and is home to over 25 horses, a rescue donkey named Selena, a rescue goat named TG, a couple pups, and so many barn kitties.

They do it all at Sunrise: horse boarding and training, riding lessons, and horse shows. They also run a non-profit, volunteer-based therapeutic riding program and animal rescue.

Sunrise’s therapeutic riding program is facilitated by volunteers and has been providing hands-on animal interaction and riding therapy for children and adults with special needs for over 30 years. The multitude of benefits that equine assisted therapy provides include improved emotional regulation, enhanced motor skills, and increased confidence. And the loving bond the students develop with their horses is irreplaceable.

Sunrise’s animal rescue program has also been helping animals in need for over 30 years. While the large majority of rescues they see are cats, the love certainly does not stop there! Along with their donkey and goat residents, they recently took in a horse that was found abandoned with a broken knee. With his injury he is in need of immediate medical care and sadly will not be able to be ridden again. Sunrise is keeping him safe and cared for, for the time being, but they are hoping to find him a loving and forever home as a companion animal.

As one would imagine, running a volunteer therapy and animal rescue program requires a huge amount of support. There are never-ending costs to be able to shelter, feed, and provide medical care for the animals. The therapy program is in need of rider sponsorships, as well as a couple new therapy horses. If you are interested in volunteering support or donating to help continue their programs:

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Sunrise Farms

Donations are always appreciated and if you know of any well-trained, quiet horses suitable for therapy that are in need of a home, please let Karen know.

Horse Shows

Would you love to visit and learn more about what they do at Sunrise? Well you are in luck! Sunrise’s has several horse shows this year that are open to the public!

• May 31

• June 28

• August 2

• September 27

The shows are on Sundays, typically from 8am to 4pm. Add these dates to your calendar so you come out to see the farm and do some horsin’ around yourself!