Sonshine center provides therapy through horses

A 7-year-old girl's fundraising effort has given a local riding center a welcome financial boost.

“Her little heart is so big, she decided to do a fundraiser,” said Jan Baldt, owner and operator of Sonshine Equine Horsemanship and Therapeutic Riding Center.

Over the winter months, Kendall West raised $400, an amount Baldt said will help fund the center and costs associated with its three horses, two ponies, one miniature horse and two donkeys.

The facility provides riding lessons specializing in therapeutic treatment for riders with emotional or physical special needs.

“I don't like to make a distinction, because anyone knows how therapeutic riding can be,” Baldt said.

Volunteers are at the core of running the operation, and a volunteer training session is planned from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 6, at the center off Route 24 across from Harris Teeter.

Lessons will begin Tuesday, March 16, for anyone age 5 and older. Riders learn about grooming, saddling and riding during each 45-minute lesson. There are also non-riding activities for students who want to learn how to care for a horse on the ground, Baldt said.

“We work on achieving goals. It could mean just getting on a horse and working on handling anxiety,” she said. “We do it in a loving environment.”

Riding camps are held throughout the summer starting June 29 and running through Aug. 19.

For children looking for a first-time experience, pony rides are offered for ages 5 and younger; the cost is 15 minutes for $15.

An open house is planned for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, May 1, at the center, 31688 Yeshua Lane, Millsboro.

For more information about lessons, camp and pony rides, call Baldt at 302-858-1275.