Arkansas-Based Couple Looks to Help Children in Need
- J.C. Powell
- Apr 20, 2025
- 2 min read
The Summerlins, owners of Sunshine Therapeutic Riding Center, started with a dream near the end of 2019 which involved the opening of a hippotherapy-based facility.
Most commonly known as Equine Therapy, Hippotherapy involves a treatment strategy used by physical, occupational, and speech therapists that utilizes the unique movement of a horse to aid patients in improving physical and mental functions.
Located just outside the city of Hot Springs, Arkansas, the center mostly focuses on therapeutic techniques geared toward helping children with Down Syndrome or those with Autism. However, the facility’s clientele also includes those that do not fit into either of the aforementioned categories.
Now open for five years, the center is expanding every day. However, with the increase in patients also comes the increased need for volunteers, financial support, and the spread of information about the great work that the center is doing.
On Saturday, April 12th, the Riding Center held a free Easter egg hunt in order to show appreciation to the community they love and to honor the late Mr. Fred Hawthorn, a huge supporter of the work that Sunshine is doing.
Photos by Lauren Bean
Other therapeutic facilities were invited to set up information tents so that they, too, could use the gathering as a way to spread the word about the wonderful work they do as well. The event included numerous fun events for children and adults alike. Besides the egg hunt, there was face painting, games of cornhole, cupcake making, hayrides, clowns making balloon animals as well as food and drink for all.
Deputies from the Sheriff department were present, as were volunteers from the ROTC. And of course, no Easter gathering would be complete without the Easter Bunny, who was present, bringing smiles to the faces of everyone in attendance.
With professional therapists guiding each session, beautifully maintained facilities, and expertly trained horses, the center’s dream project at the moment is to raise the funds in order to build a permanent cover over the area used for the therapy sessions. This is a great priority that would allow the much-needed Hippotherapy to take place rain or shine.
In order to get involved or for further information, please contact
Sunshine Therapeutic Riding Center
501-762-3157
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