Our Mission
The Sunshine Therapeutic Riding Center (STRC) is an equine-assisted therapy organization (501(c)3) that strives to improve the lives of individuals of all age groups, including children with disabilities, through the partnership and therapeutic power of horses.
STRC’s goal is to be a premier equine-assisted therapy organization. By utilizing the therapeutic power of horses through equine-assisted therapy services such as hippotherapy, psychotherapy and equine assisted learning programs, we can positively affect the lives and families of people with disabilities and people with mental health needs.
STRC serves Hot Springs, Garland County, and the surrounding areas through partnerships with private therapy service providers KidSource Therapy, TLC Inc (Tiffany Corjay), as well as the public schools (Lake Hamilton Special Education).
Sunshine Therapeutic Riding Center is a 501C3 Arkansas non-profit organization with the federal tax identification number EIN: 84-1747932. All donations are 100% tax-deductible.
Our Story
STRC was founded by Katja Summerlin and her husband, Zach, driven by their desire to provide their son, who has Down syndrome, with access to the transformative healing power of horses. Recognizing the profound impact of equine-assisted therapy, they embraced this mission as their calling, creating a center where individuals of all abilities can experience growth, connection, and empowerment.
Katja and Zach are the parents of Sophia (13) and Aiden (8). In 2011, the Summerlins moved from Switzerland to Hot Springs, where they bought 38 acres on Sunshine Road. The property was ideal for what would eventually become Sunshine Therapeutic Riding Center.
The Need
A recent study revealed that the state of Arkansas ranks number 1 in the country for early childhood trauma. 6 out of 10 children have experienced one or more life altering traumatic event. These numbers emphasize the importance and the need for equine assisted therapy services in Hot Springs.
By partnering with local, well-established therapy centers and their qualified therapists, STRC is the only nonprofit facility in Hot Springs able to offer equine-assisted service such as hippotherapy, equine-assisted psychotherapy, and equine-assisted learning.
How Horses Change Lives
Parents, riders, therapists and volunteers talk about their involvement with STRC and how horses impact their lives.
