Sunrise Center North Therapeutic Riding Program
Minooka, Illinois
Sunrise Center North Therapeutic Riding Program, also called Sunrise North, is a therapeutic riding program based at the Ellis House Equestrian Center in Minooka, Illinois. Its website lists therapeutic riding for people of all ages with special needs, a free program for disabled veterans, leadline lessons for young children, and a class for adults 55 and up.
- Special needs therapeutic horseback riding (private and semi-private)
- Horses for Heroes equine therapy for disabled veterans, at no charge
- Leadline lessons for ages 2 to 7
- Seniors in Saddles for adults 55 and up
- Grundy County Fair riding competition
- Special Olympics participation
- Children and adults with special needs
- Disabled veterans, including those with physical limitations, brain trauma or PTSD
- Young children ages 2 to 7
- Seniors age 55 and up
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, the original Sunrise Center program began in 1997 in St. Anne, Illinois. Sunrise Center North opened in Coal City in late 2006 as a second location and moved to Ellis House Equestrian Center in Minooka in 2015.
The program says it serves 20 to 40 riders with special needs each year, with lesson plans built around each rider's goals. It says its instructors are certified and operate under PATH Intl.
Lessons and Fees
As listed on its website, special needs riding is $360 private or $330 semi-private for a six-week package. Leadline lessons are $210 and Seniors in Saddles is $240 for six weeks. Horses for Heroes, which serves disabled veterans of all ages, is listed at no charge.
Riders and volunteers complete forms posted on the program's website. A regional 211 directory notes that a doctor's note may be required.
Location
Lessons take place at Ellis House Equestrian Center, 13986 McKanna Rd., Minooka, IL 60447, where the Kendall County Forest Preserve District lists the program. The program's website says riders come from Will, Grundy, Kendall and DuPage counties.
From public records, not yet reviewed by the center · Last updated Oct 2026 Suggest an edit
Common Questions
Answered from the center’s own website and public records.
How do I sign up for lessons?
The program posts rider forms on its website. Call 815-260-5628 or email SunriseNorth@comcast.net to ask about openings.
How much do lessons cost?
As listed on its website, six-week packages are $360 private or $330 semi-private for special needs riding, $210 for leadline and $240 for Seniors in Saddles. Horses for Heroes is free for disabled veterans.
Is there a program for veterans?
Yes. Horses for Heroes offers equine therapy for disabled veterans of all ages at no charge, according to the program. See our guide to equine therapy for veterans.
What ages can ride?
Special needs riding is open to all ages, leadline lessons are for children 2 to 7, and Seniors in Saddles is for adults 55 and up.
Location
Minooka, Illinois 60447
Questions to Ask When You Call
The center is the best source for these answers.
- Are you running now, and taking new riders?Start here. We couldn’t confirm a current schedule.
- Which ages and needs do you work with?Ask about experience with your rider’s specific condition.
- Is a licensed PT, OT or speech therapist involved?Therapist-led hippotherapy is usually the only kind insurance may cover.
- What does a session cost, and are there scholarships?Many nonprofit programs offer sliding scales or sponsored spots.
- Do you have a mounting ramp or lift?Important for riders who use a wheelchair or need help mounting.