I saw a child who couldn’t walk,
sit on a horse, laugh and talk.
Then ride it through a field of daisies
and yet he could not walk unaided.
I saw a child, no legs below,
sit on a horse, and make it go
through woods of green
and places he had never been
to sit and stare,
except from a chair.

I saw a child who could only crawl
mount a horse and sit up tall.
Put it through degrees of paces
and laugh at the wonder in our faces.
I saw a child born into strife.
Take up and hold the reins of life
and that same child was heard to say,
Thank God for showing me the way…

John Anthony Davies

Denim & Diamonds
Benefit Dinner and Auction

May 16, 2009

For tickets and other info, click on
Activities & Events at left

SunCatcher Therapeutic Riding Academy, Inc. is a non-profit organization that utilizes a trained team of horses, instructors and volunteers, working within the framework of a coordinated team of professionals, to carry out its primary mission of providing a comprehensive equine therapy program for children, teens, and adults with disabilities and/or special needs, and disadvantaged children, regardless of race or creed, in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota.

SunCatcher's Horses are Gentle, Experienced, and have been Conditioned to the necessary equipment and commotion associated with this type of Riding Program. The warmth of the horse relaxes tense muscles; riding enables muscle groups to move in a non-resistant manner, consistent with human gaits. At the same time, a unique and special bond is formed between horse and rider.

Participants travel from all over the Black Hills: Scenic, Box Elder, Porcupine, Creighton, Nisland, Newell, Hot Springs, Custer, Sturgis, Deadwood, Spearfish, Piedmont, Pine Ridge, Bison....

Equine Assisted Therapy:

  • Improves Balance, Coordination, Strength and Flexibility
  • Improves and Challenges Cognitive Abilities
  • Enhances Social Interaction and Feelings of Self-Worth
  • Lifts Spirits and Generates Smiles!
  • Frequently Asked Questions

    SunCatcher:

  • Is a Non-Profit South Dakota Corporation with a non-taxable charity (501c3) status with the IRS
  • Is insured with Markel Insurance Company
  • Is a member of NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association), a national organization accrediting therapeutic riding centers and monitoring the quality and safety of the 700 member-centers.
  • Works with certified instructors and licensed therapists, experienced in equine-facilitated therapy
  • Operates three days a week in Rapid City at the Central States Fairground (Bray's Warm Up Arena)
  • Has Special Olympic Equestrian Training Sessions
  • Is working with various facilities in the Black Hills area:

    • Children’s Care Rehab & Development Center

    • Little Miracles, PT/OT

    • Black Hills Workshop

    • Golden Living TBI Center

    • Make a Wish Foundation

    • “Meeting the Need”

    • Dakota Abilities

    • Northern Hills Training Cntr

    • BH Special Services – N & S

    • Lutheran Outdoors Camps

    • BH Family Support

    • Youth & Family Services

    • Borderlands Ranch

    • Special Olympics

    • Dakota Abilities

     

    Has a "No Turn Away" Policy and is funded primarily by Donations & Sponsorships
  • Incorporates Volunteers: Staff & Office Personnel, Instructors, Therapists, Horse-Handlers, Sidewalkers, Barn Chores Persons, Grooms...
  • Beginning our 8th year in service (2008), SunCatcher has the active involvement of local groups and individuals - nearly 100 volunteers working with over 100 participants throughout the Hills in three 10-week sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Help and Items Needed! We rely on the generous support of volunteers, sponsors, grants and donations. Please look at our Wish List.

SunCatcher Therapeutic Riding Academy
P.O. Box 3975
Rapid City, South Dakota 57709
Phone: 605-673-2935
Copyright 2007©