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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
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Denim & Diamonds Benefit Dinner and Auction
May 16, 2009
For tickets and other info, click on Activities & Events at left
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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©
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