Mission Statement

A non-profit organization, SunCatcher Therapeutic Riding Academy, Inc. 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.

About the SunCatcher Program...

SunCatcher Therapeutic Riding Academy is a non-profit organization providing therapeutic riding services to people with disabilities. We are a NARHA member and adhere to their national guidelines for quality therapeutic riding services. A physician’s referral and/or appropriate release agreements are required. Frequently Asked Questions

During this year we’ll be providing sessions at The Barn and the Central States Fairgrounds in Rapid City and a mobile unit going to Northern and Southern Satellites.  Our horses are gentle, well trained, experienced and have been conditioned to the necessary equipment and commotion associated with this type of riding program. Experienced instructors and trained volunteers are dedicated to making this a safe, educational and joyous experience for every rider.

A Little bit of History...

Setting up a Therapeutic Riding Center is a dream we have had for many years.  We love working with horses and appreciate the amazing ability they have of reaching and helping people.   Testimony after testimony of miraculous physical and emotional healing due to the calm, understanding presence of the horse, fill the media.  In our own lives, we had experienced bits of that magic and dreamed to share that with others.  As we began to put SunCatcher together, we began to experience many small miracles and divine interventions.  All of the right people, with all of the right experiences and abilities, came together at just the right time to build this dream.

Therapeutic riding began in Europe over 50 years ago with a spark of intuitive wisdom with a small group of enthusiastic equestrians who had vision, as well as compassion. Over several decades, therapeutic riding has grown from a backyard experiment to an established treatment method that is recognized by medical, psychiatric and social service professionals worldwide. In the US, quality of programming and accreditation for over 400 centers is monitored by NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association), a non-profit service organization dedicated to promoting therapeutic riding. Visit www.narha.org for more information on therapeutic riding.

SunCatcher by David Purtill

Please help me get up on the horse; See, I have some trouble walking. The horse knows what I really need Though I'm not too good at talking. Sometimes you don't know what I'm saying Though I try to make it plain, But the horse can always hear me And he understands my pain. There's a steady rocking rhythm As we walk around the ring Of the horse and me there with him Deep inside I start to sing. In my legs I feel him moving With a gentle, rolling gait; I can feel my body stretching out Look Mom, I can sit up straight!

Many people think I'm different To the world I look that way. Here inside I'm just like anyone; I love to laugh and play. There's so much I want to tell you But I just can't get it out. Sometimes I feel like screaming Many times I want to shout! But there's one who gets the meaning That I just can't quite express- Who I am and how I'm feeling And my hope for happiness. To you, this may seem a small thing, But sometimes so much depends On the meaning, above all things, Of a long walk with a friend.