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

Wish List

SunCatcher Therapeutic Riding Academy is funded primarily from donations, fundraising events, grants and corporate gifts. We charge a modest fee for service, which does not begin to cover our costs. We must rely on the generosity of donors to help defray the cost of our therapeutic program ­ donations of time, equipment and money are greatly appreciated (and tax deductible!).

Volunteers are needed to assist with side walking, lead lining, instructing, grooming/tacking, fundraising and grant writing. Volunteer professional consultants are being sought in various fields.

Volunteers are always welcome!

If you are interested in volunteering please contact us at: SunCatcherTRA@aol.com

If you would like to donate equipment or money contact us at:

SunCatcher Therapeutic Riding Academy, Inc.
P.O. Box 3975
Rapid City, SD 57709-3975
(605) 673-2935

Things We Need...

Network-capable Computers, Pentium, Win "98/2000, & Compatible LapTop -- w/Word, Excel, PowerPoint…Adapter for Laptop to enable use of Overhead Projector … & Color Ink-jet/Laser Printer…

TV/VCR…Unit… --- Video Camera ­ Digital…&/or regular…

PA System ­ Portable --- & Wireless, Portable FM Instructor System…

Software: "Illustrator" or "Photo Shop" (full editions)

Good ol’ Boy Gelding(s) ­ Sound ­ 13 to 15 hands ­ (10 yrs to 15 yrs - +/-), Kid-broke-gentle ­ unflappable ­ and/or Semi-Retired Show Horse -- (&/or Pony) donated or leased to Program…

Driving Harness(s) for large pony/horse… (extra set lines…)

Dressage Saddle(s) or All Purpose Saddle(s) ­ 16" to 17" ­ or Child’s English Saddles ­ 12" to 15" -- Med, Wide Bars ­ Synthetic preferred… (also English pony saddle)

Western Saddle(s) ­ 13" to 16" ­ semi-bars/full-bars ­ synthetic preferred… (also pony/leadline saddle)

Natural Ride Pad(s) ­ Western or English ­ Suede or Saxony (http://www.freedomrider.com/)

El Companero BackRider Buddy with Therapeutic Bareback Pad (http://www.elcompanero.com/)

Extra Light Gel Western or English Saddle Pad(s) (protective to old equines’ backs!)

Sheepskin Seat Covers or any other cushioned or gel seat covers ­ English or Western

Safety Stirrups (Peacock Engl or Taps/Hooded Western) -- Various Adapted Reins --

Helmets ­ must be ASTM-Approved

Of course, Good, Clean Horse Hay! Sweet Feed Senior Horse Feed Vit-Min Supplement Glucosomine Horse Treats

Vaccinations, Wormer, General Vet /1st Aid Supplies, Shoes, Nails, Fly Repellent, Fly Masks, Shampoo, Child-size Brushes (w/backstrap), etc….

Office & Classroom Supplies ­ Ink-jet paper, Ink-jet cartridges, Envelopes, Staples, Scotch Tape, File Folders, Postage, Pens, Crayons, Paste, Construction Paper, etc…

Arena Equip ­ Colored Cones, Colored Markers, Sensa-Rings & Tactile Rings, Balls, Beepers, Tones, Felt Board, Felt, Hoops, Batons, etc…..

Quilt to Raffle…. -- Other gifts to Auction off….

Landscaping Materials ­ edging, fabric, mulch, Plants….

Volunteers! Volunteers!! Volunteers!!!

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