SunCatcher Therapeutic Riding Academy
Helping Horses Help People
Since 2001, Suncatcher Therapeutic Riding Academy has been helping horses help people through therapeutic horsemanship in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Currently located near the Rapid City Regional Airport, we strive to contribute to the quality of life in our community by building connection, belonging and possibilities using the healing power of horses
2026 Sessions
If you are interested in participating in 2026 sessions, please fill out the Participant application and Physicians form.
Session Times:
Session 1: May 25th to July 10th
Session 2: July 13th to August 28th
Session 3: September 7th to October 16th
Application Due Dates
Session 1: May 8th
Session 2: June 26th
Session 3: August 14th
Special Olympic Equestrian Practice
These unique 2 hour sessions take Adaptive Riding to a competitive level through South Dakota Special Olympics! Our SDSO Athletes learn Western Showmanship Skills in Halter Class, Trail Class, Working Equitation, and Barrel Racing. Participants must be ages 8 and up and qualify for Special Olympics.
Please see the SDSO website for qualifications and to register!
Hippotherapy
Sessions range from 30-45 minutes and are one-on-one with Maci Ploeger, OTD, OTR/L. Licensed OT’s use evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning in the purposeful manipulation of the horse’s movement as a therapy tool in combination with other treatment strategies to engage the sensory, neuromotor and cognitive systems to promote functional outcomes for patients. Sessions run every other week June-August. OT participants must have a doctor's referral for OT.
Cost: Session fee set by Occupational Therapist
Adaptive Riding Lessons
Our Adaptive Riding Lessons focus on basic Equine Horsemanship with a therapeutic emphasis. Participants develop their social skills, confidence, and self-esteem, as well as focusing on body awareness and stability.
Cost: $65/Lesson
Walk with Horses
These 1-hour lessons focus on Equine Assisted Learning on the ground, ideal for those new to horses. These lessons encourage confidence, self-esteem, and boundaries for participants. They focus on education, interaction, grooming, and activities with our Horse Heroes!
Cost: $40/lesson