SunCatcher Therapeutic Riding Academy
Our
Story
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 Physicians form as well as the Participant Application! We look forward to working with you here at SunCatcher!
Special Olympic Equestrian Sessions
These unique 1 hour sessions take therapeutic horsemanship to a competitive level through South Dakota Special Olympics! Our SDSO participants 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!
Equine-Assisted Learning & Mental Health Sessions
These sessions are 4 concurrent weekly sessions 60-90 minutes in length and can accommodate up to 5 group participants and their therapists (for mental health sessions). Session activities and goals vary depending on the individual's goals and abilities.
Cost: $65/session
Equine-Assisted Riding Sessions
These 1 hour sessions may include groundwork and equine education, grooming and tacking, connectivity and confidence-building games; mounted bareback, Western, or English riding; obstacle courses, trail rides and more!
Cost: $65/session
1 session for 4 weeks for maximum benefit!
Groundwork Sessions
These 30 minute sessions focus on Equine Assisted Learning, ideal for those new to horses and those unable to ride due to health concerns. They focus on education, interaction, grooming, and fun groundwork activities with our Horse Hero's!
Cost: $40/session
1 session for 4 weeks for maximum benefit!
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