SunCatcher Therapeutic Riding Academy

12/09/2025

These pictures may be a little scary, but Ta'te is doing great since surgery and we are hopeful he will continue to adjust so he can be back in sessions next summer!

A special thank you to Driftwood Vet for helping us "watch" this eye for the last couple years, and giving us all the information we needed to make this best choice for Ta'te! As Dr. Shutter reports, the cancerous tumor was much larger than we could see, and Ta'te is already so much more comfortable!

And thank you to ALL of our Horse Sponsors!!! When you sponsor one of our horses, the funds go into our "emergency" (or in this case "needed surgery") fund, and allows us the finances to make the best choices for our therapeutic herd, without being stressed about how to pay for it!

This surgery will deplete this emergency fund considerably-- if you would love to sponsor one of our horses, you can do so here: https://givebutter.com/SunCatcherHorses and click on any horse you would like to sponsor!
We will ask for your address so we can send you (or someone you love that loves horses!) a thank you and gift from your sponsored horse!
Big or small-- every gift helps!!!

12/03/2025

Chili Cook-off and Day of Giving Results!!! $2161 donated -- THANK YOU!!!!

First Place CHILI: Moose Lodge 1137 Rapid City/Chapter 1221
Second Place Chili: Bill Dennert and Tammy Dennert

First Place SOUP: Moose Lodge 1137 Rapid City/Chapter 1221 😁
Second Place Soup: Theresa, Natalie, & Dana Mellegard

BEST DISPLAY!!! Theresa, Natalie & Dana Mellegard!!!
Second Place Display-- Moose Lodge
We had 8 chilis, 3 soups, and 50+ desserts for our silent auction!

Save the Date for next year-- December 1, 2026

12/02/2025

12/02/2025

When it’s too rainy, hot, cold, or windy— sessions move inside! Darcy and Babe both appreciate the indoor options!

12/02/2025

Sometimes the task looks simple— but so many moving parts!

Lead your horse.
Stop your horse before his legs cross the poles.
Correct his feet.
Are you still in the correct “showmanship” position?
Situational, personal, and others awareness are huge parts of therapeutic horsemanship and Alyssa and Dutch did an amazing job at it this summer!

12/02/2025

On this wonderful Day of Giving, we give thanks to all who have made SunCatcher HAPPEN for the last 24 years! 🐴🌻🐴🌻

From the original founders and board members, the thousand+ volunteers, all who financially supported this amazing program through the years-- THANK YOU!

To our current Board of Directors, volunteers who show up in the rain, heat, snow, and wind (SO MUCH WIND), and our staff-- THANK YOU! 🥰

We could not do what we do without YOU, and we thank you for sharing your time, talent, and treasure with us.

We will be sharing some pictures, videos, and facts throughout the rest of the day, and hope to see YOU at our Chili Cook-off 🌶️🍲🍰 and Dessert Auction tonight at the Moose Lodge 1137 Rapid City/Chapter 1221.

If you would like to financially support SunCatcher as we move into our 25th year, please click this link to do: https://givebutter.com/SunCatcher
You can also visit our webpage, or donate via Thrivent.

THANK YOU FOR HELPING US HELP HORSES HELP PEOPLE IN THE BLACK HILLS!

12/01/2025

Contest time!!!
"Like" and Share this post and get entered in to win 2 SunCatcher tshirst and homemade "Cowgirl Caramels" to be delivered or mailed to you before Christmas!

Our annual Chili Cook-off and Silent Dessert Auction is TOMORROW night!
Bring your friends and family and come hungry!!!!

11/27/2025

Happiest of Thanks-giving to our wonderful SunCatcher friends and family!
When we give thanks, we count you TWICE!!!
Thank you for helping us help horses 🐴 help people for almost 24 years!!!

11/20/2025

When you support your local nonprofits, you support all of South Dakota!!!
Would you click share on this post and tell your friends why you support SunCatcher? 🐴
Don’t forget to tag us and use hashtag !!

It's GOLDEN TICKET TIME!!!

During the next three-hour window, nonprofits who share this post and use the hashtag will be eligible to win a prize! Individuals can also share the post, tag their favorite nonprofit, and use our hashtag to give that nonprofit another entry. Winner will be randomly chosen from all entries at 12pm CT/ 11am MT.

11/12/2025

Today and every day, we bow in gratitude to the men and women who have served our country with courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication.

Just as this horse bows before the flag, may we all take a moment to honor those who stood tall to defend it.

Thank you, veterans, for your service, your strength, and your sacrifice. ❤️🤍💙

If you are interested in doing an equine-assisted learning session with an emphasis on mental health please inquire about availability.

09/05/2025

So grateful to have the amazing people at Bluepeak volunteering their time and muscles today at SunCatcher for United Way of the Black Hills Day of Caring!!!!
Thank you!!! 💛🌻💛🌻💛