SunCatcher Therapeutic Riding Academy

02/12/2026

HAPPY 25TH BIRTHDAY SUNCATCHER!!!!🥳🐴🥳🐴

25 Years of helping horses help people 💛 here in the beautiful Black Hills.

Today we thank every volunteer, board member, staff member, community individual and business donor, and every single horse that have been a part-- big or small-- in helping SunCatcher shine hope in our community through therapeutic horsemanship.

Here's to the next 25 years! 🎂🎉

02/09/2026

We are getting ready for our 2026 season-- hiring now for instructors and wranglers! See our link below!

SunCatcher is a nonprofit organization that exists because of the generous donations of the community, family, and friends of our riders along with funding from businesses, organizations, foundations,  and grants.  It is only with this support, that we are able to succeed.

02/07/2026

We are so humbled and SO thankful for this amazing donation!!! Thank you Flint Rasmussen, Rodeo Rapid City, and Sutton Rodeo Inc., and all the bidders! 🐴💛🐴💛
“Helping Horses Help People for 25 years!”

02/04/2026

Just how much work is the ground going to do anyhow???

Groundwork in a therapeutic horsemanship session is multi-purpose. Often referred also as equine-assisted learning (EAL), it is always our first session.

1. It helps the horse and human get to "know" one another, and helps instructor learn each person's threshold of tolerance and engagement.

2. It helps create a safe space for all. Horse are BIG animals, and it's important for us all to know how to speak, move, and engage with them.

3. It helps create connection. Whether you are walking, painting, problem-solving, reading, or simply breathing alongside a horse, our bodies begin to regulate with theirs! This often creates a very peaceful and mindful hour that is so healing for so many.

4. Not everyone can ride, but almost everyone can safely interact with a horse from the ground, and we love being able to facilitate that interaction!

Send us a message to learn more!

02/03/2026

We want to see yours!!!

Like and Share a picture with us of YOUR boots—weathered or shiny, we want to see your favorite pair!

Our favorite pair posted will get a lil swag bag of goodies as wee get ready for SunCatcher’s 25 Anniversary BOOTS & BLING Gala coming up March 21!!!

01/31/2026

We are still looking for some great auction items for our 25th Anniversary BOOTS & BLING celebration on March 21st!

Reach out if you or your business would love to help out!

Don't have your tickets yet? Go to Auctria to get them today!
https://SunCatcherGala2026.auctria.events

01/29/2026

We get asked -- a l l . t h e . t i m e--
What IS therapeutic horsemanship?

It's defined as the use of horses and horseback activities to positively impact the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being of people with special needs or disabilities.

What is a special need? We used to think a special need only referred to someone with a visible disability; but a special need may be invisible, and includes life challenges including PTSD, anxiety, depression, learning delays, and living in a treatment center or in foster care.

For 25 years, SunCatcher has served our Black Hills community through therapeutic horsemanship, and we look forward to the many years to come!

All of our participants are referred to us by their doctor or therapists, and must complete a physical before any sessions.

If you or someone you love may benefit from these services, please reach out today! Sessions begin again in May, and we would love to see if SunCatcher is right for you!

Drop us a message today!

01/25/2026

It’s -17 and we have horses—
Of course the padlocks will freeze shut and the hydrant too— of course the horses need a little more feed and a blanket for one with a shiver—of course we would do it every day helping these amazing equine who help so many amazing humans!

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8fbUxaS/