Suncatcher Therapeutic Riding Academy holds its annual Spring Kickoff

RAPID CITY, S.D. — The history of equine therapy is actually many centuries long; horses have been used as a therapeutic aid for thousands of years. The practice is being continued here in the Black Hills by the nonprofit Suncatcher Therapeutic Riding Academy, which helps people with physical challenges.

Suncatcher holding its annual Spring Kickoff on Airport Road in Rapid City. The event included signing up riders and handing out awards for last year.

Suncatcher starts its riding season in May and it runs through September. Those who are a part of the riding academy will receive weekly riding lessons and learn how to properly groom the horses.

But they will also learn more about horses in general, with the addition of the indoor classroom, which will provide therapy and learning on days when the weather is bad.

Board President for Suncatcher Therapeutic Riding Academy, Jean Johnson, said, “Whenever it does rain or if its too hot to be riding, we’ll come into the classroom, learn about horses, how to take care of them, how to saddle, and do some crafts. Still getting our riders out here so that they can see the horses at least and be around them.”

If you would like to donate to Suncatcher Therapeutic Riding Academy or if you know someone who could benefit from this therapy, you can sign up by following the link here.