SunCatcher Therapeutic Riding Academy
Rapid City, South Dakota
SunCatcher Therapeutic Riding Academy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit near the Rapid City Regional Airport in the Black Hills of South Dakota. It offers adaptive riding, unmounted groundwork lessons and group events, with instruction for people with disabilities or special needs.
- Adaptive riding lessons
- Groundwork (unmounted) lessons
- Grooming and equine-assisted activities
- Group events for organizations
- People with disabilities or special needs
- People new to horses
- Community groups and organizations
More about this center
About the Program
SunCatcher says it has been "helping horses help people" since 2001. Its mission is "building connection, belonging and possibilities using the healing power of horses."
Adaptive riding lessons teach basic horsemanship with a therapeutic emphasis, working on social skills, confidence, self-esteem, body awareness and stability. For a general overview, see our guide to therapeutic riding.
Groundwork lessons are unmounted, and the academy describes them as ideal for people new to horses. They cover education, interaction, grooming and equine-assisted activities, with a focus on confidence, self-esteem and boundaries. Groups can also contact the academy to arrange an experience.
History and Staff
According to KOTA Territory News, SunCatcher began in 2001 as a traveling program in Custer and moved to the Casey Ranch in Rapid City in 2010. Francie Fortune is the executive director, and Chatrina Nesbit is an instructor.
Getting Started
Riders register through the academy's website, which provides a participant application and a physician's form. Sessions run from early May through October, weather permitting.
Volunteers help support riders, and the website has a volunteer sign-up page.
Location
SunCatcher is at 23325 S. Airport Road, Rapid City, SD 57703, near the Rapid City Regional Airport. Its mailing address is PO Box 3975, Rapid City, SD 57709. The office is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
From public records, not yet reviewed by the center · Last updated Oct 2026 Suggest an edit
Common Questions
Answered from the center’s own website and public records.
How do I sign up for lessons?
Complete the participant application and physician's form from the academy's website. For questions, call (605) 939-4907 or email info@suncatchertra.org.
Do I have to ride?
No. Groundwork lessons are unmounted and focus on grooming, interaction and equine-assisted activities.
When are lessons held?
Sessions run from early May through October, weather permitting.
How much do lessons cost?
Call (605) 939-4907 or email info@suncatchertra.org to ask about current rates.
Location
Rapid City, South Dakota 57703
Questions to Ask When You Call
The center is the best source for these answers.
- Are you running now, and taking new riders?Start here. We couldn’t confirm a current schedule.
- Which ages and needs do you work with?Ask about experience with your rider’s specific condition.
- Is a licensed PT, OT or speech therapist involved?Therapist-led hippotherapy is usually the only kind insurance may cover.
- What does a session cost, and are there scholarships?Many nonprofit programs offer sliding scales or sponsored spots.
- Do you have a mounting ramp or lift?Important for riders who use a wheelchair or need help mounting.