Welcome To CATRA
Capital Area Therapeutic
Riding Association
Located in Grantville, PA and founded by Ben and Shirley Nolt, they began offering therapeutic riding in the fall of 1985.
Today, CATRA works with a wide variety of riders ranging from 12 months through senior citizen.
Riders from seven local counties and beyond participate on a weekly basis. CATRA’s therapeutic riding program operates on a trimester basis with classes beginning in January, May, and late September. CATRA offers opportunities well beyond its weekly therapeutic riding program.
Since 1985
CATRA has offered an opportunity for Capital Area residents from all generations with all types of special and typical needs to establish an atmosphere of support, respect, and health. We come together in an equestrian farm enviroment offering a therapeutic riding experience to those able to benefit from it.
Our Horses
It takes a special horse to provide the patience and heart to support any rider. The CATRA horses and ponies serve more than 125 clients during each session in our therapeutic riding programs.
What We Do
We come together in an equestrian farm environment offering a therapeutic riding experience to those able to benefit from it.
Mission and Vision
CATRA provides quality equine and animal-assisted therapeutic programs to the people of the Capital area.
Our vision is to be a center of excellence where equines and other animals enrich the lives of people of all abilities to enhance physical, spiritual, intellectual, mental, emotional, and social well-being through a holistic approach.
Ride at CATRA
The benefits of Therapeutic Horseback Riding are threefold: physical, psychological and social.
Riders interact with a wide variety of individuals while at the barn for their lessons. Other riders, family members, aides, and volunteers are all a part of the lesson environment. Riders become members of a much larger community made up of individuals with common interests and goals.
Learning About Catra
Volunteers interact with clients who have special needs, helping them through therapeutic horseback riding lessons at The Capital Area Therapeutic Riding Association, Inc., Grantville, PA, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
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ALTERNATIVE BREAKS
Each year CATRA hosts ‘Alternative Break’ students from various colleges and universities in the United States.
MINI LOVERS DAY CAMP
Participants 4-14 years of agre are invited to join our 3-day experiential intensive Mini Lovers Day Camp.
MINIATURE HORSE EXTRAVAGANZA
The Miniature Horse Extravaganza is a team of Miniature Horses that have been trained by CATRA volunteers under the guidance of CATRA co-founder, Ben Nolt.
HIGH HOPES MINATURE HORSE PROGRAM
Children ages 8-12 and their parent/guardian are invited to participate. The course is designed to promote healthy choices, effective communication skills and volunteerism using equine-assisted learning.
PAWS N’ READ
Area students – regardless of reading level – are invited to read to CATRA dogs, cats, horses, and other farm animals.
Find Us
Capital Area Therapeutic Riding Association
PO Box 339
168 Station Rd
Grantville, PA 17028
PO Box 339
168 Station Rd
Grantville, PA 17028