Skip to main content
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.
Discover CATRA

Have a few minutes?
Take a moment and
watch our videos.

More About Us

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.

37 Years And Going Strong

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 100 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.

Riders

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.

New Riders

Welcome new riders. Click here to get all the information.

Returning Riders

Welcome back. Click here to complete the scheduling form.

Make A Payment

Need to make a payment? Website is safe and secure.

Videos

Learning About Catra

Volunteers interact with participants with special needs, helping them through therapeutic horseback riding lessons and other activities at The Capital Area Therapeutic Riding Association, Inc., Grantville, PA, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

Announcements

Extra Give

Lancaster County is extraordinary because of YOU!

On November 17, join thousands of people across the community to support CATRA!

Mark your calendars, invite your friends, and get ready to give EXTRA on November 17!

Thank you for your ExtraGive!

Don’t Miss This Event
Noah’s Nook

PAWS N’ READ

Area students – regardless of reading level – are invited to read to CATRA dogs, cats, horses, and other farm animals.
Small but fun horses

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.
Learn the skills

MINIATURE HORSE LESSONS

Students of all ages will learn a variety of skills from care and grooming to safety.

Little Teachers

MINI LOVERS DAY CAMP

Participants 4-14 years of agre are invited to join our 3-day experiential intensive Mini Lovers Day Camp.
Unicorn Quest

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.
College Students

ALTERNATIVE BREAKS

Each year CATRA hosts ‘Alternative Break’ students from various colleges and universities in the United States.