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What We Do

We’ve Pursued the Same Goal Since the Beginning

CATRA offers 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 environment offering a therapeutic riding and animal assisted experience to those able to benefit from it.

The Capital Area Therapeutic Riding Association (CATRA) is located in Grantville, PA and founded by Ben and Shirley Nolt who began offering therapeutic riding in the Fall of 1985. 

Meet Our

Staff and Board of Directors

CATRA is a 501(c)3 Non-profit corporation. Our Board of Directors is made up of 8 and comprises various members of our community who want to help make an impact in the world.

Ben Nolt

President/Co-Founder

Shirley Nolt

Lead Instructor/Co-founder

Maiya Harris

Director of Events & Outreach

Cathy Gaster

Administrative Assistant

Jen Beck

Barn Manager

Board of Directors

  • Ben Nolt, Jr:
    President & Co Founder

    Executive Secretary (retired)
    PA State Horse RAcing Commission

  • Mark Dietrich:
    Vice President
    Trident Missile Program
    Navy (retired)
  • Karen L. Wilbert:
    Treasurer
    CPA, MBA – Principal
    Strategic CFO Solutions, LLC
  • Amy DiNunzio:
    Secretary
    Editorial Assistant
    GoveNetPA, Inc.
  • Shirley Nolt:
    Co-Founder
    Therapeutic Riding Instructor
    CATRA
  • Wendy Gardosik:
    MPA

    Manager Oversight and Supervision
    Equitable Network

  • Carmon Weldi :

    Doctor of Physical Therapy
    UPMC Harrisburg – Pediatrics

  • Theresa Moccio:

    Past Executive Director of CATRA

  • Blake
    Years Old: 11
  • Cricket
    Years Old: 21
  • Dale
    Years Old: 16
  • Diehler
    Years Old: 18
  • Kuel
    Years Old: 12
  • Milo
    Years Old: 16
  • Peppermint
    Years Old: 20
  • Phud
    Years Old: 19
  • Red Thunder
    Years Old: 20
  • Samson
    Years Old: 10

Our Horses

At CATRA we choose and train our horses to perform with the highest degree of patience, love, and ability.

Take A Step Back In Time

Our History
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 environment offering a therapeutic riding experience to those able to benefit from it.

Our Mission

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.