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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. 

How To Help

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

Theresa Moccio

Executive Director

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)
  • Shirley Nolt:
    Co-Founder
    Therapeutic Riding Instructor
    CATRA
  • Amy DiNunzio:
    Secretary
    Editorial Assistant
    GoveNetPA, Inc.
  • Carmon Weldi DPT:

    Doctor of Physical Therapy
    Early Bird Therapy, LLC

  • Tracy Kocher:

    Office Administrator
    PA Professional Fire Fighters Association

  • Theresa Moccio:

    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.
Meet Our Horses

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.

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