Alternative Breaks
While at CATRA, students can expect to assist riders with therapeutic riding lessons. Level of assistance depends upon knowledge and ability and can include grooming and tacking of the horses as well as leading and side-walking during a lesson.
Students also support the daily chores and tasks of the facility. This includes maintenance of the stalls and paddocks, feeding and caring for the horses and other animals, re-stocking hay stations, cleaning water troughs, and general maintenance needs. Each day typically begins at 9 am and lasts until 5 or 6 that evening. Additionally, one evening students can expect to participate in an experiential workshop focused on the benefits of therapeutic riding. Students are also welcomed to participate in any community clinics or workshops that are being offered during the week.
CATRA is a working horse farm and all work takes place outdoors or within the facility’s barns. Students will get dirty. Weather conditions must be considered when packing for CATRA. Students should bring clothing appropriate to the situation. This includes sturdy shoes (sneakers are ok). During late fall or winter, layers of clothing (thermal underwear is appropriate), hats, gloves, and other items which maintain warmth and offer protection are necessary.
Without individuals and groups who are willing to volunteer time and assistance, this program could not exist – THANK YOU!
High Hopes Miniature
Horse Programs
What is equine-assisted learning?
Equine-assisted learning (EAL) is an experiential learning approach that promotes the development of life skills for educational, professional and personal goals through equine-assisted activities. At CATRA, our therapy and miniature horses assist children and adults in processing key learning skills.
Volunteer Robin Helm, M.Ed., developed the HighHOPES Equine-Assisted Learning programs for children ages 7 to 11.
Join miniature horse, Rummi, on a magical quest to find the true meaning of friendship.
Help miniature horse, Sarajule in her search of “happy” during the holiday season (& beyond).
High Hopes Miniature Horse Programs cost $10 per child.
And additional donations are greatly appreciated. Visit CATRA’s wish list here. Donations can be made through PayPal or credit card while registering on-line, or by cash or checks at sessions.
After completing the online registration, you will receive a liability waiver form which must be completed prior to participation.
Please email robin@catra.net for more information or to inquire about scheduling a customized session for a group of five to ten children.
We look forward to see you in a HighHOPES Miniature Horse program soon.
These are the upcoming HighHOPES sessions:
April 1, 2023: Miniature Horse Holiday Adventure
May 6, 2023: HighHOPES Mini Horse Challenge
Sept. 9, 2023: Unicorn QUEST
Nov. 4, 2023: Miniature Horse Holiday Adventure
Dec. 9, 2023: Miniature Horse Holiday Adventure
There are limited slots available per session.
Mini-horses are provided by the Capital Area Therapeutic Riding Association (CATRA).
Children experience hands-on learning in horse handling, problem solving, healthy communication, and volunteer service. Interactive parent/caregiver discussions are incorporated into each program.
Miniature Horse Lessons
Lesson are on Thursdays from 6-7PM starting in April. With your lessons you will learn a variety of skills including…
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Care and Grooming
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Use of halter and lead
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Leading Skills
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Safety
Lessons take place at CATRA’s facility located at 168 Station Road, Grantville, PA 17028.
Dress for the weather. If it’s cold, wear multiple layers. Long pants or shorts are fine.
Students will come in contact with dust, dirt, animal dander, and other things common to a farm – you will get dirty. If you have allergies, please be sure to bring your medications.
Closed-toe shoes are required. Boots, hard-soled shoes, sneakers are all fine. No open-toed shoes or sandals.
….And then, the Show!
A few days after the lessons end, students get to perform with their mini’s in a Mini Horse Show. Everybody gets ribbons!
The cost for each lesson is $15 per person.
Mini-Horse Camp
Participants 4 – 14 years of age are invited to join our 3-day experiential intensive Mini Lovers Day Camp. The workshop will take place at CATRA, 168 Station Road, Grantville, PA on Tuesday, June 13, Wednesday, June 14, and Thursday, June 15.
- The session will begin promptly at 9 am and last until 12 noon.
Participants will learn and improve upon care and grooming skills, horsemanship, equipment care, general barn management, and other important equine-related skills. Students will also have an opportunity to learn about and interact with CATRA’s small animals. The workshop is open to all regardless of current skill level.
A few days after the lessons end, students get to perform with their mini’s in a Mini Horse Show. Everybody gets ribbons!
Registration:
Workshop cost is $120.00.
Space is limited. Registration will close when full.
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.
Some of CATRA’s miniature horses have been lucky enough to visit local seniors, brighten their days, and leave them with wonderful memories.
Team Members
Interested in learning more about becoming a team member on the Miniature Horse Extravaganza?
Paws N’ Read
Area students – regardless of reading level – are invited to read to CATRA dogs, cats, horses, and other farm animals. The opportunity to read to animals in a safe, non-judgmental environment has been shown to strengthen reading skills of children and teens.
A variety of books from different reading levels are available – or you may bring your own. Each session lasts no more than 30 minutes and is supervised by CATRA’s Paws n’ Read Coordinator.
Days and times vary
Please complete our brief registration form and our Paws n’ Read Coordinator, Julie Toth, will be in touch to schedule a day and time for your reader.
Find Us
PO Box 339
168 Station Rd
Grantville, PA 17028