CATRA

CATRA CATRA offers those with all types of special & typical needs an opportunity to experience therapeutic interaction with animals including equestrian programs.

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 in an equestrian farm environment while offering a therapeutic riding experience to those able to benefit from it. The all-volunteer program located in Grantville, PA serves 7 Central Pennsylvania counties

and was co-founded by Ben and Shirley Nolt. The program began with 4 riders and 2 horses. Today, among its many projects, the organization serves more than 100 special-needs riders on a weekly basis, registers, prepares, and chaperones special needs riders as well as their horses for participation in the Handicapped Riders Division of the Devon Horse Show (HRD), offers school-to-work support to local districts, hosts Alternative Spring Break opportunities, augments classroom instruction for regional colleges and universities, annually produces 3 Equestrian Fun Shows open to all area special needs and typical needs riders, and offers no-cost educational opportunities to the general public

CATRA is staffed primarily by volunteers of all ages and abilities.

08/03/2025

Hmmmmm

Students from Michigan State ,University Alternative Spring Break, were at CATRA this week. The “fabulous five” incredib...
07/03/2025

Students from Michigan State ,University Alternative Spring Break, were at CATRA this week. The “fabulous five” incredible individuals are amazing! They tackled every task with great enthusiasm exemplifying the CATRA motto: TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK!


A tremendous program!
26/02/2025

A tremendous program!

Today Mark and Ben had the privilege of presenting CATRA to the Cadets enrolled in the Keystone State Challenge Academy ...
26/02/2025

Today Mark and Ben had the privilege of presenting CATRA to the Cadets enrolled in the Keystone State Challenge Academy headquartered at Ft Indiantown Gap. Currently 52 Cadets are participating in this life changing coeducational program.
The Cadets need 40 hours of Community Service to graduate. It is our hope that CATRA will be able to recruit them as volunteers.
Their motto:
DREAM. BELIEVE. ACHIEVE.
FMI: [email protected]
717-861-7767
challengeAcademy

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR AN ACTIVE VOLUNTEER ORIENTED ORGANIZATION SERVING PEOPLE OF DETERMINATION ?? Mission: CATRA provide...
21/02/2025

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR AN ACTIVE VOLUNTEER ORIENTED ORGANIZATION SERVING PEOPLE OF DETERMINATION ??

Mission: CATRA provides quality equine and animal-assisted therapeutic programs to the people of the Capital Area.

Check out the CATRA Annual Calendar for Volunteer Opportunities and activities for participants.
FMI: 717-649-9822

Molly chose the CATRA Miniature Horse Extravaganza as her Acedemic Fair project at school!! Way to go Molly.Molly along ...
20/02/2025

Molly chose the CATRA Miniature Horse Extravaganza as her Acedemic Fair project at school!!
Way to go Molly.
Molly along with her aunt Julie are regular weekly Volunteers at CATRA!

CATRA Spring Open Miniature Horse Lessons begin April 10, 2025.
Open to Adults and youth (5yrs +) learn horse handling basics, grooming and more. All hands on activities. Lessons are 1 hour . Fee -$20/hr. Participate in all 5 lessons or less.
Reserve a spot ASAP -
limited enrollment
FMI call/text Ben 717/649-9822

Hello CATRA Family! Catch up on current CATRA-Happenings here. Winter lessons are in full swing. Volunteers needed. Come...
20/02/2025

Hello CATRA Family! Catch up on current CATRA-Happenings here. Winter lessons are in full swing. Volunteers needed. Come on out and enjoy the farm and helping others! https://conta.cc/41k7mEl.

Join us for the 3rd Annual CATRA Kentucky Derby Gala featuring Live Horse Races, Derby Hat Contest, delicious Hors d'oeu...
20/02/2025

Join us for the 3rd Annual CATRA Kentucky Derby Gala featuring Live Horse Races, Derby Hat Contest, delicious Hors d'oeuvres, Buffet Dinner, Cash Bar, and thrilling Live, Online & Silent Auctions! 🎉🐎

Event Details:
📅 Date: Friday, May 2, 2025
📍 Location: Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course
🏢 777 Hollywood Blvd, Grantville, PA 17028

Event Highlights:
🐎 Live Horse Races – Experience the excitement of real racing action!
🎩 Derby Hat Contest – Show off your best Derby hat or fascinator for a chance to win prizes!
🍽️ Great Dining – Enjoy hors d’oeuvres followed by a delicious buffet dinner.
🍹 Cash Bar – Sip on your favorite drinks while enjoying the event!

Live Entertainment:
✨ Table Magic by Kyle Purnell – Prepare to be amazed!
🎨 Caricatures by Raffi – Take home a fun keepsake!
🎶 DJ Adam Gingrich from Select DJ Group – Keeping the party going all night!

🛍️ Auctions Galore!
Online Auction: 300+ amazing items to bid on!
📅 Starts: April 11 at Noon
📅 Ends: April 26 at Noon
💻 View & Bid Here: https://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/auctionhome.action?vhost=therapeuticriding
Silent & Live Auctions: Exclusive items available only at the Gala!

🎟️ Tickets:
💰 $100 per person – Secure your spot today.
🎟 Purchase Tickets Here: https://catra.net/kentucky-derby-gala-tickets/

Starting on April 11, 2025, CAPITAL AREA THERAPEUTIC RIDING ASSOCIATON will host an auction with fun and unique items to raise money. The more items we have, the more money we can raise; so we're asking for your help. Show your support by clicking on the Donate Items button to contribute to our cata...

19/02/2025

SARAH PLANTE

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at LCBC West Shore, 200 Lambs Gap Road Mechanicsburg, PA, with Pastor Matt Parks and Bishop Mark Webb officiating. Doors will open at 10:30am with a service beginning at 11:00am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Sarah's honor to Capital Area Therapeutic Riding Association, www.catra.net

Our condolences to the Plante Famiy🙏
17/02/2025

Our condolences to the Plante Famiy🙏

CATRA family has lost another rider but has gained another angel . Sarah Plante, 26 a rider at CATRA for 24years, has he...
17/02/2025

CATRA family has lost another rider but has gained another angel .
Sarah Plante, 26 a rider at CATRA for 24years, has her place in Heaven now. Throughout her years at CATRA she rode many different horses. Some who will meet her in Heaven.

Sarah taught us how to believe that nothing is impossble. Sprouting wings and a huge smile when she rode a horse. Always a time for pictures and laughter. She will be greatly missed.

12/02/2025
🎉 Thank You, US Ghost Adventures! 👻CATRA is thrilled to thank US Ghost Adventures👉 https://usghostadventures.com/ for th...
11/02/2025

🎉 Thank You, US Ghost Adventures! 👻

CATRA is thrilled to thank US Ghost Adventures👉 https://usghostadventures.com/ for their generous donation of two (2) tour tickets to our Kentucky Derby Online Auction! 🏇🎭

Get ready to bid on this spine-chilling experience while supporting CATRA's mission! The auction kicks off April 11, 2025, and runs until Noon on April 26, 2025. Don't miss your chance to win and help make a difference!

Check out all the amazing auction items here: 👉 https://www.biddingforgood.com/therapeuticriding

Thank you, US Ghost Adventures, for your support! 🙌

US Ghost Adventures offers entertaining, historic, and authentic ghost tours of the united states most haunted cities. We aim to deliver fun, yet honest...

ARE YOU A BUSY LADY? READY FOR SPRING?JUST NEED A BREAK FROM A HECTIC SCHEDULE?GOT AN HOUR TO SPARE? (Just for you!!)TO ...
08/02/2025

ARE YOU A BUSY LADY?
READY FOR SPRING?

JUST NEED A BREAK FROM A HECTIC SCHEDULE?

GOT AN HOUR TO SPARE?
(Just for you!!)
TO SNEAK AWAY AND PLAY WITH SOME MINIATURE HORSES OR DONKEYS FOR AN HOUR!
Fun & Relaxing
Take a “Mental Health “ Break?

You are invited to join the
CATRA BUSY LADIES Program
March (6,13,20,27 from 1-2:00p) Attend One time or Once a week in March Reserve your spot - go to www.catra.net (look under Programs). FMI call or text 717-649-9822
Grantville,PA

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CATRA’s 2025 Bingo &Chili cook off was a huge success nearly 60 Bingo players and 10 Chili crock pot entries! Prizes for everyone on this fun winter evening! Smiles all around and a good time had by all. Chili Cook-Off had a 5 way tie for the winner (Audrey W took home a $50 gift certificate!!)! Prizes were fun and plentiful!! The CATRA family is fun for everyone!!! See you next February for more Bingo! CATRA VOLUNTEERS ALWAYS NEEDED- CATRA.net 40th Anniversary Celebration March 22,2025 Reserve seats at www.catra.net

KeystoneFC PremierGirls soccer team start their day at CATRA by enjoying theCATRA Labyrinth. A great TEAM BUILDING time! #KeystoneFC

Rodeo and children had fun playing ball!

CATRASummer Lessons are happening!
CATRASummer Lessons are happening!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Monday Thru Friday 9-12 Mon, Tue & Thurs 4-8P Call or text Ben 717-649-9822

First time to visit CATRA TODAY!!
First time to visit CATRA TODAY!!

‼️HAPPY NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK FROM CATRA‼️ The Capital Area Therapeutic Riding Association would like to take an opportunity to say THANK YOU to all of our volunteers! Your dedication is essential to the work that we do & we could not do it without you. Thank you! Interested in becoming a CATRA volunteer? Visit https://catra.net/volunteer/ to learn more.

CATRA Spring Miniature Horse Handling lessons have begun! Still time to register! Go to CATRA.net Or call Ben at 717-649-9722
CATRA Spring Miniature Horse Handling lessons have begun! Still time to register! Go to CATRA.net Or call Ben at 717-649-9722

CATRA MINI HANDLERS IN ACTION-join the fun

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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 in an equestrian farm environment while offering a therapeutic riding experience to those able to benefit from it. The volunteer-run program located in Grantville, PA serves 7 Central Pennsylvania counties and was co-founded by Ben and Shirley Nolt. The program began with 4 riders and 2 horses. Today, among its many projects, the organization serves more than 125 special-needs riders on a weekly basis, registers, prepares, and chaperones special needs riders as well as their horses for participation in the Handicapped Riders Division of the Devon Horse Show (HRD), offers school-to-work support to local districts, hosts Alternative Spring Break opportunities, augments classroom instruction for regional colleges and universities, annually produces Equestrian Fun Shows open to all area special needs and typical needs riders, and offers no-cost educational opportunities to the general public CATRA is a volunteer-run organization. Our volunteers are of all ages and abilities.