CATRA

CATRA CATRA offers those with all types of special & typical needs to experience therapeutic riding. The program began with 4 riders and 2 horses.

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. 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.

VOLUNTEERS WANTEDCATRA SUMMER LESSONS BEGIN MONDAY JUNE 24,2024Mon -Tue - Thurs evenings 4-8Mon-Tue -Wed-Thur -Fri morni...
23/06/2024

VOLUNTEERS WANTED
CATRA SUMMER LESSONS BEGIN MONDAY JUNE 24,2024
Mon -Tue - Thurs evenings 4-8
Mon-Tue -Wed-Thur -Fri
mornings 9-noon
To help call or text Ben 717-649-9822
Or CATRA.net under Volunteers

19/06/2024

Chuckle for a hot evening!

18/06/2024

Pam Kister
Need a laugh🤣🤣

CATRA Miniature horse day camp was Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week. The 1/2,day sessions are split into Am a...
14/06/2024

CATRA Miniature horse day camp was Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week. The 1/2,day sessions are split into Am and PM groups. About 30 kids ages 3 - 15 attended and had a blast! Smiles and laughter prevailed.
The campers were divided into small groups then participated in various miniature horse related activities.
They learned about miniature horse handling. Horsey crafts, scavenger hunts, simple gymnastics on a sinulated horse, and snack time- a busy fun 1/2 dax!
Mark your calendars for next year(June 10.11&12, 2025) you don’t want your child to miss it!!
FMI: Shirley 717-919-4587

CATRA SCHOOLING SHOWSAT JUNE 29, 2024 -10:00 AM TWIN BROOKS SHOW GROUNDSSomething for everyoneBeginner Riders - Young H...
12/06/2024

CATRA SCHOOLING SHOW
SAT JUNE 29, 2024 -10:00 AM
TWIN BROOKS SHOW GROUNDS
Something for everyone
Beginner Riders - Young Horses
Miniature Horse Classes- Over Fences
Driving - Obstacle Trail and more
JUNE 29, 2024 at Twin Brooks
CATRA.net for entry information

HELP. HELP. HELP. HELP
HORSE SHOW HELP NEEDED
Show set up- 5:00 pm Friday 6/28
Show Day
Ring Crew - Gate Crew
FMI : Ben 717-649-9822

04/06/2024
CATRA at Thorncroft 2024 for theHandicapped Riders Event of the Devon Horse Show!18 Riders and 8 Horses competed along w...
27/05/2024

CATRA at Thorncroft 2024 for the
Handicapped Riders Event of the Devon Horse Show!
18 Riders and 8 Horses competed along with the help of over 30 Volunteers!
It truly takes a Village!
CATRA TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK!!

Special thanks to all our friends at Thorncroft for hosting a beautiful day!
Until next time - Stay Blessed🙏

We wish all of our CATRA riders a great day tomorrow at the Thorncroft Horse Show- This event, the Handicap Division of ...
24/05/2024

We wish all of our CATRA riders a great day tomorrow at the Thorncroft Horse Show- This event, the Handicap Division of the Devon Horse Show, is one of the milestones that CATRA riders have been building riding skills for all year long. It is one of the goals of a therapeutic horseback riding program to raise up skilled horseback riders with special & unique abilities. Thank you to our riders who have put in hard work to get to this achievement. For past Thorncroft participants, post a photo in the Comment section below from a past experience there. Many thanks to Ben H Nolt Jr, Shirley, and all of our CATRA volunteers who make this journey possible! Pictured here are 2 of our competitors practicing their routines.

CATRA Mini Camp is fun itis three days of fun! Campers interact with miniature horses on a daily basis. Each camper wi...
15/05/2024

CATRA Mini Camp is fun it
is three days of fun! Campers interact with miniature horses on a daily basis. Each camper will be assigned to a miniature horse. They may learn to groom and lead their mini, enjoy a fun arts and crafts project focused on horses, learn parts of the horse, fun exercises on horseback, give a mini a bath, daily snack time, meet other animals and make new friends!W

You don't want to miss this.   Our Summer Mini-Horse Camp is open for registration! Act fast! Spaces fill up quickly. Participants will learn and improve upon care and grooming skills, leading skills,

Spring into action at CATRA and discover your purpose in helping people and animals! Riders, volunteers and friends- Cat...
15/05/2024

Spring into action at CATRA and discover your purpose in helping people and animals! Riders, volunteers and friends- Catch the latest CATRA-Happenings here: https://conta.cc/4bfOLvU.

HELP. HELP. HELP. HELP. HELP. HELPIt is flower planting time at CATRA in Grantville,PA! We need HELP-All ages and exper...
10/05/2024

HELP. HELP. HELP. HELP. HELP. HELP
It is flower planting time at CATRA in Grantville,PA! We need HELP-
All ages and experience welcome
Please call/text Ben 717-649-9822

IT'S TIME TO REGISTER FOR CAMP WITH CATRA!!! Get ready for fun & a chance to work with your very own miniature horse! 😀
08/05/2024

IT'S TIME TO REGISTER FOR CAMP WITH CATRA!!! Get ready for fun & a chance to work with your very own miniature horse! 😀

You don't want to miss this.   Our Summer Mini-Horse Camp is open for registration! Act fast! Spaces fill up quickly. Participants will learn and improve upon care and grooming skills, leading skills,

CATRA KY DERBY GALA A GRAND SUCCESS!Mark your calendars for May 2,2025 and join the fun! Special THANKS to Ali Lanyon!!
04/05/2024

CATRA KY DERBY GALA A GRAND SUCCESS!
Mark your calendars for May 2,2025 and join the fun!
Special THANKS to Ali Lanyon!!

One of the best parts of the abc27 News Remarkable Women contest is getting to know incredible women who are making an impact in the Midstate. This year I was paired with Shirley Nolt of CATRA. I was thrilled when her husband asked me to speak at their Derby-themed gala! So good to catch up with Shirley, Ben and all of the amazing volunteers who make CATRA possible!

Congratulations Ali !! We look forward to having you with us at our CATRA GALA EVENT May 3.Tickets available
28/04/2024

Congratulations Ali !!
We look forward to having you with us at our CATRA GALA EVENT May 3.
Tickets available

WE HAVE THE BEST VOLUNTEERS HERE AT CATRA‼️ CATRA had some volunteer appreciation fun today! Trivia questions were answe...
25/04/2024

WE HAVE THE BEST VOLUNTEERS HERE AT CATRA‼️

CATRA had some volunteer appreciation fun today! Trivia questions were answered and prizes were given🎉! Congratulations to all of our winners & thank you to our local Mission BBQ for showing their appreciation for our volunteers! CATRA volunteers genuinely change the world, and we are forever grateful😇!

23/04/2024

Inspire Action Through Earth Day by Supporting CATRA’S Therapy Animals!
🌎Earth Day is a reminder that we can create real change as individuals and communities. We invite you to join us in our celebration of all the CATRA therapy animals including horses, ponies, miniature horses, goats, alpacas, dogs, cats, pig, rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, and ducks. 🐴🐐🦙🐶🐈🐕‍🦺🐇🦆. The campaign begins now and lasts through June. Together, we are making a difference.
Follow the link to donate! https://catra.net/donate/

22/04/2024

‼️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.

HARRISBURG CHRISTIAN SCHOOL & WEST SHORE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL TOOK ADVANTAGE OF NATIONAL VOLUNTEER MONTH‼️Two 8th grade grou...
18/04/2024

HARRISBURG CHRISTIAN SCHOOL & WEST SHORE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL TOOK ADVANTAGE OF NATIONAL VOLUNTEER MONTH‼️
Two 8th grade groups from Harrisburg Christian School & West Shore Christian School volunteered at CATRA today and helped to make a difference at our equestrian farm. The Capital Area Therapeutic Riding Association is thankful for the leadership and guardians of both schools for visiting and volunteering! We appreciate you!!!

🤔Interested in bringing a group? Ready to make a difference? Connect today and become a CATRA volunteer!
Visit https://catra.net/volunteer/ for more information.

16/04/2024

CATRA THANKS all who support 3.21 For Life- know that together we are making a difference!
CATRA.net

12/04/2024

Casey Gaus

💕April is National Volunteer Month and CATRA sends a special thank you to express our gratitude for all our small animal...
12/04/2024

💕April is National Volunteer Month and CATRA sends a special thank you to express our gratitude for all our small animal volunteers‼️
Although CATRA is well known for our horses, we have a lot of small animal best friends. Thank goodness we have a team of dedicated volunteers that come every day to take care of our cats, chickens, ducks, dogs, goats, guinea pigs, pig, rabbits, and rooster. This group makes sure our small animals are happy, healthy, and comfortable in our small animal barn. The "smalls team" does everything from cleaning the small barn, cuddling, feeding, socializing, and walking our small animal friends. Special thank you to Aspen, Alex, Cindi, Kathi, Liz, Sue & Shirley for all that you do.
🐈🐥🦆🐕🐹🐐🐷🐇🐓

12/04/2024

Mini fun for everyone!
CATRA.net

12/04/2024

CATRA MINI HANDLERS IN ACTION-join the fun

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PA

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+17172987035

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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

Busy Ladies Mini Mental Health Break
Busy Ladies Mini Mental Health Break

Ladies join the fun at CATRA’s Busy Ladies Mini Mental Break from 1-2pm on March 21 & 28 FMI CATRA.net be or 717-649-9822

Snow day!! CATRA therapy dog, Yessenia (aka “Yessi”) makes herself useful stealing a snowman’s nose n eating it up! She looks around before she takes it to make sure it is all clear for the theft. Then gently gets it so as not to hurt the snowman which has a very surprised look on its face. Way to go Yessi!!!

Zayna practices posting on Cash with dog, Yessi , in the backseat. A great Sat. afternoon activity at CATRA!

2023 MFS Ride
2023 MFS Ride

CATRA 2023 Benefit Motorcycle Ride

Miles for Smiles ride 2033
Miles for Smiles ride 2033

CATRA’s Annual Miles For Smiles Benefit Motorcyle Ride was held Saturday 8/20/22. A beautiful day offered 68 Motorcyle Riders a great day to tour our area. Riders returned to a full lunch and fun time time raising funds for CATRA. Special thanks to our sponsors especially the major sponsor Faulkner Subaru. The 2023 Ride will be in September. FMI Theresa 717-743-7232

DUCK!! Skijoring can have some hazards as Carmon on Prescott and Jennifer on sled navigate the snowy driveway at CATRA. Come volunteer!! Dress warm! Help is needed for winter feeding. Go to Catra.net volunteering and sign up. We need you!

Fun in the snow! We dont just work at CATRA- we have fun too! Prescott is a super horse for Skijoring! Carmon pulls Jennifer on the sled. They were kids again!! Come volunteer at CATRA by texting Ben at 717-649-9822 or going to catra.net new volunteer application. Make memories in winter 2022!

2021 CATRA Miniature Horse Day Camp
2021 CATRA Miniature Horse Day Camp

The best way for little people people to learn about horses is with “little horses.” The minis have a great outreach throughout the year. Mini Day Camp is one very popular way. Thanks to Faulkner Subaru for helping to make it possible. Fun is #1 along with Team Work, Problem Solving and more! To join the fun go to catra.net

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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.