Cate was born with a severe brain injury caused by a lack of oxygen at birth. As a result, she has cerebral palsy and epilepsy. She uses a wheelchair and communicates with the help of an assisted communication device. Cate began riding at the Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center in the summer of 2016 when she was just four years old, and aside from the time CTRC was closed during COVID, she has never missed a session.

A third-generation horsewoman, Cate comes from a horse-loving family. Her mother and grandmother both ride, train, and compete in multiple disciplines, and her sisters participate in 4-H and other equestrian events. Cate has always been horse crazy, but for safety reasons, riding at home was not an option. Through CTRC, she is now able to safely ride every week with the support of her occupational therapist and dedicated volunteers, allowing her to do what her sisters do and feel included in the family’s passion for horses.

Her time with Roark helps calm her nervous system, stretch and strengthen her muscles, and bring her joy. “No matter how she is feeling when she wakes up in the morning, after riding her horse Roarke she is always feeling better and happier!” says her mom, Catie.