ManeGait, founded in 2007, is a nationally recognized therapeutic riding center in Mckinney who assists children and adults with disabilities to move beyond their boundaries through weekly therapy programs and adaptive horseback riding sessions. Serving 150 people with physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral disabilities, ManeGait programs are led by PATH Certified Instructors with the assistance of 30 therapy horses and over 285 volunteers per week.
Individuals participate in ManeGait’s riding program through group and private lessons. Riding improves physical and cognitive abilities, promotes emotional well-being, and offers exposure to a sport that offers freedom to those who are unable to move with assistance. Other programs include GaitWay to the Brain – brain-building exercises paired with equine therapy; ManeGait to Freedom – therapeutic riding and support for military veterans and first responders; Carriage Driving; and Stable Stars – an opportunity to care for the needs of the horses.
ManeGait programs are supported by over 1,200 volunteers annually. Many volunteers act as horse leaders or sidewalkers. Others care for horses by maintaining clean stalls, filling water buckets, and general barn duties. There are volunteer opportunities for both equestrians and non-equestrians and training is provided so that all interested can safely and effectively work with horses and riders.
The success of ManeGait’s programs have led to a waitlist of over 400 individuals. To meet the growing need, The Beacon Project at ManeGait focuses on Plans for Hope and a Future and set-out to raise $13.1M for a full-property reconstruction. The Beacon Project includes adding a second arena to double therapeutic riding capacity, a 32-stall barn to support the horses, a half-acre event space, and a new 16,000 square foot administration building for therapies, new participant intake meetings, private counseling, and group therapy. The administration building also allows for a 75-seat conference center for workshops.
Expanding the organization will allow for 400 riders to participate weekly, 50 veteran and first responder participants, an increase to 40 therapy horses, and directly impact 750 family members. As the premier equine therapy and brain-building center in the United States, ManeGait will grow as a knowledge center, educating industry peers and non-profit professionals. The Beacon Project will expand ManeGait’s reach as a community center, becoming a hub for volunteerism, corporate team building, day camps, conferences, and events.
ManeGait relies on the financial support and time investment of the community. To contribute to The Beacon Project at ManeGait, discover more about volunteering, and read more about the initiatives of ManeGait, visit ManeGait.org
The Beacon Project will allow ManeGait to serve the growing needs of the North Central Texas community for generations to come.