The Gala returns home to ManeGait’s 24-acre newly expanded campus
MCKINNEY, TX, Oct. 26, 2026– More than 950 friends and supporters gathered at ManeGait on Saturday, Oct. 17, for the 19th Annual Gala at the ‘Gait. The evening raised a record-breaking $1.34 million to support ManeGait’s mission and help double services for children, adults, and veterans with disabilities.
After two years off-site during ManeGait’s major expansion initiative, the Gala returned home to a transformed campus. Guests arrived to views of the new administration and therapy center and walked through The Stephens Greth Foundation Stable, where horses greeted them from their new stalls.
Guests mingled on the Event Plaza, presented by McKinney Community Development Corporation, and enjoyed a Taste of Gala at the ‘Gait featuring 19 local restaurants.
Presented for the third consecutive year by REX Real Estate, the Gala was co-chaired by Landon Darling Schneider and Stephanie Tomes. Top-tier sponsors included SOI Group, Perry Homes | Britton Homes, and Tomes Auto Group, along with more than 70 additional sponsors.
ManeGait Board Member and New York Life Managing Partner Mike Scovel led the program, paying tribute to ManeGait Co-Founder Priscilla Darling and President and CEO Patricia Nelson for growing the mission from four riders and two horses in 2008 to 150 riders and 27 horses today.
A powerful video shared stories of hope and healing at ManeGait, and its vision ahead: doubling the program over the next 18 to 24 months to address a growing waitlist of more than 500 individuals.
“As our guests arrived, they were immediately greeted by our horses in their brand-new stalls and could see exactly what this community built,” said Patricia Nelson, President and CEO of ManeGait. “Now together, we have the opportunity to fill this space with even more life, breakthroughs, and possibilities. Every dollar raised at the Gala brings more riders off our waitlist and into the arena.”
After a lively paddle raise and live auction, the evening concluded with a homegrown Texas country concert by the Josh Abbott Band. Josh Abbott packed the dance floor with crowd favorites and took a moment on stage to speak to ManeGait’s mission.
Proceeds from this year's Gala will help ManeGait expand operations, from growing its team of staff and volunteers to caring for more horses, so it can welcome additional families off the waitlist. Funds will also support the growth of ManeGait’s equine-assisted counseling program and its services for military veterans and first responders. For information on how to get involved, visit manegait.org
About ManeGait
ManeGait is a nationally recognized equine-assisted therapy center and named Organization of the Year (Midsize) at D CEO's 2026 Nonprofit & Corporate Citizenship Awards. Founded in 2007 as the answer to a three-and-a-half-year prayer by Priscilla and Bill Darling, ManeGait empowers children and adults with disabilities to move beyond their boundaries through the healing power of the horse and the dedication of a professional, caring community. What began with just two horses and four riders has grown into one of the nation’s premier equine-assisted therapy and brain-building centers, serving more than 150 individuals each week through equine-assisted programs. ManeGait is not only a place of hope and healing for its riders but also a hub for volunteerism, connection, and partnership — welcoming thousands of volunteers, families, supporters, and community-minded businesses each year. Located in a peaceful, natural setting, ManeGait offers a unique space where lives are transformed, and a shared mission unites all who enter the arena.
Photos from the 19th Annual Gala
