D CEO Nonprofit Award Winner 2026

ManeGait Named Organization of the Year at D CEO's 2026 Nonprofit & Corporate Citizenship Awards

We are thrilled to share that ManeGait has been named Organization of the Year (Midsize) at D CEO's 2026 Nonprofit & Corporate Citizenship Awards. Winners were announced on July 23 at a private event at South Side Ballroom in Dallas, presented in partnership with Communities Foundation of Texas. Now in its ninth year, the program drew more than 900 nominations and honored 136 finalists from across North Texas, making this recognition one we hold with deep gratitude.

Since 2007, ManeGait has helped children and adults with disabilities discover new strength, confidence, and independence through the healing power of horses. What began with two horses and four riders has grown into one of the nation's premier therapeutic riding centers. This award reflects the heart our riders, families, volunteers, donors, and staff pour into that mission every single day. And with our Beacon Project expansion underway, we will soon double our capacity, creating opportunities for hundreds more children, adults, veterans, and first responders to experience hope and healing.

We were honored to celebrate this win alongside our ManeGait Founding Family: Priscilla and Bill Darling, and Landon and Zach Schneider. They answered the prayerful calling to launch ManeGait in 2007, and their faith in God and this mission is woven into everything ManeGait has become.

Congratulations are also in order for Zach Schneider of Tradition Homes, who was recognized as a finalist for Corporate Leadership Excellence. We were also happy to have representatives from Tradition Homes and Project Mockingbird there to celebrate with us.

This award goes out to our hardworking staff, dedicated board, committed volunteers, generous donors, gentle therapy herd, and the entire community who have walked alongside us over the past 19 years to get us to where we are today. We cannot wait to keep building toward what is next for ManeGait!