ManeGait Enters New Era With CEO Appointment And $12M Expansion
ManeGait Names First-Ever CEO, Tricia Nelson
Tricia Nelson to helm one of North Texas' leading nonprofits as it enters a bold new chapter of growth and community impact.
DALLAS, TX, [ August 4, 2025] — ManeGait, North Texas’ multifaceted equine therapy organization empowering children and adults with disabilities to move beyond their boundaries through the healing power of horses, proudly announces its new Chief Executive Officer, Tricia Nelson.
Tricia was named the inaugural CEO of the nonprofit in McKinney, a testament to the organization's remarkable growth and success. Previously serving as Executive Director, Tricia will continue to build an enduring organization that can grow and scale with the needs of the North Texas community.
Her leadership and passion have been pivotal to ManeGait’s journey, from its humble beginnings with just two horses and four riders. Priscilla and Bill Darling express their confidence that her vision will continue to drive the organization toward even greater achievements.
“The unwavering dedication Tricia has brought to ManeGait over the past 17 years is unmatched,” said Priscilla Darling, co-founder of ManeGait. “Her deep connection to our mission and her exceptional leadership have transformed ManeGait into one of the most highly regarded therapeutic centers in the country. Under her guidance, we have expanded our services beyond equine therapy, elevating our operations to a world-class standard.”
Tricia’s connection to ManeGait runs deep. She joined as a volunteer in 2008 when her daughter, Brianna, became the first rider at ManeGait. The next year, Tricia earned her instructor certification and later became Program Director. Having grown up riding horses herself, Tricia’s love for equestrianism and her commitment to ManeGait has shaped the enriching environment the community benefits from today.
Reflecting on this new chapter, Tricia shared, "I'm incredibly honored to serve in this role, and believe this reflects where ManeGait is in its journey of growth. It has been amazing to witness the number of individuals and families we have had the privilege to serve. The ManeGait community holds a special place in my heart, and I am proud to lead this extraordinary team of staff, volunteers, donors, and supporters as we continue to change lives together."
Under Tricia's leadership, ManeGait will expand services through its $12.1M expansion initiative, The Beacon Project, designed to address the growing waitlist of over 400 individuals with disabilities. Currently, 150 children, adults, and veterans benefit weekly from ManeGait’s life-changing equine therapy programs, with 29 therapy horses and 1,200 active volunteers annually. Once the expansion is complete in early 2026, ManeGait will become one of the largest therapeutic riding centers in the U.S., serving twice as many families and volunteers across North Texas. ManeGait was honored to be named a 2025 finalist for Organization of the Year (Midsize) in D CEO’s Nonprofit and Corporate Citizenship Awards.
Local Profile shares ManeGait’s growth and Tricia’s new role as CEO.
We’re deeply honored to be featured in Local Profile, which beautifully captures the heart of our mission and the exciting future ahead through The Beacon Project—a $12.1 million expansion that will allow us to serve more individuals with disabilities than ever before.
This feature celebrates a pivotal moment for ManeGait: the appointment of our first CEO, Tricia Nelson, whose journey from volunteer to visionary leader reflects the spirit of our community. Under her guidance, we’re expanding our facilities to include new therapy arenas, a 32-stall horse barn, a brain-building center, and more—all designed to reduce our waitlist and double our impact.
With over $9.5 million already raised, The Beacon Project is more than a construction plan—it’s a promise to the hundreds of children, adults, and veterans waiting for healing through equine therapy.
We invite you to read the full article on Local Profile and explore how you can be part of this transformative journey at manegait.org/beacon.
