ManeGait Names First Director of Philanthropy to Support $13.2M Expansion

We are excited to announce our first Director of Philanthropy, Katharine Weaver. This addition will further strengthen our leadership team and advance its mission to empower children and adults with disabilities to move beyond their boundaries through the healing power of horses.

With more than a decade of experience building high-impact donor partnerships, Katharine brings seasoned expertise to ManeGait. During her distinguished tenure at the North Texas Food Bank, she held senior fundraising and leadership roles, raising millions of dollars annually to support neighbors facing hunger.

“This role marks an exciting new chapter for ManeGait, underscoring our dedication to deepening our impact within the community. We are thrilled by the vision, leadership and passion Katharine brings to our mission and look forward to the meaningful connections and opportunities she will foster,” said Patricia Nelson, CEO of ManeGait. 

"Joining ManeGait as the new Director of Philanthropy is an incredible opportunity to combine my passion for helping others with the transformative power of equine therapy," says Katharine Weaver. “The impactful work being done here, backed by impressive scientific research, provides immense benefit to our riders. Having grown up riding horses, I deeply value the powerful connection between people, animals and healing. I look forward to advancing ManeGait’s mission through collaboration, strategy and trust."

In Katharine’s new role, she will support our $13.2M 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 our life-changing equine therapy programs, with 30 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. 

Please also check out this announcement featured in a Dallas Innovates article by Sandra Engelland!