Our Story

ManeGait is a Calling

ManeGait was founded in 2007 as an answer to a three-and-a-half-year prayer for our founders.

From just two horses and four riders in the beginning, ManeGait has grown into a nationally recognized therapeutic riding center, serving 150 individuals with disabilities each week. At the same time, ManeGait has become a center for volunteerism and fellowship – a refuge for the entire community to be inspired by nature and engaged in a shared mission. Today, ManeGait is a beacon of hope and healing, welcoming thousands of riders, volunteers, and partners to the arena each year.

The Founding Family

Priscilla and Bill Darling have been philanthropic members of the Dallas-Fort Worth community for over 35 years as original partners of the residential homebuilding company Darling Homes.

The Darling family prayerfully founded ManeGait Therapeutic Horsemanship with a vision that it may one day become a beacon of hope in the North Texas community. They are humbled by the dedication and generous support of so many who made this vision a reality.

Today, the founding family includes Priscilla and Bill with their daughter and son-in-law, Landon and Zach Schneider (and their children). Bill and Zach launched Tradition Homes, a McKinney-based home building company in 2019. As faithful community leaders, the family is committed to fulfilling God’s calling so that ManeGait’s mission may serve our community for generations to come.

Mission Statement

At ManeGait Therapeutic Horsemanship, children and adults with disabilities move beyond their boundaries through the healing power of the horse and the dedication of a professional, caring community.

Value Statements

  • Footing | A FIRM FOUNDATION. Our footing is built on professionalism, respect, humility, integrity, discipline and pride of ownership. Our every decision and action will be based on these behaviors.

  • Unbridled | UNBRIDLED PASSION. We share our testimony and excitement for the mission of ManeGait to reach those who need help and those who help.

  • Heart | THE HEART OF THE HORSE. We enrich lives by nurturing a welcoming and inspiring environment designed to embrace, encourage and empower.

  • D-livery | EXCELLENCE IN DELIVERY. We trust by offering a high-quality program that will maximize rider potential by fostering independence, skill progression and appreciating individuality.

  • Gallop | FOREVER ASPIRING. We applaud and celebrate higher achievement, creative innovation and best practice learning.

  • Feed | STEWARDSHIP. We cherish every gift and resource that is entrusted to ManeGait’s care. Our primary responsibility is to insure the safety of our riders, the welfare of our horses and the continual advancement of our program.

  • Join In

    Learn about lesson enrollment and how you our a family member can take part in ManeGait programs.

    Rider Resources

  • Lend a Hand

    Learn about rewarding volunteer opportunities for teens, adults, community groups, and businesses.

    Volunteer

  • Give Support

    Generous donors and grant makers keep costs affordable for rider families and ensure the care of our therapy herd.

    Donate

  • Learn the Skills

    ManeGait provides workshops and education programs to share best practices with industry professionals.

    Education