Program Overview
ManeGait is a PATH Premier Accredited Center that provides weekly therapy programs to 150 children and adults with physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral disabilities. PATH Certified Instructors lead our programs with the assistance of 30 therapy horses and a team of over 285 dedicated volunteers each week.
Who We Serve
ManeGait riders range from 5 to 81 years of age; 62% are under the age of 21.
Participants come from five North Texas counties: Collin, Dallas, Denton, Grayson, and Rockwall.
Disabilities served include: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Intellectual Disability, Developmental Delay, Down Syndrome, ADD/ ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, among many others.
Great Strides!
Many parents tell us that therapeutic horsemanship is one of the only forms of therapy that has shown real outcomes for their children. This video illustrates the impact of ManeGait programs on the riders, their families, and the community we serve!
ManeGait Programs
Equine Therapy
ManeGait’s riding program consists of weekly private or small group lessons where riders learn to walk, trot, canter, and compete as equestrians.
Riding is a form of physical therapy that can lead to improved muscle strength, motor skills, flexibility, coordination, balance, posture, and other physical abilities.
Riding can increase cognitive abilities, including speech, communication, attention, focus, memory, sequencing, following instructions, and managing tasks.
Riding is a sport that offers freedom to those unable to walk, run, or move without assistance – many of our riders compete as part of ManeGait’s Show Team at events like Special Olympics and Chisholm Challenge.
Riding promotes positive emotional well-being, including confidence, independence, teamwork, and the unconditional acceptance and companionship of a horse!
All ManeGait lessons are led by PATH Certified Riding Instructors and are supported by a team of trained volunteers. The instructors work with families to assess each rider’s needs, set short and long-term goals, and work toward personal milestones that benefit the rider both in and outside the arena.
GaitWay to the Brain
Developed at ManeGait by licensed speech pathologist and brain-building expert, Robin Harwell (M.A., CCC-SLP), GaitWay to the Brain is the first program of its kind to incorporate brain-building exercises into the framework of equine therapy to increase outcomes for riders.
GaitWay to the Brain is supported by neurological research that documents the impact of brain-building activities on individuals with physical, cognitive, sensory, and behavioral disabilities.
The program takes participants through a series of brain-building exercises prior to riding lessons. These exercises stimulate underutilized parts of the brain, giving them the improved ability to focus, center themselves, and get the very most benefit out of therapeutic riding. The program also includes an at-home protocol, which reinforces these outcomes by incorporating the exercises into the rider’s daily routine.
Outcomes of the GaitWay program have been validated by third-party research and have led to replication of the program at riding centers across the U.S. and Canada. Benefits of GaitWay range from improved motor skills, to communication and speech, to reading and academic performance.
ManeGait to Freedom
(Veterans and First Responders)
This program is designed to support the needs of military veterans and first responders, providing the mind and body benefits of therapeutic riding and building community among participants.
In addition to physical benefits, therapeutic horsemanship can lead to less anxiety and depression, improved sleep/wake cycles, increased social involvement, greater confidence, and stronger interpersonal relationships for participants.
Carriage Driving
Carriage Driving is a form of equine-assisted therapy where participants drive a horse-drawn carriage or cart accompanied by a certified driving instructor.
The program promotes coordination, fine and gross motor skills, visual perception, spatial awareness, and independence.
Stable Stars
ManeGait’s Stable Stars are shining both inside and outside of the arena. This program gives riders the opportunity to experience the hard work and rewards of caring for horses. With a focus on teamwork and fun, Stable Stars assist barn managers by cleaning stalls, filling water troughs, and preparing equipment. Working together in service of their beloved therapy horses builds interpersonal connections, discipline, task management skills, and empathy for those involved.
Meet Samson
Samson is a full-size Equestrian Riding Simulator, which replicates the feel of riding and controlling a live horse. This equipment came to us all the way from the United Kingdom, and ManeGait is fortunate to be one of the only centers in the United States to offer this technology as part of our equine therapy program.
Samson is used for new rider assessments, training, and for specialized therapy for those unable to ride a live horse.
Watch Samson in action!
-
![]()
Join In
Learn about lesson enrollment and how you or a family member can take part in ManeGait programs.
-
![]()
Lend a Hand
Learn about rewarding volunteer opportunities for teens, adults, community groups, and businesses.
-
![]()
Give Support
Generous donors keep costs affordable for rider families and ensure the care of our therapy herd.
-
![]()
Learn Skills
ManeGait provides workshops and education programs to share best practices with our peers industry professionals.
