ManeGait Equine Therapy: Expansion and Community Support in North Texas

ManeGait's Mission and Impact

• 💡 Founded in 2007, ManeGait provides life-changing equine therapy services to approximately 150 riders weekly.
• 🐴 The program is supported by a dedicated team of about 30 therapy horses and a substantial 300 volunteers.

Therapeutic Benefits of Equine Therapy

• 🌱 For individuals with Down syndrome, like Kelly Waterman's daughter, riding a horse strengthens core muscles, improves posture, and enhances the ability to walk and run.
• 🎯 Equine therapy utilizes muscles and exercises that riders may not realize they are engaging, leading to significant physical improvements.

The Beacon Project Expansion

• 🚀 ManeGait is undergoing a major expansion with the Beacon Project to address a significant demand for services.
• 📈 Currently, there is a 400-person waitlist, with individuals waiting 5 to 7 years for services.
• 🏗️ The expansion includes building a second arena, an administrative building, and a 32-horse barn, aiming to double the services offered weekly.

Community Engagement: ManeGait Live

• 🎪 This Saturday, the ManeGait Live Country Fair and Concert, sponsored by New York Life, offers the community a chance to learn about the mission and expansion.
• 🎶 The event features live music, axe throwing, face painting, crafts, and bounce houses, running from 12 PM to 6 PM.

Ways to Support ManeGait

• 🤝 ManeGait serves individuals with disabilities, veterans, and first responders, highlighting the vital need for their services.
• ❤️ Support can be provided through time as a volunteer, donations, or by sharing their story to raise community awareness and support for the expansion project.