Ride On Center for Kids Healing Through Horses

photos courtesy Nancy Krenek

Established in 1998, ROCK Ride On Center for Kids (ROCK) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that strives to improve independence and life skills in partnership with horses. Dr. Nancy Krenek, a physical therapist, founded ROCK after seeing individuals break out of the box of their diagnosis through the life changing connection with a horse. ROCK seeks to help individuals fulfill their unlimited potential physically and emotionally for improved life skills and independence. In 1998, ROCK started with one horse and four riders and now serves more than 300 families yearly, with over 300 volunteers and 32 horses.

ROCK provides equine-assisted services to children, adults, and veterans with physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges. Services include equine-assisted therapy and activities, equine-facilitated learning, school programs, competition horse shows, summer camp, instructor training program, and ROCK On Veterans.

They cover nine counties in Central Texas from a central location on 60+ acres in Georgetown. ROCK participants range from 2 to 90+ years and see improvement in most aspects of their life — from muscle tone, strength, flexibility, and balance to cognitive, behavioral, communication and emotional improvements.

COMMUNITY IMPACT

ROCK has changed countless participants' lives, like the young man with cerebral palsy who was able to walk across the stage at graduation thanks to equine-assisted therapy. Or the veteran with a head injury who couldn’t walk or talk but was able to start both after receiving equine-assisted services. Other veterans who struggle with anxiety and PTSD have found support at ROCK and testified that the horse saved their lives. Individuals with strokes, MS, and Parkinson's have also gained strength and improved movement.

HOW TO HELP

• Horseshoe Club: Sponsor a horse via a monthly or annual gift to provide for the herd's ongoing needs.

• Amazon Wish Lists: Check out ROCK’s wish lists at rockride.org/donate.

• In-kind gifts: ROCK is always looking for office and art supplies, farm equipment, halters, saddles and other tack, etc. plus horse care supplies as well as horses.

2024 Giving Events

• Amplify Austin March 6-7

• ROCK Barn Dance April 6

• ROCK Cowgirl Bruncheon Nov 2

• Carriage Rides on the Square

• Volunteering: ROCK is looking for more Welcome Wranglers. These amazing ROCKateers help in the office by answering phones, working with small projects, and being the first friendly face our families and guests see when they enter the Welcome Center.

• Nov 10, Ribbon Cutting for Sport Clips Heroes Arena

• Nov 4-12, Georgetown Field of Honor: Support ROCK by purchasing your flag at georgetowntxfieldofhonor.org/ROCK.

• Dec 2, Christmas Stroll Parade: See a few of our horses and many of our participants in the parade.

• Dec 7-9 & 14-17, Carriage Rides on the Square. Tickets must be bought in advance; on sale Nov 14.