ManeGait Therapeutic Horsemanship

aneGait is a beacon of hope and healing, welcoming thousands of riders, volunteers, and partners to the arena each year. From just two horses and four riders, ManeGait has grown into a nationally recognized therapeutic riding center, serving 150 individuals with disabilities each week.

Thanks to the success of its nationally recognized Equine Therapy programs, ManeGait's service offering has expanded to include more state-of-the-art programs. In 2013, ManeGait developed the first Brain Building program of its kind to enhance and extend outcomes for participants. The GaitWay to the Brain program is now being replicated at therapy centers across the country. ManeGait has also become a Knowledge Center, sharing best practices with industry professionals and other nonprofits. As a Community Center, the ministry further touches the lives of 4,000 volunteers, partners, and supporters each year. Rider families find a supportive network of friends, volunteers discover new passions, students become leaders, professionals develop skills, and supporters are engaged in a rewarding mission.

As a result of ManeGait's programs, 97% of parents/riders reported improvements in one or more of the following areas: physical ability, overall mental health, social skills and behavior, communication skills, cognitive function, and development of riding skills. Each of these functional outcomes leads to greater independence and a better quality of life for riders and their families. Referrals from parents, teachers, and doctors, have led to a demand for services far exceeding capacity and a waitlist of 400 rider families. A new master site plan has been established to renovate ManeGait's facility to double the number of people ManeGait can serve in the coming years. Year-end donations to ManeGait keep costs affordable for their current rider families and helps to prepare the mission for future growth to meet this growing community need.