ManeGait

*** A donation to ManeGait on North Texas Giving day will help unlock a $1.64M CHALLENGE GRANT awarded by the Mabee Foundation! ***

ManeGait is a CALLING for founders Pris and Bill Darling and their daughter, Landon Darling Schneider. Established on faith, a passion for horses, and a deep care for those in need, the nonprofit has served North Texas since 2007.

SCOPE OF SERVICE – ManeGait has grown to serve 150 riders per week with a herd of 30 therapy horses and a team of 285 weekly volunteers. Thanks to the success of its nationally recognized EQUINE THERAPY program, ManeGait’s service offering has grown to include BRAIN BUILDING, COMMUNITY CENTER, and KNOWLEDGE CENTER.

Today, ManeGait is a BEACON of hope and healing for thousands of riders, families, volunteers, and organizations each year.

Our Needs

UNMET NEEDS - Proven outcomes of ManeGait’s equine therapy, brain-building, and veteran programs have led to a demand that far exceeds capacity. Referrals from parents, teachers, and doctors have resulted in a waitlist of over 400 individuals with disabilities hoping to take part. 

ManeGait is requesting support for The Beacon Project campaign to double ManeGait program capacity and to serve the growing needs of the North Texas community for the next 50 years and beyond. All donations will also help unlock a $1.64M CHALLENGE GRANT awarded by the Mabee Foundation in support of The Beacon Project!

THE GOAL

The Beacon Project will optimize every acre of land, house more horses, and renovate our facility to serve our community for the next 50 years. The construction and renovation include:

• Reconfiguration of ManeGait property

• Second 10,000 square-foot covered arena to double the number of classes offered

• 15,900 square-foot administrative building and GaitWay to the Brain therapy center

• 75-seat conference space to host training workshops and to share with businesses and nonprofits looking to host offsite meetings

• 32-stall Horse Barn (3 times the size of current barn)

• “Patriot Patio” to host special events and monthly gatherings of our Veteran Program participant

• It is important to note that the existing 18,000 square-foot covered riding arena (built in 2010) and hay barn (built in 2020) will remain as part of the new master site plan.

THE IMPACT

• ManeGait will double its client base; serving 150 MORE children and adults with disabilities each session. (During a session, each participant takes part in a 1-2 hour lesson once a week for 6 weeks.)

• ManeGait will be a venue for Special Olympics and equestrian sports.

• ManeGait will grow as a knowledge center, hosting conferences and educating industry peers and nonprofit professionals.

• The Beacon Project will expand ManeGait’s reach as a community center, becoming a hub for volunteerism, corporate team building, day camps, conferences, and events. ManeGait will be a refuge for the entire community to be inspired by nature and engaged in a shared mission of hope and healing.

CHANGING LIVES

The following testimonials illustrate the long-term impact of ManeGait on the lives of those we serve and our community:

• "What I love about ManeGait is that it is physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, emotional therapy, all bundled into one ride." - Kelly W., RIDER PARENT
• "For the first time in 17 years I finally feel like I made it home in mind, body, and spirit. I'm actually able to be there to support the ones that I love after they have supported me for so many years. I have never been able to say these words and mean them for so long. Thank you thank you thank you. Each and every one of you at ManeGait means the world to me and my family." Chad F, GaitWay VETERAN PARTICIPANT
• "I came to ManeGait for the horses, but I stayed at ManeGait for the miracles. Those miracles can be seen in the form of the beautiful stories of redemption, resilience, growth, and love you can see and feel every single time you are on the grounds." – Johnda D., VOLUNTEER