ManeGait
McKinney, Texas
ManeGait is a nonprofit equine therapy center in McKinney, Texas, founded in 2007. It offers therapeutic riding, carriage driving, a brain-building program called GaitWay to the Brain and a program for military veterans and first responders. According to its website, it serves about 150 children and adults with disabilities each week.
- Equine therapy
- GaitWay to the Brain (brain-building exercises with equine therapy)
- Veteran Program
- Carriage driving
- Stable Stars
- Equestrian riding simulator
- Workshops, certification and instructor training
- Children with disabilities
- Adults with disabilities
- Military veterans
- First responders
More about this center
About the Program
ManeGait says it was founded in 2007 by Priscilla and Bill Darling and began with two horses and four riders. Community Impact reported in 2025 that ManeGait is a PATH Premier Accredited Center, and a 2019 article said its instructors are certified through PATH Intl.
According to Community Impact, GaitWay to the Brain was developed by Robin Harwell, a licensed speech pathologist, and carriage driving is offered for people who cannot mount a horse or who exceed the riding weight limit.
Expansion and Waitlist
Demand is high. In January 2025, Executive Director Tricia Nelson told Community Impact that a little over 400 people were waiting for services. At the time, the planned Beacon Project expansion was set to add a second covered arena, a 32-stall horse barn and a brain-building therapy center, among other facilities. In October 2026, FOX 4 reported that ManeGait had raised $13.2 million and completed the expansion, with the goal of doubling its therapy capacity.
Volunteering
The website lists volunteer opportunities, volunteer training and group volunteering, and says ManeGait hosts more than 4,000 volunteers and supporters each year.
Location
ManeGait's program site is at 3160 N. Custer Rd., McKinney, TX 75071. Mail goes to 4261 E. University Dr. #30-253, Prosper, TX 75078. The website describes a 24-acre property and posts a daily schedule and parking plan for riders and volunteers.
From public records, not yet reviewed by the center · Last updated Oct 2026 Suggest an edit
Common Questions
Answered from the center’s own website and public records.
How do I enroll a rider at ManeGait?
The website has an Enrollment page under its Riders section. Community Impact reported a waitlist of a little over 400 people in January 2025, so ask about current wait times when you apply.
How much does it cost?
Call (469) 742-9611 to ask about current rates, and see our guide to equine therapy costs.
Does ManeGait serve veterans?
Yes. Its website lists a Veteran Program for military veterans and first responders.
Who can ride?
ManeGait says it serves children and adults with disabilities. According to Community Impact, carriage driving is available for people who cannot mount a horse or who exceed the riding weight limit.
Location
McKinney, Texas 75071
Questions to Ask When You Call
The center is the best source for these answers.
- Are you running now, and taking new riders?Start here. We couldn’t confirm a current schedule.
- Which ages and needs do you work with?Ask about experience with your rider’s specific condition.
- Is a licensed PT, OT or speech therapist involved?Therapist-led hippotherapy is usually the only kind insurance may cover.
- What does a session cost, and are there scholarships?Many nonprofit programs offer sliding scales or sponsored spots.
- Do you have a mounting ramp or lift?Important for riders who use a wheelchair or need help mounting.