New Hope Equine Assisted Therapy
Argyle, Texas
New Hope Equine Assisted Therapy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Argyle, Texas, founded in 2012 by Sharla and Dave Kershen. It offers therapeutic riding for people with physical, emotional or intellectual challenges, plus a natural horsemanship program for military personnel, veterans and first responders and a non-riding program called Hangin' with Horses.
- Therapeutic riding lessons
- Natural horsemanship for veterans and first responders
- Intro to Horsemanship 8-week course
- Hangin' with Horses (grooming and walking horses)
- Financial assistance program
- Volunteer opportunities
- People with disabilities and special needs
- People with physical, emotional or intellectual challenges
- Military personnel and veterans
- First responders
- Adults 18+, or minors with a participating adult
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, New Hope provides weekly lessons to more than 40 riders. Lessons are tailored to each rider and generally include grooming, tacking up, arena riding and trail riding. The 2024-2025 impact report lists nine therapy horses, and the center says its instructors are PATH or CHA certified.
The Veterans and First Responders program uses natural horsemanship groundwork and is aimed especially at people with post-traumatic stress symptoms. New Hope says it is not psychotherapy. The basic Intro to Horsemanship course runs eight weeks and moves from leading and grooming to round penning and mounted lessons.
Hangin' with Horses, added in 2025, lets participants groom or walk horses in a sensory trail area without riding.
Getting Started
Riding registration is open year round and all new riders start on the waitlist. Families complete the online registration form and email a physician-signed medical form. An evaluation is scheduled when a suitable class, horse and instructor are available.
According to its website, lessons run from mid-September through June, with breaks around holidays and fundraisers, a mid-December to mid-January closure, and most of August off.
Location
New Hope is located at 6151 FM 1830, Argyle, TX 76226. The center says trained volunteers serve as horse handlers.
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 much does therapeutic riding cost at New Hope?
The website lists $60 per riding lesson and says its actual cost is over $300, with donations and grants covering the difference. Hangin' with Horses is listed at $50 per weekly 45-minute session, and registered participants can apply for financial assistance. See our guide to equine therapy costs.
Is there a waitlist?
Yes. New Hope says all new riding and Hangin' with Horses participants start on a waitlist, and returning riders are scheduled first. Registration must be renewed each year.
What does the veterans program cost?
New Hope says costs are typically covered by grants or sponsoring organizations, and the first session is free. Questions can go to Programs@NewHopeEquine.com.
How do I contact New Hope?
Call 817-729-5315 or email skershen@NewHopeEquine.com.
Location
Argyle, Texas 76226
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.