ManeGait Therapeutic Horsemanship in McKinney offers horseback riding therapy for individuals with disabilities, including a horse simulator for those who cannot saddle up. Emerson Sieling, who has cerebral palsy and a seizure disorder, has been coming to ManeGait since she was a toddler and has defied doctors’ expectations by walking and talking. She uses the simulator to work on core and leg strength to achieve her goal of walking during an upcoming event.

Emerson, now a competitive rider with numerous awards, considers ManeGait her “happy place” and has benefited greatly from the therapy provided. The nonprofit is currently undergoing a major expansion project called The Beacon Project, which will double their capacity to help individuals each week. ManeGait has a waitlist of over 400 people, highlighting the high demand for their services and the positive impact they have on their riders.