Welcome to the ManeGait...

What started as a personal passion has turned into a calling on the lives of both Pris and Bill Darling.  You may recognize the Darling name as Bill is co-founder of Darling Homes with his brothers Bob and Steve Darling.  While Darling Homes leads the industry in customer satisfaction, and is one of the largest builders in the country, it is the community causes they support in their “spare time” that is truly inspirational! 

 

Pris is an avid rider with prior experience working with handicapped children.  She’s had a heart for therapeutic riding for as long as she can remember but never realized her passion would become her place of service.  “You hear people talk about seeing God at work and about His calling on their lives.  This is my calling,” shared Pris. 

 

Having bought the 14 acres of land, barn and buildings years ago, with the immediate intent of simply cleaning up the land and holding onto it, it’s now become what God planned all along – a heavenly hosting ground for His people.  “We realized that we had this land with two buildings and a barn, so we began researching therapeutic riding centers,” shared Pris.  It was during their research that they learned about the need for a facility like this in North Texas.  They discovered that there are over 700,000 handicap kids in North Texas, “The need was there,” she said.  Thus, they began to develop ManeGait therapeutic riding center, a non-profit entity.

Further into their discovery, they met Lili Kellog, their master trainer.  There are only 30 master trainers in the U.S. and ManeGait is proud to have Lili on board.  She over-sees all the therapy and daily activities of the program and applies her 20 years of experience to the success of the program. Remarkably, this three year old venture has a steady waiting list and is operating as if it were ten years in the making.

 

“He keeps His promises when He asks you to do something,” Pris commented, “I see Him at work every day and it’s just amazing.  When people visit they comment on the peacefulness of ManeGait.  They realize there’s something special going on here.  They may not realize at first that it’s God, but they realize it’s spiritual.  I am able to share my faith on an on-going basis through ManeGait, and I love it!”

 

With well over 1,000 volunteers, staff and riders visiting ManeGait each year, atmosphere is key.  Immediately felt, it’s true, there’s an over-whelming sense of serenity upon arrival. “It’s important to us that people feel welcome and comfortable here.  We work very hard to make sure the property is well kept,” shared Bill. “We see ManeGait as a beacon to the North Texas community for years to come.”

 

Why Therapy on Horses?
“When riding, the core is strengthened; riders strengthen their muscles.  Additionally, the vestibular system also kicks in, which influences balance. The kinesthetic effect, when people learn during movement, is also an important aspect and influencer of success,” shared Lili.   “A horse is multi-dimensional.  The way a horse moves front and back, side to side provides signals to riders of a human’s normal walking pattern.  Response to therapeutic horseback riding is very positive.  For instance, we had a rider with Autism and he’d never gestured with intent.  At then end of his first lesson he gave us a “high five”, with intent!  Everyone was touched,” told Lili.  Pris added, “Bill and I had no idea we’d see kids walk and talk for the first time!” 

 

Not only do riders benefit from the physical and emotional development of this type of therapy, but their social lives are enhanced as well. During our interview Kevin and Michael walked through the doors; two riders at ManeGait, turned best-friends that met during therapy.  “This is a place where you can meet people in similar situations,” shared Michael. Watch inspiring and touching videos of other riders at www.ManeGait.org.

 

Get Lucky, with a new home!

ManeGait will benefit this year from the “Lucky U Home Giveaway” contest. “This project may help us in providing a secure financial future for ManeGait,” Bill shared. The home is approximately 2,900 square foot and has been donated to ManeGait by generous donors.  With an estimated value of $370,000, the home is located in the Whitley Place subdivision, in the growing town of Prosper. The beauty of this home is certain to make the lucky winner proud.  Every detail of this gem was designed and implemented by Darling Homes.  Only 10,000 tickets will be sold and the chance to purchase yours ends April 5, 2011.  Learn more and buy tickets at: www.luckyuhomegiveaway.com