New Hope Equine Assisted Therapy
About New Hope Equine Assisted Therapy
At New Hope Equine Assisted Therapy in Argyle, people show up for horseback riding, horsemanship, and the kind of horse-human connection that can feel steady and grounding. The programs serve people with disabilities, special needs, and challenges, as well as military personnel, veterans, and first responders. For people who want time with horses without riding, Hangin' with Horses opens the barn door in a different way. It is the kind of place where the work is hands-on, the support is personal, and the welcome reaches a wide range of people.
What stands out here is the range of ways people can participate. A rider can come for therapeutic horseback riding, a veteran or first responder can join progressive horsemanship, and someone who simply wants to spend time around horses can take part without riding at all. The organization also offers financial assistance for registered participants who need reduced rates.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Therapeutic Riding
Therapeutic horseback riding for people with disabilities, special needs, and challenges. Lessons include mounted and unmounted horsemanship skills such as horse handling, grooming, tacking, riding, and horse care.
Veterans and First Responders
A progressive therapeutic horsemanship program for military personnel, veterans, and first responders, especially those experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress.
Hangin' with Horses
A program for people who want to spend time with horses without horseback riding. Participants can groom or walk horses in the sensory trail area.
New Hope Financial Assistance Program
A reduced-rate assistance option for registered participants. Participants may apply year round after completing registration.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
To foster horse and human connections, specifically for those with disabilities, through therapeutic riding and horsemanship, and to bring hope, healing, and happiness to all who participate in its programs.
Who they serve
People with disabilities, special needs, and challenges, plus military personnel, veterans, and first responders; Hangin' with Horses also serves adults who want to spend time with horses.
Their impact
- 3,098 volunteer hours in 2024-2025.
- 50 weekly riders in 2024-2025.
- 9 therapy horses in 2024-2025.
- Darren rode in a horse show and won first place in his class.
How your donation helps
- Participant scholarships and reduced lesson rates
- Equine wellness and horse care
- Facility maintenance
- Special events and camps
- Unexpected veterinary visits
- Paddock drainage and mud management improvements
- Feed, farrier care, and horse supplies
Our story
New Hope Equine Assisted Therapy was founded in 2012 by Sharla Kershen and Dave Kershen to foster the horse-and-human connection for the benefit of both horse and rider, especially for people with disabilities. It began with therapeutic riding, then added a program for veterans and first responders, and expanded in 2025 with Hangin' with Horses for the general public.
Need help?
How someone in need can access New Hope Equine Assisted Therapy’s services.
Therapeutic riding participants register year round and are initially placed on a waitlist. After required forms are completed and an evaluation session is held, New Hope matches the participant to the right horse and number of volunteers based on needs and available days and times. Veterans and first responders may tour New Hope or attend an initial no-cost session to learn about the program. Hangin' with Horses applicants are accepted year round and are scheduled once placement can be completed.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
"My shy, anxious, introverted daughter, who doesn't like being outdoors or exercising or talking to new people and had zero interest in getting on a horse, arrived at New Hope for the first time and 90 minutes later couldn't stop talking and smiling." - Denise Bruzzone, Virginia's Mom
"His progress is amazing! His posture is straight and riding helps his core muscles and balance." - Suzanne, John's mother
"This was a very dark period, and I wanted to quit many times." - Tonya
Events
Hope Gala
annualA casino-themed gala with games, dinner, auctions, and stories that support the healing work of the horses.
Sporting Clay Shoot Fundraiser
annualA 100-target sporting clay event with lunch, raffle items, and sponsorships that raises funds for New Hope.
Chisholm Challenge
annualAn equestrian competition for riders with disabilities held at Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo facilities.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles New Hope Equine Assisted Therapy has shared.
Current needs
- Participant scholarships for families who need reduced rates
- Funding to finish the remaining paddock drainage work
- More trained volunteers to reduce the rider waitlist
- Horse care supplies from Amazon and Chewy
- Additional monthly donors and corporate partnerships
- An endowment fund to support long-term stability
Volunteer opportunities
- Horse leaders
- Sidewalkers
- Horse handlers
- Equine Manager Assistant
- Board service
- Group work days for businesses, civic groups, and church groups
- Scout projects at the facility
Recognition & press
In the media
- WBAP Impact Texas podcast, interview with Sharla and Dave Kershen and rider Kathryn about New Hope and the benefits of equine-assisted therapy.
- Fox News story and follow-up on storm damage recovery at New Hope.
Press & mentions
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
How do new participants get started in therapeutic riding?
Participants register year round, fill out the required forms, and attend an evaluation session before being matched with a horse and volunteer team. New participants are first placed on a waitlist until scheduling can be arranged.
What does a therapeutic riding lesson include?
Lessons are shaped around the participant and usually include grooming the horse, tacking up, arena riding, and trail riding.
What is Hangin' with Horses?
Hangin' with Horses is for people who want to be around horses without riding. Participants can groom or walk horses in the sensory trail area.
Who can take part in the veterans and first responders program?
The program is for military personnel, veterans, and first responders, especially those experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress.
How does New Hope match participants to lessons?
After registration and evaluation, participants are matched with the right horse and number of volunteers based on their needs and the days and times that work for the family.
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