ROCK Ride on Center for Kids

ROCK Ride On Center for KidsIt’s hard to walk the grounds of ROCK (Ride on Center for Kids) and not immediately fall in love. There is a peacefulness here where healing happens, and for this month’s newsletter we’d like to share this special place with you.

What started out as a simple solution to support a child with down syndrome has grown into 20 years of serving children, adults and veterans, improving life skills and independence in the development of their relationship with the horse.

A Tiny Red Shed, 4 Clients, and A Borrowed Horse
Nancy KrenekCEO and Founder, Nancy Krenek began her journey as a physical therapist over 30 years ago. In 1998, Nancy discovered a huge improvement in children with disabilities when they began using a motorized scooter. Through further investigation, it was found that these same benefits could be attained through horsemanship. After training with the American Hippotherapy Association and many months of borrowing horses and land to help these children, George and Barbara Brightwell graciously donated 20 acres to Nancy and her mission. Thus, ROCK was born!

With the help of WWII Veteran, Sgt. Merlin Hoppe, a tiny red shed was built as the office/tack room/volunteer room/hay barn. Additional red sheds and fencing, now known as “Classic ROCK”, still stand on ROCK’s original 20 acres, though dwarfed by the covered pavilion where ROCK’s majority of activities are now held.

Since that humble beginning, ROCK has experienced massive growth and today sits on 60 acres to successfully execute their mission.

Healing Thru Horses
ROCK Ride on Center for KidsCommunications Director, Kathy White, says that horses are very sensitive to the participant’s emotions and when building that connection with the horse they are learning to communicate with this sensitive animal. Working together, she says it helps to “rebuild relationships with human counterparts as well.”

These relationships have astonishing results. There is an extensive wall of research posters proudly lining Nancy Krenek’s office. Displayed are a portion of the 20+ research collaborations that have been completed with the help of ROCK and local universities.

According to one study on Human Movement Science, similar pelvic movement patterns are shared between humans and horses so that when riding a horse, that person receives a simulated walking experience (Garner, Rigby, 2014). Add trained instructors, the supportive healing environment and relationships built at the ROCK, and the rider can improve their balance, behavior, social skills and more.

With 300 volunteer spots per week, 29 horses, and 28 staff members, ROCK stays very busy, but keeps things organized with their processes and procedures. Quality Texas, a foundation that helps non-profits, has recognized ROCK’s successful operations and helps to evaluate and streamline their processes. By completing the processes and training required for the awards ROCK has won with Quality Texas, they have seen great improvements in efficiency.

How CTTS Plays a Part
Since May of 2017, CTTS has been a proud partner with ROCK, handling all their technology needs from day to day operations to special events like the annual Barn Dance.

Thanks to our generous Clients and our CTTS C.A.R.E.’s (Computer Assistance Resource Exchange) Program, we were able to donate refurbished machines to help with the continuous growth of this nonprofit organization.

ROCK is a CTTS Managed Services Client, meaning that not only are we just a phone call away for all their technology needs, but we also have proactive monitoring software for easy maintenance, advanced security protection, and secure data backups to make sure all their important data is safe, secure and easily accessible in the event of a disaster.

ROCK On VeteransHow You Can Help ROCK
There are many ways to become involved with ROCK. In fact, ROCK recently received the Bronze award (3rd place) as Best Place to Volunteer/Donate in Georgetown’s Best. You can make a difference in the lives of these individuals by giving your time, funds, equipment, or attending any of ROCK’s events.

Volunteering
You can be a part of the magic that happens at ROCK by volunteering your time. There are many opportunities to work with the horses and participants directly by being a sidewalker, horse handler or feeder. You can also help by providing dinner for Veteran program participants, or if you are a Veteran, becoming a Veteran volunteer. There are also many events throughout the year to get involved with and show your support.

Donation
By donating as little as $50 a month, donating equine equipment or even a horse, you can help support this organization. Tuesday evening’s ROCK On Veterans program has 2 classes with a free meal in between classes, usually provided by donors.

Sponsor a HorseHealing thru Horses
The Horseshoe Club is a great way to become involved with ROCK. It takes a lot to care for a horse, not to mention 29 horses! In order to keep tuition costs low for participants, sponsoring a horse through the Horseshoe Club helps to pay for items such as food, veterinary care, and hoof care (trimming every 6 weeks and shoes as needed). ROCK has recently added a new horse to the herd, Icy, who is in need of a sponsor.

Events
Most recently, the ROCK On Veterans Open House celebrated their 20th anniversary and 13 years of serving Veterans and Service Members. The annual golf tournament, the ROCK Rider Cup Classic, is held every fall and also benefits ROCK On Veterans. Their biggest event is the annual Barn Dance every Spring, where there is live music and dancing, an auction, food, and a great time!

If you would like to learn more, the best way to contact ROCK is by visiting their website: www.rockride.org/contact/ or you can give them a call at (512) 930-7625.

Garner, Brian & Rhett Rigby, B. (2014). Human pelvis motions when walking and when riding a therapeutic horse. Human movement science. 39C. 121-137.10.1016/j.humov.2014.06.011.