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Red Arena
Phone: (512) 807-6505Contact Email: info@REDarena.org
Website: www.REDarena.orgFacebook Page | Twitter Page Review this Business/Team
Empowering individuals of all abilities through horses!
RED Arena is a 501c3 charity that serves children and adults in physical, occupational or speech therapy sessions while on the horse as well as therapeutic riding lessons with PATH Certified Instructors. The dynamic motion of the horse is not only an extremely effective tool to improve strength, balance, coordination, communication, confidence; it is an incredibly empowering activity for the rider who deal daily with physical, mental or medical challenges.
RED Arena also offers a job training program for adults with disabilities and has added mental health services through equine assisted counseling. Thanks to grants, corporate sponsors, individual donors, the RED Arena Round-Up fundraiser, and our wonderful volunteers we are able to offer partial scholarships to ALL participants and full scholarships to many including Military Veterans and their families.
RED Arena also offers a job training program for adults with disabilities and has added mental health services through equine assisted counseling. Thanks to grants, corporate sponsors, individual donors, the RED Arena Round-Up fundraiser, and our wonderful volunteers we are able to offer partial scholarships to ALL participants and full scholarships to many including Military Veterans and their families.
Equine Assisted TherapiesAlso known as Hippotherapy, RED Arena offers therapies for ages 2 to 99+
Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy use the dynamic motion of the horse to impact neurologic and sensory systems. Licensed & PATH Registered Therapists properly position the patient on the horse, analyze the patient’s response and direct the horse’s movement to achieve specific patient treatment goals. This dynamic activity facilitates improved balance, posture, range of motion, mobility, gross and fine motor skills. Speech Language Therapy also includes use of the horses movement to engage patients in functional activities, and optimize an upright active trunk to facilitate communication and improved behavior. Therapeutic Riding LessonsOur PATH Certified Instructors provide quality individual riding lessons for all ages in our wonderful arena and on our beautiful trails. Lessons can include horse care, tacking and riding.
Equine Assisted CounselingAlso called Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), is a form of counseling that incorporates horses within a therapeutic environment supporting emotional growth and healing. Licensed therapists and equine professionals work together with clients and horses to address treatment goals. EAC offers an alternative to “traditional” talk therapy. Sessions are guided by our model that is “hands on” (or experiential). In other words, clients learn about themselves naturally through horse-related activities and interactions and then discuss any thoughts, feelings or behavior patterns that arise. All activities are completed on the ground with the horses, no prior horse experience necessary.
Our Services Support People In Coping With Challenges Such As:
Equine Facilitated LearningSocial Groups - Experiences with peers and interactions with horses to improve communication and organizational skills.
Reading Programs - Educational activities with horses that build confidence as well as foster learning. Sibling Support - Activities with the horses that siblings and families can enjoy together. Life Skills Training - Individual or group sessions for barn management, horse care, and much more. Equine AgilityHorse handling and unmounted skills with the horses and mini horses. Another way to incorporate motor learning, sequencing, communication, confidence and fun with horses.
Summer Horse CampInclusive Summer Horse Camp for riders of ALL ability levels.
Includes group trail rides, hands on horse care, gross motor games, fine motor crafts. Sessions run Mon - Fri 8am-1pm for ages 5 - 12 |
New Rider Registration FormsScholarship Application
Payments
Payments can be made by check to RED Arena 1601 Bell Springs Rd Dripping Springs TX 78620 or by credit card with the following link. |
Benefits of Being on the Horse...
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- ADD/ADHD - Enhances memory, sequential thinking, concentration, uses mental/physical/tactile skills to focus attention on horse/rider/team.
- Autism - Physical and verbal activity helps to focus outer awareness on other people and the horses.
- Cancer - Empowers people dealing with medical challenges by incorporating horses into their recovery. The dynamic motion of the horse is an extremely effective tool to improve strength, balance, coordination, communication and confidence.
- Cerebral Palsy - Physical activity helps with balance, posture, and motion in the joints. Interactive speech uses thought and physical processes.
- Developmentally Delayed - Riders are applauded for each success, provides a great alternative sport, helps with social and physical development.
- Down Syndrome - Helps with self-esteem, use of fine and gross motor skills, thought processing and speech, physical exercise tones muscles, helps with posture and balance.
- Emotional Disability - Riders are given sincere encouragement, helps with self-esteem, builds self-confidence, must concentrate outside of self to develop horse management skills.
- Eye Disorders - Physically enhances gross and fine motor control, develops muscles and symmetry. Requires attention to sequencing, thought process, communication skills.
- Head Injury - Helps to rebuild physical/mental skills, improves, posture, balance, fine and gross motor skills.
- Learning Disability - Enhances skills needed to learn, sequential thinking, eye-hand coordination, attention span, physical skills strengthens balance, fine and gross motor skills. Interaction with horse, staff and other riders uses language skills.
- Multiple Sclerosis - Provides an individualized recreational program, social stimulation, physically enhances muscles and balance.
- Speech Disorders - Enhances skills needed for communication with other people and the horses in alternative sport activity. Builds self-esteem in caring environment
- Stroke - Helps to re-acquire symmetrical use of body, strengthens muscles, balance, motor skills and improves speech processes.
- Traumatic Brain Injury - Provides caring atmosphere to try new skills and interact with people and horses. Physically helps with balance, motor skills and posture. Mentally requires use of perception, sequencing, and speech processes.
Meet the Team
President
Mary (“Missy”) Knebel, BSN, RN
Mary (Missy) Knebel is President of the Board of Directors of Red Arena. As the mother of a child who sustained a traumatic brain injury she is Directors of Red Arena. As the mother of a child who sustained a traumatic brain injury she is Directors of Red Arena. As the mother of a child who sustained a traumatic brain injury she is uniquely aware of the life changing therapies that can only be carried out with the assistance of a horse. Missy has been volunteering with Red Arena weekly since 2007. She has served in numerous roles including Board Treasurer, Round Up Chairman, Scholarship Committee Chair and Strategic Planning Committee. She continues to volunteer every week as a horse handler. Missy presently sits on the Board of Directors of a national nonprofit organization, L3 (Lives of Leadership and Legacy) and serves as it's Health and Wellness Chairman. Missy has also volunteered for other nonprofit organizations including Animal Trustees of Austin, Lake Travis Youth Association and Project Graduation. A graduate of the University of Texas at Houston, Missy holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree. Prior to her retirement last year Missy was a shareholder and Director of Nurses for Robinson Creek Home Care and Hospice Inc. for over twenty years. During her free time Missy enjoys riding and showing her Arabian gelding Eddie.
Vice President
Caroline Juszczcak
Caroline has been a RED Arena weekly volunteer since 2009. Caroline has served as a Chair of Round-Up for the past 4 years and Scholarship Committee Chair past 2 years. Caroline has always had a heart for helping kids, and before moving to Austin, volunteered as a court-appointed advocate/guardian ad litem for children in the care of Child Protective Services in Harris County. To pay the bills, Caroline works as an information development manager at a company Forbes called one of the top 10 fastest growing technology companies, but volunteering at RED Arena and seeing the positive change it makes is where her passion is.
Caroline has been a RED Arena weekly volunteer since 2009. Caroline has served as a Chair of Round-Up for the past 4 years and Scholarship Committee Chair past 2 years. Caroline has always had a heart for helping kids, and before moving to Austin, volunteered as a court-appointed advocate/guardian ad litem for children in the care of Child Protective Services in Harris County. To pay the bills, Caroline works as an information development manager at a company Forbes called one of the top 10 fastest growing technology companies, but volunteering at RED Arena and seeing the positive change it makes is where her passion is.
Secretary
Kathy Hildebrandt
Kathy has been a vital weekly volunteer at Red Arena since 2008 giving countless hours to assist with equine selection, care, transportation, program development & weekly program sessions. She was born & raised in Houston, Texas. She graduated from Southwestern University at Georgetown. She has competed successfully at the National Level with her beloved Arabian horse, Chance (Fames Night Fever). Kathy has served as Secretary of the Board of Directors since 2010 and as a Round-Up Chair the past 5 years. She is also a supporter of P.A.W.S Shelter & Humane Society & Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society.
Kathy Hildebrandt
Kathy has been a vital weekly volunteer at Red Arena since 2008 giving countless hours to assist with equine selection, care, transportation, program development & weekly program sessions. She was born & raised in Houston, Texas. She graduated from Southwestern University at Georgetown. She has competed successfully at the National Level with her beloved Arabian horse, Chance (Fames Night Fever). Kathy has served as Secretary of the Board of Directors since 2010 and as a Round-Up Chair the past 5 years. She is also a supporter of P.A.W.S Shelter & Humane Society & Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society.
Treasurer
Andrea Wenholz
The Wenholz Law Firm
Andrea has been volunteering weekly at RED Arena since 2008, serves as a Chair on the Round-Up Committee and Funding Committee. She is currently working with her husband as CFO for the Wenholz Law Firm. She formerly worked as a CFO in the technology sector in Austin, Texas for over 10 years. She started her career in Dallas in public accounting with KPMG and relocated to Austin to work with several high tech start-up companies. She graduated from Texas A&M with a BA in Accounting. She is passionate about her family, her husband and two beautiful daughters, her horses, dogs and cats.
Andrea Wenholz
The Wenholz Law Firm
Andrea has been volunteering weekly at RED Arena since 2008, serves as a Chair on the Round-Up Committee and Funding Committee. She is currently working with her husband as CFO for the Wenholz Law Firm. She formerly worked as a CFO in the technology sector in Austin, Texas for over 10 years. She started her career in Dallas in public accounting with KPMG and relocated to Austin to work with several high tech start-up companies. She graduated from Texas A&M with a BA in Accounting. She is passionate about her family, her husband and two beautiful daughters, her horses, dogs and cats.
Member
Matt Evans, DVM
Austin Equine Associates
In addition to serving on the RED Arena board, Dr. Evans and his team at Austin Equine care for RED Arena's horses, a responsibility they consider a privileged. Matt Evans is a native Austinite with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Texas A&M University. Dr. Evans became a partner at Austin Equine Associates in 2005 and his primary veterinary interest is equine dentistry. Matt and his wife of 15 years have two girls, 4 and 7 years old, and they reside in Dripping Springs, Texas. Matt is very involved at Christ Church Austin, leading the Foster and Adoptive Ministry, Genesis Gardens (providing vegetables for Austin's homeless population) and serving on the Design Team as they build a new church. In his spare time, Matt is an landscape oil painter and a novice, mediocre stand-up comedian.
Matt Evans, DVM
Austin Equine Associates
In addition to serving on the RED Arena board, Dr. Evans and his team at Austin Equine care for RED Arena's horses, a responsibility they consider a privileged. Matt Evans is a native Austinite with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Texas A&M University. Dr. Evans became a partner at Austin Equine Associates in 2005 and his primary veterinary interest is equine dentistry. Matt and his wife of 15 years have two girls, 4 and 7 years old, and they reside in Dripping Springs, Texas. Matt is very involved at Christ Church Austin, leading the Foster and Adoptive Ministry, Genesis Gardens (providing vegetables for Austin's homeless population) and serving on the Design Team as they build a new church. In his spare time, Matt is an landscape oil painter and a novice, mediocre stand-up comedian.
Member
Myrna F. Young
Executive Director/CEO of Everywoman Opportunity Center, Inc. (Ret)
Founding President of Red Arena Board of Directors
Under her leadership, Everywoman Opportunity Center, Inc. won state and national recognition. Myrna and Everywoman received the prestigious US Department of Labor's national Exemplary Public Interest Contribution (EPIC) Award--one of only five awarded in the nation. She is well known as an expert in nonprofit management as well as training program design. She sits on several Boards of Directors including currently serving as President of Wider Opportunities for Women---a fifty year old organization based in Washington DC. She is the recipient of many awards including being named to the WNY Women's Hall of Fame. She has a M.ED. from the University of Texas at El Paso.
Myrna F. Young
Executive Director/CEO of Everywoman Opportunity Center, Inc. (Ret)
Founding President of Red Arena Board of Directors
Under her leadership, Everywoman Opportunity Center, Inc. won state and national recognition. Myrna and Everywoman received the prestigious US Department of Labor's national Exemplary Public Interest Contribution (EPIC) Award--one of only five awarded in the nation. She is well known as an expert in nonprofit management as well as training program design. She sits on several Boards of Directors including currently serving as President of Wider Opportunities for Women---a fifty year old organization based in Washington DC. She is the recipient of many awards including being named to the WNY Women's Hall of Fame. She has a M.ED. from the University of Texas at El Paso.
Member
Manon Lemoine
Yarbrough Solutions Worldwide
Manon Lemoine has served on the RED Arena Board of Directors since 2008. She is the purchasing agent of all materials and services for Yarbrough Solutions Worldwide. She was born and raised in the Netherlands and moved to the US in 1983, attended Louisiana State University and has been a resident of Austin since 1993. Manon has focused her free time around volunteering with organizations involving animals such as Town Lake Animal Center, Wildlife Rescue and Horse Rescue. She has been a Meals-On-Wheels weekly volunteer since 2000. Manon is an Assistant Follow-up Inspection Coordinator with BEHS (Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society) which is vital to ensuring the success of rescued horses’ futures.
Yarbrough Solutions Worldwide
Manon Lemoine has served on the RED Arena Board of Directors since 2008. She is the purchasing agent of all materials and services for Yarbrough Solutions Worldwide. She was born and raised in the Netherlands and moved to the US in 1983, attended Louisiana State University and has been a resident of Austin since 1993. Manon has focused her free time around volunteering with organizations involving animals such as Town Lake Animal Center, Wildlife Rescue and Horse Rescue. She has been a Meals-On-Wheels weekly volunteer since 2000. Manon is an Assistant Follow-up Inspection Coordinator with BEHS (Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society) which is vital to ensuring the success of rescued horses’ futures.
Member
Marie Lowman
SAS, Principal Consultant Government
As a parent of a rider, Marie has been involved with Red Arena since its inception in 2008. Marie is employed by SAS, the world’s largest privately held business intelligence vendor, as an international marketing manager for the government practice. Marie is responsible for leading a marketing team that brings the power of SAS analytics to more than 80 countries’ public sector organizations. With more than 20 years of international public sector experience under her belt, Lowman is known for her hands-on selling, marketing, and management approach. She is currently serving her second term as an elected council member for the City of Bee Cave, Texas.
Marie Lowman
SAS, Principal Consultant Government
As a parent of a rider, Marie has been involved with Red Arena since its inception in 2008. Marie is employed by SAS, the world’s largest privately held business intelligence vendor, as an international marketing manager for the government practice. Marie is responsible for leading a marketing team that brings the power of SAS analytics to more than 80 countries’ public sector organizations. With more than 20 years of international public sector experience under her belt, Lowman is known for her hands-on selling, marketing, and management approach. She is currently serving her second term as an elected council member for the City of Bee Cave, Texas.
Member
Anne Drabicky
Anne Drabicky is the former editor in chief of the Century-News. The newspaper has earned awards from the Texas Press Association each year that she has been editor, and has been recognized on the Texas School Board Media Honor Roll for her dedication to fair coverage of the Dripping Springs ISD. During her time as editor, Drabicky has built up an extensive network of connections throughout the community, including with the school district, city hall, churches, nonprofit organizations, local businesses and the chamber of commerce. Prior experience with equinetherapy/hippotherapy includes five years as a volunteer at Equest in Wylie, Texas, and more than a year as a volunteer at Wings of Hope in Cleburne, Texas. She also served for a year as an AmeriCorps VISTA in Austin. Drabicky has a bachelor's degree from the Bob Schieffer School of Journalism at TCU, and a master's degree in photojournalism and design from UT-Austin. She is a member of the Texas Press Association, the National Press Photographers Association and the Society of Professional Journalists. She has been married for 11 years and lives with her husband in Austin.
Anne Drabicky
Anne Drabicky is the former editor in chief of the Century-News. The newspaper has earned awards from the Texas Press Association each year that she has been editor, and has been recognized on the Texas School Board Media Honor Roll for her dedication to fair coverage of the Dripping Springs ISD. During her time as editor, Drabicky has built up an extensive network of connections throughout the community, including with the school district, city hall, churches, nonprofit organizations, local businesses and the chamber of commerce. Prior experience with equinetherapy/hippotherapy includes five years as a volunteer at Equest in Wylie, Texas, and more than a year as a volunteer at Wings of Hope in Cleburne, Texas. She also served for a year as an AmeriCorps VISTA in Austin. Drabicky has a bachelor's degree from the Bob Schieffer School of Journalism at TCU, and a master's degree in photojournalism and design from UT-Austin. She is a member of the Texas Press Association, the National Press Photographers Association and the Society of Professional Journalists. She has been married for 11 years and lives with her husband in Austin.
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