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R.O.C.K. Rides Into New Merlin Hoppe Arena
Therapeutic Riding Program Unveils 42,000 Square-Foot Covered Facility
GEORGETOWN, Texas –When Merlin Hoppe began setting posts
and nailing boards together to make horse stalls six years ago, he
probably never, in his wildest dreams, thought that one day, the Ride
on Center for Kids, or ROCK, would someday move into a new 42,000
square-foot state of the art covered riding arena. But on Sunday,
April 2nd, 2006, R.O.C.K did just that.
With 15 horses and a hundred fifty volunteer side-walkers and horse
handlers, R.O.C.K., a not-for-profit organization, is the largest
provider of hippotherapy and therapeutic riding services in Central
Texas. Located in Georgetown, Texas – just north of Austin
– R.O.C.K. was established in 1998 by Executive Director Nancy
O’Meara and today is home to seven instructors and more than 100
students and their families from the Central Texas community.
“This building is truly a dream come true for our program and our
Open House event was a celebration of Mr. Hoppe and all the volunteers
who have so generously given of their time and money,” said Nancy
O’Meara, Executive Director of R.O.C.K. “We began
raising funds for this building three years ago, and the community
really responded to the need to build a year-round facility that will
enable us to offer uninterrupted lessons to our riders.” Nearly
30 percent of classes are cancelled annually at R.O.C.K. due to extreme
weather conditions.
ROCK is a premier NAHRA (North American Handicap Riding Association)
accredited facility and a registered physical therapy and occupational
therapy clinic that offers Special Olympics preparation and horse show
training as well as hippotherapy and therapeutic riding services to its
broad range of students, both children and adults.
The equine facilitated activity program serves students with cerebral
palsy, head injury, speech delay, motor planning difficulties, spinal
cord injuries, mental retardation, muscular dystrophy, stroke, autism,
and attention deficit disorder. R.O.C.K also serves students who
have been offenders of the law, who participate in an awareness program
using the horse. The person-centered approach of R.O.C.K.’s
programs build on the strengths and preferences of participants and
focuses on achievement of enhanced independence.
Hippotherapy uses the horse for the purpose of contributing to the
physical, cognitive, emotional and social well-being of people with
disabilities. Riders use leaders, side walkers and adaptive equipment
while learning to ride. Many individuals who are unable to respond to
traditional therapies will react positively when an animal is
involved. Because horseback riding gently and rhythmically moves
the rider’s body in a manner similar to a human gait, students
with physical disabilities often show improvement in flexibility,
balance and muscle strength. For individuals with special mental or
emotional needs, relationships formed with horses can lead to increased
confidence, patience and self-esteem.
The new arena is named in honor of Merlin Hoppe. Mr. Hoppe, 80, a
decorated WWII veteran and retired construction engineer, not only
helped build the original structures, but now has become a student
after suffering a stroke. He was honored, during the recent open
house celebrating the new arena by a fly-over of the Commemorative Air
Force and a special demonstration performance by the United States
Army’s First Cavalry Division’s Horse Cavalry Detachment of
Fort Hood, Texas. ROCK’s relationship with the Horse
Cavalry Detachment stems from the fact that last summer, ROCK was asked
by the Army to help develop and implement a riding program for wounded
soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. “It was an
honor to be a part of a program that allowed soldiers to help their
fellow soldiers,” said O’Meara.
In addition to a covered riding space, the new building is home to the
Patti Colbert Learning Center, a new addition that is named in honor of
Patti Colbert, a nationally-renowned horse expert and long-time ROCK
supporter, that will provide for additional learning
opportunities for ROCK students.
None of this would have been possible without the generosity of George
and Barbara Brightwell, who donated the original 20-acre parcel upon
which the arena now sits. “We are so impressed by the
wonderful work being done at R.O.C.K. and believe this is the time to
shine a light on the impact this organization is having on our
community,” said George Brightwell, who also serves on the ROCK
board of directors. “My wife, Barbara, and I are excited to think
that because of this new indoor arena, every day will be a good day to
ride for these students.”
The original structures and outdoor arena of R.O.C.K. are small,
unconnected and offer little protection from the elements, and
renovation or expansion was not feasible due to their condition and
age. With the construction of a larger and more modern structure,
class cancellations are expected to decrease to only 10 percent per
year. The new facility will also allow for the addition of more
horses and student treatments. In addition to serving as a
premier therapeutic riding program in Central Texas, R.O.C.K. also
serves as a professional training clinic and hosts internship programs
for the physical therapy schools with Texas State University in San
Marcos, Texas, and University of Texas Health Science Center in San
Antonio.
For more information, please visit our website at www.rockride.org.
Contact: Nancy O’Meara
Phone: (512) 930-7625 or cell (512) 508-ROCK
Email: nancy@rockride.org
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