Our Great City

Rocky Top Therapy Center operates on a working ranch in the heart of Keller and is one of less than 200 premier accredited riding centers worldwide certified by NARHA. With the support of the TRAIL Foundation since 1992, Rocky Top Therapy Center has been providing services to mentally and physically disabled individuals since 1990.

Additionally, Rocky Top developed and initiated the Right TRAIL program which serves kids at-risk. This program has been recognized worldwide in part because of its collaboration with the University of North Texas and school districts in the area. Presently, Rocky Top serves upwards of 250 special needs children and adults each week, and annually serves over 1,500 in its various programs. Additionally, over 1,000 special needs children visit Rocky Top on field trips each year.

Some of the Programs offered at Rocky Top Therapy Center are:

Hippotherapy - a term that refers to the utilization of the horse as a medical tool. The horse's walk provides sensory input through movement, which is variable, rhythmic and repetitive. The resultant movement responses in the patient are similar to human movement patterns of the pelvis while walking. Licensed physical therapists and assistants use the horse and the ranch setting to accomplish treatment goals as specified by a physician's prescription.

Therapeutic Riding - Taught by NARHA certified instructors, Therapeutic Riding is a developmental riding therapy program, utilizing horseback riding for clients with physical, mental, cognitive, social and behavioral problems. An improvement in the individual's confidence and discipline is accomplished while improving gross motor skills, posture, balance and coordination, Therapeutic Riding participants develop more refined horsemanship skills and many participate in competitions such as Special Olympics and Chisholm Challenge.

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy - Facilitated by licensed mental health counselors, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is an experiential treatment approach that provides clients with opportunities to enhance self-awareness and re-pattern maladaptive behaviors, feelings and attitudes.

Right TRAIL- The Right Trail program is a psychological therapeutic program for youth at risk, utilizing horses, a low element challenge course and other experiential activities, along with counseling, to help youth improve their lives. This program provides the tools for youth to better manage their lives and fosters positive relationship with family, while teaching problem solving, communication and social skills. Degreed professionals and facilitators work hand-in-hand with school counselors to provide this program to children between the ages nine to eighteen.

Rocky Top Therapy Center will officially kick off the Horses for Heroes program with a Thank You Celebration honoring MAG41 and the 14th Marines on November 8, 2009 at the Rocky Top Ranch. Horses for Heroes utilizes Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Therapeutic Riding to address many of the challenges that arise for veterans who have suffered emotional trauma and/or physical disabilities in the line of duty. These programs help them adjust physically and mentally to their post-war lives. Additionally, these programs are available to spouses, children and families of veterans.

Join Rocky Top Therapy Center for 9th Annual Great Trail Drive. This is a Texas trail drive along the banks of the Trinity River following the historic Chisholm Trail on October 10, 2009 with Larry Mahan, world champion cowboy, who is returning as the Honorary Trail Boss. Many other local celebrities will be joining the ride this year including State Representative Vicki Truitt, Senator Jane Nelson, Elizabeth Ames Jones and Jody Dean! This year's Trail Drive is dedicated to the men and women who so bravely serve in the U.S. Armed Forces

Then.....kick up your heels at the end of the day and join us for the "Denim & Pearls" Dinner Dance at the River Ranch in the Fort Worth Stockyards. One of the great singers and songwriters and a Terry Awards winner as Entertainer of the Year for North Texas, Dan Roberts, will entertain that evening. Jody Dean with 98.7 KLUV and CBS Channel 21, and Karen Borta, CBS Channel 11 news anchor will share the spotlight as emcees for the event. Even if you don't ride in the Trail Drive, plan to attend the Denim & Pearls Dinner Dance!

Anyone interested in sponsoring or attending this event, please call 817-379-5717 or visit www.RockyTopTherapy.org