Ride on Center for Kids

Charlee Penrod rides Sunny Girl during her lesson on July 22 with the help of ROCK volunteer Chris Miller. Photo by Abbey Archer

Charlee Penrod rides Sunny Girl during her lesson on July 22 with the help of ROCK volunteer Chris Miller. Photo by Abbey Archer

Exclusive Subscriber Content

28 years in, Ride on Center for Kids continues to gain steam

Abbey Archer
Friday, July 31, 2026
Before 3-year-old Charlee Penrod started riding Sunny Girl at Ride on Center for Kids, she struggled to take independent steps while wearing her prosthetic legs.“The day after we had our first ride, she took her first free step,” Charlee’s mother, Chelsee Penrod, said.
Promotional art shows some of the subjects in the inspirational ROCK documentary.

Promotional art shows some of the subjects in the inspirational ROCK documentary.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

ROCK documentary now available on streaming

Nicholas Cicale
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
The documentary Where the Horses Heal the Soul — featuring the work of Georgetown-based nonprofit Ride On Center for Kids is now available on video-on-demand platforms like Apple TV and Prime Video across North America.
Chloe Harlow runs Chloe’s Pet Corral and raises money for animal nonprofits, including the Ride on Center for Kids. (Photo courtesy of ROCK)

Chloe Harlow runs Chloe’s Pet Corral and raises money for animal nonprofits, including the Ride on Center for Kids. (Photo courtesy of ROCK)

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Georgetown 14-year-old raises $1,000 for Ride on Center for Kids

Kaitlyn Wilkes
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Chloe’s Pet Corral has been run by Chloe Harlow since she was in third grade and had a lesson about giving back to the community. Now 14, Chloe’s Pet Corral is not only an official nonprofit, but Chloe has raised $1,000 for the Ride on Center for Kids and also donated supplies for the animals.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

ROCK announces keynote speaker for Cowgirl Brunch

Kaitlyn Wilkes
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
The Ride of Center for Kids announced the featured speaker at its fourth annual Cowgirl Brunch will be Wen Zhang, an executive coach and founder of the INNW Institute – a nonprofit and marketing firm that helps businesses and entrepreneurs.
Phyllis Popplewell redid the Ride on Center for Kids’ Sensory Trail after she noticed it needed a little tender, loving care. (Photo Courtesy of ROCK)

Phyllis Popplewell redid the Ride on Center for Kids’ Sensory Trail after she noticed it needed a little tender, loving care. (Photo Courtesy of ROCK)

ROCK volunteer brings butterflies to revamped trail

Kaitlyn Wilkes
Thursday, July 24, 2025
Growing up in Dallas, Phyllis Popplewell loved being outdoors. But after completing the Master Naturalist Certification Program a few years ago, her perspective and appreciation of nature shifted.
ROCK Founder and CEO Dr. Nancy Krenek gives a speech at the 18th annual Barn Dance on Saturday, April 6.

ROCK Founder and CEO Dr. Nancy Krenek gives a speech at the 18th annual Barn Dance on Saturday, April 6.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

ROCK passes donation goal at Barn Dance

Nalani Nuylan
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
 - Phots by Nalani Nuylan   Ride Along Center for Kids surpassed its donation goal during the Saddle Up portion of the 18th annual Barn Dance, Saturday, April 6.    With an initial goal of $125,000, Saddle Up donors raised over $151,000. Funds will go to facility operations and supplies.
From left are Janis Keene, Carol Joiner, Brenda Kane, Regent Suzanne Jordan, Katherine Howell, Henry and Marcia Koenman from ROCK, Kathleen Davidson, Caroline Miller, Jennifer Williams, Judith Willard, Vanessa Buzgheia and Carole Lowe. Photo courtesy of Ride On Center for Kids.

From left are Janis Keene, Carol Joiner, Brenda Kane, Regent Suzanne Jordan, Katherine Howell, Henry and Marcia Koenman from ROCK, Kathleen Davidson, Caroline Miller, Jennifer Williams, Judith Willard, Vanessa Buzgheia and Carole Lowe. Photo courtesy of Ride On Center for Kids.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

ROCK gifted $10,000 for veteran program

Nalani Nuylan
Wednesday, March 6, 2024
Ride On Center for Kids received a $10,000 grant from the San Gabriel Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.
Erik Stoeckle, center, is one of seven recipients of the 2023 RecognizeGood Legend Award. As of writing, he has 18,000 volunteer hours with ROCK. Photo courtesy of Ride On Center for Kids.

Erik Stoeckle, center, is one of seven recipients of the 2023 RecognizeGood Legend Award. As of writing, he has 18,000 volunteer hours with ROCK. Photo courtesy of Ride On Center for Kids.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

ROCK volunteer receives recognition for service

Nalani Nuylan
Friday, November 17, 2023
Erik Stoeckle was awarded as a RecognizeGood Legend for his volunteer work with Ride On Center for Kids on November 14.   Nominated by ROCK’s Volunteer Coordinator Susy Turnbull, Mr. Stoeckle has volunteered at ROCK for 15 years, giving 18,000 hours of service to the organization.
Rebecca “Hunter” Adkins, center, is the second recipient of the Dr. Barbara Brightwell Courage & Grit Award. CEO of ROCK Dr. Nancy Krenek, left, and MC Patti Colbert ask Ms. Adkins how she feels about receiving the award. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Rebecca “Hunter” Adkins, center, is the second recipient of the Dr. Barbara Brightwell Courage & Grit Award. CEO of ROCK Dr. Nancy Krenek, left, and MC Patti Colbert ask Ms. Adkins how she feels about receiving the award. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Courage and Grit: ROCK hosts second Cowgirl Brunch

Nalani Nuylan
Thursday, November 9, 2023
Georgetown nonprofit Ride on Center for Kids held its second annual Cowgirl Brunch on November 4. During the event, the second Dr. Barbara Brightwell Courage & Grit Award was presented to Rebecca “Hunter” Adkins. Ms. Adkins was appointed by the governor to serve on the Texas Disabilities Council.
ROCK held its annual Barn Dance this past weekend. Photos by Ron Parks

ROCK held its annual Barn Dance this past weekend. Photos by Ron Parks

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Over 800 celebrate ROCK at Barn Dance

Kate St. Clair
Thursday, April 6, 2023
Ride on Center for Kids saw record turnout for the nonprofit’s annual Barn Dance this past Saturday, April 1. The equine-assisted therapy center estimated over 800 guests for the night of dinner, dancing and entertainment, and welcomed a packed house.
Subscribe to