ROCK

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

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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.

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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.

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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 Nancy Krenek, left, and volunteer Gabby Guinn with Grant, an equine therapy-trained horse.

ROCK founder Nancy Krenek, left, and volunteer Gabby Guinn with Grant, an equine therapy-trained horse.

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Documentary features ROCK, healing through equine therapy

Katherine Hamilton
Thursday, November 7, 2024
The power of horses to heal has been ROCK’s … well, bedrock … since its founding in 1998. ROCK — the Ride on Center for Kids — has been transforming lives through therapy horses. It provides equine-assisted services to children, adults and veterans with physical, cognitive and emotional challenges.
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.

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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.

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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.
Burning the Ride on Center for Kids Cowgirl Brunch, tables are decorated by the attendees in a competition. Courtesy of ROCK.

Burning the Ride on Center for Kids Cowgirl Brunch, tables are decorated by the attendees in a competition. Courtesy of ROCK.

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ROCK hosts second annual Cowgirl Brunch in November

Nalani Nuylan
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
Georgetown nonprofit Ride on Center for Kids will hold its second annual Cowgirl Bruncheon at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 4, at the Merlin Hoppe Arena at 2050 Rockride Lane in Georgetown.   This year’s “Courage & Grit” themed bruncheon will feature Rear Admiral Christina M.
Marissa A. Austin, chief executive officer of Court Appointed Special Advocates of Williamson County, poses the 2023 Impact Award from the Central Texas Community Foundation. Photo courtesy of CASA of Williamson County.

Marissa A. Austin, chief executive officer of Court Appointed Special Advocates of Williamson County, poses the 2023 Impact Award from the Central Texas Community Foundation. Photo courtesy of CASA of Williamson County.

CASA of Williamson County receives the 2023 Impact Award

Nalani Nuylan
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Three nonprofits across Central Texas were honored at the fifth Central Texas Community Foundation Legacy Luncheon on Wednesday, September 13.
ROCK is a Georgetown nonprofit organization providing equine-assisted services to people with physical, cognitive and emotional challenges living throughout Central Texas since 2011.

ROCK is a Georgetown nonprofit organization providing equine-assisted services to people with physical, cognitive and emotional challenges living throughout Central Texas since 2011.

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ROCK to throw March 1 kick off event for Amplify Austin fundraiser

Brigid Cooley
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Georgetown nonprofit organization ROCK, Ride On Center for Kids, is hosting a kickoff party and fundraiser for Amplify Austin Day 2023. The family-friendly event takes place 5-9 p.m. Wednesday, March 1, at Tejas Meat Supply, 101 East Seventh Street.
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