History
RED Arena was founded 2008 in Dripping Springs, Texas as a 501c3 non-profit and operates as a PATH Premier Accredited Therapeutic Riding Center with a Platinum Status on Guidestar. RED started with just six children in physical therapy on the horse and has grown to serve over 200 children and adults of all ability levels per week in the various unique programs offered. In 2018 the second location in San Marcos was opened and in 2020 the expansion was started in Dripping Springs.
The mission is to EMPOWER individuals with disabilities through horses. The word "disability" is used, but the program never limits by person, by a diagnosis or preconceived limitation. Our goal is to help every participant develop skills and confidence that can be carried into every aspect of their life.
Through the years we have found the importance of family and community involvement to create more inclusive opportunities for every ability level. We have expanded to serve more of the community through our job training, educational programs and family support services. We also partner with other nonprofits to provide safe and empowering horse experiences that benefit their programs and participants.
The mission is to EMPOWER individuals with disabilities through horses. The word "disability" is used, but the program never limits by person, by a diagnosis or preconceived limitation. Our goal is to help every participant develop skills and confidence that can be carried into every aspect of their life.
Through the years we have found the importance of family and community involvement to create more inclusive opportunities for every ability level. We have expanded to serve more of the community through our job training, educational programs and family support services. We also partner with other nonprofits to provide safe and empowering horse experiences that benefit their programs and participants.
Board of Directors
Catherine Dawson President Catherine has been a practicing lawyer for over 20 years and has focused on advising technology companies and their BODs. She is the Chief Legal Officer of Affini Pay. |
Monica Cosby Vice President A University of Texas Business School graduate, Monica worked in business operational consulting. As well as in fiscal management services to non-profits. |
Pamela Fricke secetary Pamela has worked at Apple, Inc for over 20 years in the Americas Operations. She is accomplished equestrian who has competed nationally and internationally. |
Aimee Smith, CPA Treasurer Aimee received her MBA from the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University and is a licensed CPA at Maxwell, Locke & Ritter. |
Joe Allison Member Joe is a retired business owner who now focuses on seeding and advising startup companies in the 3D printing, software and medical industries. |
Bobby Dubois, MD Member Bobby is a physician, PhD scientist, and retired health policy researcher who worked to improve the health care system. You can find him on his Dr. Bobby podcast. |
JoLynn Joyce, DVM Member Dr. Joyce received her BS and DVM from Texas A&M and her surgical residency through Colorado State to become a DACVS. She is the equine surgeon at Austin Equine. |
Treva Rumbeck Member Treva has held leadership roles in HR for over 25 years and has led global teams at Dell, AMD and currently at NI where she is VP of Total Rewards and HR Operations. |
Evelyn Wiedeman Member A UT grad, Evelyn has served on the boards of Seton Hospital, Dell Children’s, and Helping Hand Home. As the proud parent of a RED Rider, she has been a RED supporter since its inception. |
therapists, instructors & Staff
Jennifer Young, PT, CEO, Founder
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Physical Therapist, Founder & CEO
Started RED in 2008 Jen is a Physical Therapist licensed in the state of Texas since 1997. She is a PATH Registered Therapist and Level II Therapist with American Hippotherapy Association. She has been incorporating equine into her physical therapy treatments since 2004. Jen was born and raised in El Paso, Texas, and attended Texas State University to receive a Bachelors in Applied Sociology, Cum Laude, in 1995 and a Masters of Science in Physical Therapy, 1997. She is the Founder and Owner of Children’s Therapy Services, a private pediatric therapy group serving Greater Austin. Jennifer is the proud mom of two sons and Raider. |
Favorite thing about working at RED:
"I founded RED out of my deep passion for believing that a diagnosis does not limit a person. My approach is to build upon each individual's strengths wherever and whatever that are at this particular moment in time. What could be more fun that doing that while on a horse?!"
"I founded RED out of my deep passion for believing that a diagnosis does not limit a person. My approach is to build upon each individual's strengths wherever and whatever that are at this particular moment in time. What could be more fun that doing that while on a horse?!"
Kate Smith Crowe, CTRI, EQuine Director
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Director of Equine Care
PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor & ESMHL Started at RED in 2016 Kate grew up riding hunter jumpers in Southern California and pursued her passion at Cal Poly Pomona, studying Animal Science - Equine Industries. Kate's extensive experience includes managing the W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center for over 10 years. Additionally, Kate has significant experience in the high-paced environments of the racetrack and thoroughbred sales. Her well-rounded experience in various facets of the equine industry showcases her versatility and deep knowledge of horse care and management. Kate joined RED Arena in 2016 as a PATH Certified as a Therapeutic Riding Instruction and Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. As the Director of Equine Care she is responsible for training the therapy and lesson horses as well as the staff and volunteers on handling of the horses. |
Favorite thing about working at RED:
"My favorite thing is working with Jen - she's the best!!"
"My favorite thing is working with Jen - she's the best!!"
Kendall Randow, CTRI, Barn Manager
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Barn Manager
PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor Started at RED in 2018 Kendall grew up riding horses trail riding and competing in rodeo events. She spent several years guiding trail rides in Wyoming. Received her degree in early education from Texas State University. She is able to combine her love for horses and teaching all on one! Kendall loves the outdoors and traveling. If it involves hiking, camping, being on the river, or on the trail with her two horses Rev and Maggie she's all in. |
Favorite thing about working at RED:
"I love seeing the change that happens between a rider and the horse as they gain trust and confidence in each other through our sessions and the partnership that ensues."
"I love seeing the change that happens between a rider and the horse as they gain trust and confidence in each other through our sessions and the partnership that ensues."
Lorri French, PT, MS
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Physical Therapist
Started at RED in 2008 Lori is a mom of two beautiful kids as well as horses and dogs. Lorri has been a Physical therapist since 1993 working in a variety of settings including head injury, acute, orthopedic, and home health with children and adults. She loves the outdoors, hiking, water skiing, sunset and sunrise at the beach and riding horses. Her life mottos are: "The question isn't who is going to let me; it's who is going to stop me." "If it doesn't challenge you it won't change you." |
Favorite thing about working at RED:
"One thing I love most about RED Arena is that we are our mission statement, we empower individuals with disabilities, we do not limit anyone. RED forces on the strengths, abilities and POSSIBILITIES! RED Arena is truly unique in its approach to enabling kids with disabilities and empowering those kids and families. Plus is there any better way to spend your day, outside with friends and horses!"
"One thing I love most about RED Arena is that we are our mission statement, we empower individuals with disabilities, we do not limit anyone. RED forces on the strengths, abilities and POSSIBILITIES! RED Arena is truly unique in its approach to enabling kids with disabilities and empowering those kids and families. Plus is there any better way to spend your day, outside with friends and horses!"
Suzanne Braden, CTRI
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PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor
PATH Certified ESMHL Started at RED in 2016 Suzanne worked in Texas public schools for many years, mainly as a Special Education teacher. She was also an elementary school counselor for several years and taught deaf and hard of hearing students for the last ten years of her teaching career. Suzanne was working with emotionally disturbed teenagers when she started taking riding lessons. Her new found love of horses quickly spilled over into her work and she became certified through PATH as a therapeutic riding instructor in 1996 and earned her ESMHL certification in 2018. Suzanne started at RED Arena during Round-Up weekend of 2016. She hit the ground running and has loved it ever since. Suzanne loves to spend time with her family (including 2 wonderful grandsons!), ride her horses, swim, read, and make quilts. |
Favorite thing about working at RED:
"I love the opportunities that RED Arena gives me to share the world of horses with children and adults of all abilities and communication modalities."
"I love the opportunities that RED Arena gives me to share the world of horses with children and adults of all abilities and communication modalities."
DAve Young, Facilities Director
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Facilities Director, Founding Donor
Started RED in 2008 Dave is Jen's biggest fan, he had no choice but to physically, emotionally and financially support RED since it's inception. Dave earned a degree in business from United States International University, in San Diego, CA where he also played baseball. Dave worked in primarily in Tech Ops in Austin and has extensive experience in starts ups , M&A and Integration. Dave GC'ed the San Marcos remodel in 2018 and continues to work on the new projects and build outs at our facilities. If you are lucky, you'll see Dave building fence, driving equipment or directing parking at Round-Up. He loves the outdoors and traveling. |
Favorite thing about being at RED:
"I love seeing and visiting with the families on Round-Up weekend and I enjoy working with HR director. "
"I love seeing and visiting with the families on Round-Up weekend and I enjoy working with HR director. "
AnneMarie Falcon, Office Manager
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Office Manager
Started at RED in 2008 AnneMaire, aka [email protected], was born and raised in Southern California. She moved to Austin in 1994 with her husband Eddie and raised their daughter and son here. She has worked in medical billing and health care administration since 2000. AnneMaire volunteered and worked at RED Arena before it officially became a nonprofit, she knows every thing about it and if she can't answer your question she knows how to find the answer quickly. |
Favorite thing about being at RED:
"I love seeing and visiting with the families on Round-Up weekend and I enjoy working with HR director. "
"I love seeing and visiting with the families on Round-Up weekend and I enjoy working with HR director. "
Raider, Human Resources Director
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Human Resources Director
Started at RED in 2018 Raider checks in daily with participants and their families. Any concerns or complaints can be filed with him. You can typically find him sleeping under Jen's desk.
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Favorite thing about being at RED:
"I love seeing who will bring me a treat. "
"I love seeing who will bring me a treat. "
Support staff
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RED Arena Staff
Our support staff are highly trained equine professionals who work hard to keep our barn clean, groom & prep our horses, lead them in sessions and assist our participants with untacking the horses. Whatever RED needs they gladly take care of ... other than full attention at a lunchtime staff meeting. |
Ellie Hynum, CTRI
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PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor
Started at RED in 2022 Ellie grew up riding horses at a barn in Hutto and always had a love for animals. She graduated from Texas Tech University in 2019 with a Bachelors in Equine Science. While working on her Bachelors she also participated in the TTU Equestrian Team and volunteered at a therapeutic riding facility in Lubbock for 2 years. After graduating, having nothing better to do during the pandemic, she continued her education through Midway University and graduated with an MBA in Equine Management in 2022. She's been teaching lessons since 2020 and joined RED in November of 2022. Shortly after joining the team she began working on her certification and completed it in June of 2023. Some of her favorite hobbies include reading, playing video games, and spending time with her husband and dogs. Favorite thing about working at RED: "I love seeing the impact riding and working with horses has on the riders. I also love the work environment and how the staff and volunteers are always wanting to work together and help each other out." |
"Crafty" Karen Bailey, Gift Shop & Vocational Instructor
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Gift Shop & Vocational Instructor
Started at RED in 2010 Karen’s love of horses led her to RED Arena in 2010. She started as a Volunteer, was hired as a Horse Handler and eventually became the Barn Manager. Her love for people, and children grew even more as she learned to work with those having disabilities. Her past careers includes sales and crafting, which made her a great fit to lead our vocational program working with our "RED Pros". |
Favorite thing about working at RED:
"I love that we can help improve the daily quality of life, not only for our participants but also for their families and caregivers."
"I love that we can help improve the daily quality of life, not only for our participants but also for their families and caregivers."
Elaina Erickson, Social Media & Event Manager
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Social Media & Event Manager
Elaina started volunteering at RED her freshmen year of high school. She helps in sessions and has volunteered at every Round-Up since 2010. She has also been the Fine Motor Coordinator for summer camp crafts for many years. Even though she works full time as a BSN in the PICU she continues to help RED with social media and events. Favorite thing about working at RED: "Working with Raider, he always has great suggestions for new social media content!" |
as seen on TV
In the News
Here's some of the buzz. Please CONTACT us for press kits and interview contacts.
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KVUE Anchor, Brian Mayes, visits RED Arena!
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Dustin Morton wins Volunteer Award!
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Annual Reports |
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Check out how we've grown!
We work to keep our administration expenses as low as possible to maximize funds for direct programming. |
Our mission is to empower individuals with disabilities through horses.