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 &
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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. "
Rachel Kallus, PTA
Physical Therapy Assistant
Started at RED in 2023
Rachel grew up in a small country town called Abbott where she was raised helping out her family on their cattle ranch. She has always held a passion for riding horses and if she’s not working she’s traveling and hiking in the mountains somewhere. She graduated Blinn College’s Physical Therapy Assistant program in May 2024. After finding out about hippotherapy she was thrilled to be able to pursue a career that allowed her to help people with physical therapy get stronger while using horses!
Favorite Thing About RED...
"It is such a joy and gift to be apart of such an amazing program and team that goes above and beyond to help our riders achieve their goals. I love watching our riders get stronger and more confident, while
forming their relationship with their horse!"
Started at RED in 2023
Rachel grew up in a small country town called Abbott where she was raised helping out her family on their cattle ranch. She has always held a passion for riding horses and if she’s not working she’s traveling and hiking in the mountains somewhere. She graduated Blinn College’s Physical Therapy Assistant program in May 2024. After finding out about hippotherapy she was thrilled to be able to pursue a career that allowed her to help people with physical therapy get stronger while using horses!
Favorite Thing About RED...
"It is such a joy and gift to be apart of such an amazing program and team that goes above and beyond to help our riders achieve their goals. I love watching our riders get stronger and more confident, while
forming their relationship with their horse!"
Ellie Hynum, CTRI
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.
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."
Karen Bailey, Vocational Instructor
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".
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
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.
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!"
Madison Becker, CTRI
PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor
Started at RED in 2022
Madison grew up riding horses at a lesson barn in New Jersey, and has spent several Summers in Wyoming working as a trail guide. She graduated from the University of Delaware in 2020 with a Bachelors in Animal Science, and shortly after moved to Texas. After continuing to work with horses in Texas for some time, Madison found RED late in 2022 and became certified in January 2024.
Started at RED in 2022
Madison grew up riding horses at a lesson barn in New Jersey, and has spent several Summers in Wyoming working as a trail guide. She graduated from the University of Delaware in 2020 with a Bachelors in Animal Science, and shortly after moved to Texas. After continuing to work with horses in Texas for some time, Madison found RED late in 2022 and became certified in January 2024.
Favorite thing about RED:
"I love how RED creates a safe space for everyone to be and celebrate their unique selves."
"I love how RED creates a safe space for everyone to be and celebrate their unique selves."
Our Amazing
Support Staff
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.
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.
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.