About Us

Rocky Top Therapy Center, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, was established in 1990 by founders Doug & Vivian Newton who understood the physical and emotional benefits that horseback riding could offer their community’s population of individuals with disabilities.

Located on a working ranch in Keller, Texas, Rocky Top Therapy Center is a Premier Accredited Riding Center qualified through Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International. In order to obtain this premier accreditation, very stringent guidelines and standards must be met: Administration (organization, emergency and safety, documentation); Programs (equine management, equipment, volunteers, participants, instructors and health professionals); and Facility (safety and maintenance of buildings and grounds).

Today, our program operates six days a week, with a staff consisting of 14 employees that provide services for over 1,500 clients annually with physical, mental or emotional disabilities or challenges. The therapy team is assisted by 55 specially trained therapy horses and over 250 volunteers each week who provide in excess of 18,000 hours of volunteer service each year.

Staff members consist of PATH International Certified Riding Instructors, EFMHA (Equine Facilitated Mental Health Association) and EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) Certified Instructors, Leadership/Challenge Course facilitators, degreed mental health professionals, licensed social workers/counselors and physical therapists.