Dan Roark

By Kathleen Beisly, New Hope Marketing Communications and Board Secretary

I have had the pleasure of serving on the New Hope Board of Directors for 13 years, since the founding of the organization. I have recently made the decision to officially resign from the board after the Gala. However, I will continue to stay involved behind the scenes – supporting our marketing efforts and providing the tech services needed to run our online tools. Watch for our next post announcing our new board secretary.

Back in 2011, when Sharla first shared her dream with me, frankly, it seemed to be such a daunting goal, I questioned how realistic it was. Her plan seemed so ambitious!  But Sharla saw the need and was determined to provide the benefit of therapeutic riding to the local community.  See our previous blog post about Brittaney for the heartwarming story of her inspiration. Sharla and Dave started with nothing but her passion and determination, with his unwavering support and hard work, together they brought this dream to life in 2012.

I am deeply proud of the accomplishments of the board of New Hope. Over the years, there have been many dedicated people who made significant contributions to bring New Hope to the point where it is today.  We can now see our sustainability plan taking shape – in the strength of the board, the condition of our facilities, the growth of our staff and volunteer program, the thriving herd of therapy horses, and the services we provide to the participants we hold so dear.

Serving New Hope has been a very special privilege. As I transition off the board, my heart is full knowing that New Hope is thriving and positioned for long‑term success. The foundation is strong, and the momentum is real. The future of New Hope is bright, and I look forward  to cheering on the continued growth of this remarkable organization. 

Ride on, New Hope!

The post Passing the Baton in Board Leadership first appeared on New Hope Therapeutic Riding.

By Sharla Kershen. July 25th, 2026

I woke up this morning thinking about Brittaney.

I thought about the ray of sunshine she was. I remembered our days together in small group at church, theheartbreak when cancer entered her life, and the pure joy that lit up her face the first time she climbed onto Beau. That smile changed my life forever.

Brittaney was born with a heart three sizes too large. After years of medical challenges, she began having seizures, and a heart transplant became her only option. The transplant saved her life, but it came at a cost. Because of complications, Brittaney would live with the cognitive abilities of a second grader. Yet she was one of the most joyful people I have ever known. She had a way of bringing light into every room she entered.

In her twenties, years of taking anti-rejection medication led to transplant-related cancers. Although she eventually went into remission, something had changed. Some of that joyful spark had faded.

Around that same time, I had rediscovered my own joy through horses. I suggested to her mom that she bring Brittaney out to the barn to ride. The moment Brittaney climbed onto Beau, she absolutely radiated. She shone like a beacon of light. Watching the two of them together changed my life forever.

That day planted a seed that eventually became New Hope.
The journey wasn’t quick or easy. It meant starting a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, purchasing land, becoming a certified therapeutic riding instructor, building paddocks and an arena, and creating a program from the ground up. Through it all, I never forgot the reason it had begun.

When Brittaney finally came to New Hope, it was one of the best days imaginable. When Beau later joined the New Hope herd, it was even better. The bond between Brittaney and Beau was extraordinary. He cared for her with such gentleness, and she flourished with him. She learned to steer, ride in half-seat, trot, post, and even canter. New Hope became Brittaney’s happy place.

It wasn’t just the horses that brought her joy. Her smile while loving on the baby goats was just as contagious. Whenever she was here, she filled the farm with happiness, and we were all better because of it.

 

I wish Brittaney’s story ended with a Hollywood-style happy ending, but it doesn’t.

After so many years on anti-rejection medications, her kidneys began to fail. She entered the hospital for what would become her final stay.

Wanting to bring her a little piece of New Hope, I borrowed ababy goat and took it to the hospital. The staff understandably didn’t want a goat in her room, so Brittaney came downstairs to meet it instead. She wasn’t speaking by then, but she gently petted the little goat and managed the sweetest smile. Every moment was worth it.

Before I left, I told her the goat was hers to name. Her mom quietly reminded me that Brittaney wasn’t talking, so I shouldn’t expect an answer.

The very next morning, my phone rang.

It was Brittaney.

She called to tell me the goat’s name was Oreo.

She didn’t live much longer after that. Later, her brother told me she had watched the video of Oreo over and over the night before she passed away.

Brittaney came just a few weeks shy of her twenty-fifth birthday.

Her passing left an enormous hole in the hearts of everyone who loved her, including mine. But her story didn’t end there. Her legacy lives on every single day at New Hope.

She was the inspiration.

Because of Brittaney, hundreds—perhaps thousands—of lives have been touched through the healing power of horses, animals, and hope. Every rider who finds confidence, every family that discovers encouragement, and every smile shared at New Hope is part of the legacy she left behind.

You will never be forgotten, sweet Brittaney.

A life beautifully lived.

Brittaney Hilt
August 17, 1993 – July 25, 2017

The post The Inspiration Behind New Hope – Remembering Brittaney first appeared on New Hope Therapeutic Riding.

By Sharla Kershen, July 8th, 2026.

Some volunteers leave footprints in the arena. Others leave hoof prints on our hearts. 

For New Hope Equine Assisted Therapy, Rachael is one of those unforgettable volunteers whose journey continues to inspire everyone who has had the privilege of knowing her. 

Rachael volunteered with New Hope from 2015 to 2017 while in high school. During those years, she quickly became a dependable member of our volunteer family. Whether she was leading horses, assisting riders, or helping wherever she was needed, Rachael approached every task with compassion, humility, and an eagerness to learn. 

When graduation arrived, Rachael honored New Hope in a way that deeply touched our founder, Sharla Kershen. At her “Night of Stars” graduation celebration, Rachael invited Sharla to attend as her special guest—a meaningful expression of gratitude for the mentorship, friendships, and experiences that had shaped her high school years. 

Her love for horses extended beyond volunteering. While attending UT Austin, Rachael worked alongside local equine veterinarian Dr. Piper Norton in her ambulatory veterinary practice, gaining invaluable hands-on experience caring for horses in the field. That experience reinforced something Rachael has always believed: exceptional therapeutic riding programs begin with exceptional horse care. 

“You can’t have a good program without healthy horses,” she often says. 

Today, Rachael’s journey has taken her across the Atlantic to the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, one of the world’s leading veterinary schools. 

What excites her most about the program is its innovative, holistic approach to veterinary education. Rather than dividing students into specialty tracks early in their training, the curriculum prepares future veterinarians to care for all species throughout their education. This broad foundation allows students to develop a comprehensive understanding of animal health while appreciating the interconnectedness of veterinary medicine. 

Even while pursuing her veterinary degree, Rachael has remained connected to New Hope. She recently returned to complete a summer internship with us as part of her Animal Husbandry program, bringing new knowledge, fresh perspectives, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of our horses.  Rachael spent several weeks working closely with our barn manager Kim getting valuable hands-on horse care experience.  She also assisted our veterinarian Dr Jenn Voellinger during calls to New Hope, getting some real-life insight on what her future as a large animal vet could hold.  As a parting gift to New Hope before heading off to her next internship, Rachael and her dad Jim (who also volunteers here) spent a long hot day building a much-needed paddock cover for Flash and Cleo.  Her time here this summer was a true blessing! 

Her willingness to give back reflects a guiding principle she has embraced throughout her life: 

“To whom much has been given, much is expected.” 

Those words are evident in the way Rachael serves others—with generosity, excellence, and a genuine desire to improve the lives of both animals and people. 

We are incredibly proud of everything she has accomplished and grateful that New Hope has been part of her journey. We look forward to welcoming Rachael back next summer as she hopes to complete an internship with a local veterinary practice specializing in equine reproduction and horse breeding. 

Watching volunteers grow into professionals who continue serving the equine community is one of New Hope’s greatest joys. Rachael’s story reminds us that volunteering isn’t simply about giving time—it can become the foundation for a lifetime of purpose. 

We can’t wait to see where her journey leads next. We know the horses—and the people who care for them—will be in excellent hands. 

The post Volunteer Spotlight: Rachael’s Journey from New Hope to Veterinary School first appeared on New Hope Therapeutic Riding.

New Hope Equine Assisted Therapy is seeking a new Board Secretary for a two-year term. We are a non-profit and all our board members are volunteers. We are located in Argyle, TX and meet 3 to 4 times per year. New Hope is committed to having a diverse board and staff that reflects the communities we serve.

Compensation:

This is a volunteer position with no financial compensation, just the joy of helping others.

New Hope Mission:

New Hope Equine Assisted Therapy empowers individuals to heal and thrive through the transformative bond between humans and horses. In our safe, judgment-free community, everyone belongs. We are especially dedicated to serving those with disabilities, mental health challenges, veterans, and first responders.

Responsibilities of the Board Secretary

• Is a member of the Board and attends all Board meetings in person (usually held quarterly in the Argyle area
• Maintains records of the board, and ensures effective management of organization’s records
• Records minutes of board meetings in Google Docs and distributes to the board after each meeting
• Manages all board meeting scheduling in Google Calendar, working with board members to determine dates based on board members availability
• May be asked to locate a meeting facility for board meetings if a board member’s home is not an option for that meeting
• Is sufficiently familiar with legal documents (articles, by-laws, etc.) to note applicability during meetings.
• Recommends changes to by-laws as appropriate based on board discussions
• Posts open positions for the board on LinkedIn and works with the board leadership to determine whom should vet the candidates
• Contributes to the fundraising activities of the board, actively engaged in our annual Gala held in the fall and other activities throughout the year
• Make an annual contribution that is commensurate with their capacity

Qualifications

• Must be located in the DFW area
• Preferably has current or former board experience
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Familiarity with Google Docs, Calendar and Drive
• Currently employed or retired with strong business ties in the Dallas-Ft. Worth-Denton area.
• Experience with horses and/or people with disabilities is preferred but not required

The post Opportunity to Serve on the Board of New Hope first appeared on New Hope Therapeutic Riding.

The post Veterinarian Day 2026 first appeared on New Hope Therapeutic Riding.

New Hope Weather’s the Storm – But Not Unscathed.
By David Kershen.

January ended at New Hope with a visit from Elsa.. and several inches of ice and snow that had us in survival mode. We’re very grateful to Kim Martin and Clarie Messerle for doing freeze prep getting ready for the bad weather. Thanks to their prepping efforts, Sharla and I were able to keep the New Hope herd fed and warm for 5 days when our facility was iced in and the regular horse care team couldn’t get here.
                                                                                                            
Four day’s into the “ice-apocalypse” we had the misfortune of losing two paddock shed covers to the extreme weight of the ice and snow. Gladly the collapse didn’t harm any humans or horses.. but it did leave us with a major mess. Luckily for us New Hope has a great group of volunteers close by, and a number were able to make it over that afternoon to help clear out the damage and get the paddocks safe for equine occupation. Many thanks Zach, Lee, Kathleen, Curt and Jarmon for braving the icy roads to lend a hand!

          .                                           

Special kudos to our volunteer coordinator Emily Rogers for quickly getting the word out and starting a Go Fund Me campaign to help pay for the damage. Word spread quickly, and we more than exceeded the funding goal when a local Fox New’s producer caught wind of the situation and sent a news crew to do a segment.   

Fox 4 New’s Link                     

So, the silver lining here is that we’ll be able to build back the paddock covers stronger and better later on this spring, and we may even have added funds to put towards our paddock footing project! Stay tuned to our blog page for follow-up news as the rebuilding efforts get underway. A HUGE New Hope “Thank You” to all the donors stepping up this past week.

Ride on and ride for hope.

If you’d like to pitch in and help with storm repair expenses, simply click here to Donate to New Hope.

The post New Hope Weather’s the Storm – But Not Unscathed first appeared on New Hope Therapeutic Riding.

by Sharla Kershen, New Hope Founder and Executive Director

The horses are clean and groomed to perfection, their coats gleaming as they wait. Their riders, dressed in their finery, stand ready for the chance to compete in an arena at least three times the size of the one at New Hope. All of this is typical of a horse show—except that this event features riders with a wide range of disabilities, making it something truly special.

There is giggling born of pure joy, but also the kind meant to ease nerves and release tension. Twenty-two riders have practiced for more than four months to prepare for this moment, yet training at home cannot fully prepare them for what awaits at Chisholm Challenge 2026. Some riders have been here before—New Hope has attended for ten years—while others are experiencing the event for the very first time.

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Several horses have competed at Chisholm Challenge in the past, but this year includes three newcomers making their competition debut. Because New Hope horses do not show regularly, they feel the nerves as well. They stand in stalls with cement floors instead of dirt paddocks, walk through unfamiliar passages, and share warm-up rings and equitation classes with many different horses—an experience far removed from their daily routine.

Countless hours go into preparing for Chisholm Challenge, but the day of the event brings challenges that must be faced in the moment. Some riders find themselves on horses they have never ridden before, others use tack different from what they practiced with, and some feel the weight of stage fright settle in. Yet none of it stops them.

With steady hands, deep breaths, and quiet encouragement from those around them, each rider enters the arena. In that space, the noise fades, expectations fall away, and the focus becomes simple and powerful: trust, courage, and connection. Each ride is a victory—not measured by ribbons or scores, but by the bravery it takes to show up, to try, and to believe in themselves.

And still, the horses and riders of New Hope did achieve. They earned many ribbons and buckles, yes—but more importantly, they faced fears and succeeded in ways they never imagined possible. Volunteers and instructors were given the rare privilege of witnessing growth, resilience, and joy firsthand—of being part of something not just memorable, but truly life-changing.

                             

Special thanks to Susan Altshuler and the entire New Hope staff and volunteer crew for all the hard work before, during and after the event.

As Dan Roark would say.. Ride on and ride for hope.

If you’d like to assist with covering the expenses of our exception therapy herd, please consider a monthly or one-time donation.
Donate to New Hope.

The post Chisholm Challenge 2026 – What A Special Week! first appeared on New Hope Therapeutic Riding.

The Board of New Hope is pleased to present our 2024-2025 Impact Report.

To turn the pages, click on the lower right part of the book or use the controls below the book. We would love to get your comments on this new format. This report is vital for grant requests but also for helping us tell our story and tracking our progress year to year.

If you would like to download a PDF version for sharing, click here

The post 2024-2025 Impact Report is Now Available! first appeared on New Hope Therapeutic Riding.

We are so proud to announce our first participant parent, Denise Bruzzone, to our Executive Board. With a distinguished career spanning nearly three decades in the luxury hospitality industry, Denise brings exceptional leadership, relationship-building, and organizational growth expertise to our mission of providing hope and healing through the power of horses.

Denise’s professional background includes leadership roles with some of the most renowned global brands in hospitality, including Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, and Canyon Ranch Wellness Resorts. She currently serves with Hidden Doorways, Luxury Travel Representation & Consulting, where she continues to leverage her skills in relationship management, strategic growth, and team leadership.

Outside her professional career, she is deeply committed to community service and volunteerism. Denise has supported numerous organizations, including Compass Christian Church, Oakmont Guest Care Center, and Sasha’s Pals, a dog foster and adoption group in Southlake. Her introduction to New Hope came through her daughter’s experiences in our program, inspiring a personal connection to the organization’s mission and a commitment to supporting it’s continued growth.

“I’m honored to join the Executive Board at New Hope Equine Assisted Therapy,” said Bruzzone. “The healing and confidence that these horses inspire—especially in children and teens facing emotional or physical challenges—is truly profound. I look forward to contributing my experience and energy to help expand New Hope’s reach and impact.”

New Hope Founder Sharla Kershen shared, “Denise brings a wealth of leadership and compassion to our Board. Her professional excellence, combined with her heart for service, reflects the very spirit of New Hope. We’re thrilled to welcome her to our leadership team.”

A resident of the DFW area, Bruzzone is also passionate about advocating for greater mental health resources for teens, recognizing a critical need for support beyond traditional sports and extracurricular activities. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, reading, listening to music, exploring food and wine, and raising her twin daughters, shown below at the Hope Gala and Virginia is displaying her riding skills during a recent lesson at New Hope.

The post New Hope Board Welcomes Denise Bruzzone! first appeared on New Hope Therapeutic Riding.

We are so pleased to announce the appointment of Kimberly Rogers to our Executive Board. A long-time supporter and passionate advocate for the healing power of horses, Kimberly brings a unique blend of personal experience and professional expertise to our mission.

“We are so excited that Kimberly has joined our board. We got to know her after her daughter, Emily Rogers Hicks, began working as our volunteer coordinator. Kimberly has personally experienced the benefits of equine therapy, so she thoroughly understands our mission and is passionate about supporting New Hope,” said founder Sharla Kershen.

In her professional life, Kimberly is a dedicated community builder with a passion for design. She works at Gold Mountain Gallery in Fort Worth and at Spenser Wayne Interiors in Dallas. She was excited to assist with the 4th Annual Hope Gala: Boots & Bling, on September 26th, and with other fundraising endeavors. She has already made significant contributions to the gala, including an incredible David Yarrow artwork for the live auction that sold for $30,000!

Kimberly says her experience with the life-changing benefits of equine therapy fuels her commitment to helping grow New Hope’s programs and bringing the magic of therapeutic riding to as many people as possible.

Join us in congratulating Kimberly on her new role.

By Kathleen Beisly, Communications Chair

The post New Hope Welcomes Kimberly Rogers to Our Executive Board first appeared on New Hope Therapeutic Riding.