MANOR, Texas (KXAN) — The unthinkable theft at a horse therapy center in Manor. A trailer, freshly refurbished by volunteers, was stolen. It was meant to serve as an extension of a counseling center at the Healing with Horses Ranch.
“Having this stolen from us makes me question if this is the right thing, but in my heart I know it’s the right thing,” founder Patty D’Andre said.
While the counseling program is continuing, the ranch is now left without. The nonprofit believes it was likely taken overnight between March 18 and 19. The day they planned to move into it was the day the trailer was stolen.
“We are a therapeutic riding center that gives riding lessons and horsemanship lessons to kids and adults with physical challenges, emotional challenges and learning challenges,” D’Andre said.
It’s been a longtime goal of hers to expand the program.
“The dream is happening. The RV was going to be our counseling center,” she said.
Development Director Rebekah Fookes said it took several hours into the day to realize it was indeed stolen. Bolt cutters were used to open the gate at its location off Highway 973. The group said it found the bolts and remnants of a broken tail light nearby.
“I’m sure the person who took [the trailer] had no idea how much blood, sweat and tears went into that and that’s what hurts me more than anything,” D’Andre said.
Volunteers had spent months gutting and rehabbing it, including space for a conference area and desk.
“[The trailer] was going to be a temporary thing,” D’Andre explained. “We have to raise a lot of money to build this covered ground pen and offices and bathrooms.”
While the stolen trailer is a setback, it is not stopping the group from helping riders get their healing with horses.
“Park it out on the side of the road. It’s OK. No questions asked,” D’Andre said.
Here’s what to look out for:
- 2005 Sun Lite single slide out travel trailer
- New hardwood floors inside
- New fixtures
- Conference area
- Dinette transformed into a desk
- Horse grooming bucket inside
Anyone with information on its whereabouts is asked to contact local authorities. The Travis County Sheriff’s Office is in charge of the investigation; however, Manor police also said it was aware of the theft.
The nonprofit is volunteer-driven and relies on donations. Those interested in donating can do so on its website here or through an Amazon wish list here.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
