Today we’d like to introduce you to Allison Gross.
Hi Allison, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started volunteering with Wings of Hope in 2004, though the organization itself was founded in 1996. From a young age, I was drawn to serving others — whether through church, Camp Fire Girls, or volunteering at the local hospital. When I found Wings of Hope, the pairing of horses and humans, rooted in an inclusive foundation, immediately spoke to me. It was the perfect blend of my love for people, my faith, and my curiosity to learn about horses. What began as a volunteer opportunity grew into a true calling, and over the years I’ve been blessed to walk alongside this mission as it has impacted countless lives — including my own.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
With anything in life, the road is never completely smooth or linear. There have certainly been challenges along the way, but having a place of hope and a community that feels like family has made all the difference. The support, prayers, and encouragement from those around me have helped turn the bumps in the road into opportunities for growth and resilience.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Wings of Hope, we specialize in equine-assisted services tailored for children and adults facing physical, mental, or emotional challenges. Our mission centers on creating a place of true inclusion—one that honors strengths, creates hope, and leans into the power of partnership between horses and humans.
Therapeutic (Mounted) Horsemanship: Riders engage in horseback riding lessons suited to their unique needs, using skilled horses, instructors, and volunteers. These sessions are focused on goals such as improved gait, flexibility, balance, motor planning, independence, and self-confidence.
Ground-Based Horsemanship: Through grooming, leading, and other hands-on interactions, clients build emotional regulation, empathy, communication, stress management, boundary-setting, teamwork, and leadership skills.
Equine Discovery: This is a no-diagnosis-needed experience designed for groups—like educators, professional teams, youth groups, and civic organizations—to build confidence, communication, and relaxation through guided interaction with the herd.
What truly fills my heart is how we treat EVERY person—with honor, dignity, hope, and genuine love. Whether someone just begins their journey or has walked with us for over 25 years, we aim to uplift them with unwavering support. Wherever our clients are in life, our message is clear: this is a place where you’re seen, you matter, and together—with a gentle horse and an encouraging team—you can face life’s challenges with grace and strength. We advocate for “abilities over disabilities,” helping clients sense their strengths and grow from that foundation.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love most about our city is that we’re part of a booming and growing area in the southern DFW metroplex, yet we still get to enjoy the serenity of our 25-acre property with wooded trails and green pastures. It’s a peaceful, almost rural setting right in the middle of a very populated area, which makes it feel special and unique.
What I like least is that, despite being just a few miles off I-35 and in such a high-traffic area, many people in our community still don’t know we’re here or that our services are available. We’re always working to change that—raising awareness, inviting the community in, and sharing opportunities to get involved, especially through volunteering.
Pricing:
- $50 per lesson for therapeutic horsemanship services
- $100 group pricing starts at $100 for equine discovery opportunities where a diagnosis is welcomed but not required.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wingsofhopehorses.org
- Instagram: /wingsofhopeequitherapy
- Facebook: /wingsofhopehorses
Image Credits
Photos courtesty of Wings of Hope Equitherapy
