You can feel the way their heart cries
They walk you out of the slaughterhouse booth
Outside you tremble, feet gotta move
There is nothing now you have to prove

With gentle hands they touch you with love
Something you're not sure you know much of
They walk you around, work off some of the fear
You walk shoulder to shoulder, it is their heart you now hear

They take you to a place with sunshine and fields
There you are allowed to flourish and heal
With others who have come before you
They'll show you what to do

With love and kindness they get you ready
Their treatment of you is consistent and steady
Soon you will find a forever loving place to live
With people who have tons of love to give

ERCT Board of Directors

​Lisa Rivers, Founder & Executive Director

Mat Rybicki, President

Kevin Ross, Treasurer

Lauren Tips, Secretary

Brenda Brooks, Member

HORSE RESCUE POEM
By Cindy Jenkins



How could someone cast you aside
Like the outgoing ocean tide
And let you ride the wave of despair
To a place where nobody cares

You have outlived your usefulness to them
They didn't understand you; they didn't see the beautiful gem
To them now your're an expense they can no longer afford
You never got to feel loved and adored

Sent to the kill pen and off to the slaughter
No food was given to you, not even a drink of water
Days away from your final demise
The very thought of that brings tears to my eyes

Then someone steps in and says, 'Hey, wait a minute
I see you. I know you. I actually get it'
They see your value, they see the truth
They can see the fear in your eyes

News & Events

Thank You to the Following Scholarship Donors!


Baylor, Scott & White awarded ERCT $3000 for scholarships for therapeutic riding for youth with mental health disabilities.The Greater Round Rock Community Foundation awarded ERCT $5000 for scholarships for Veterans for therapeutic riding. Autism Speaks has awarded ERCT $5000 for  scholarships for individuals with autism.

Accepting Donations


​As a non-profit organization, we depend on volunteers to help care for horses, maintain the property and assist children with riding. We could not do it without our volunteers.  For information on making a tax-deductible donation, please click HERE.

Sponsor a Horse Today 


​In order to help with horse care and costs, please consider sponsoring a horse today. A variety of sponsorship opportunities are available so that you can help make a difference.  Your donation will fund farrier visits, vet care, medicine, and feed.  Click here to learn more.

Horses & Heroes Program 


​Calling all Military Vets! Come ride with us and experience the healing power of horses.  Horses show participants how to build trust, grow in self-confidence, reduce stress and develop communication skills. No Cost to Veterans. Download our latest program flyer here.

Equine Rehabilitation Central Texas is a 501(3)c non-profit organization formed in June of 2012 to rehabilitate neglected horses. Many healthy horses later, Hearts Therapeutic Riding emerged as these rehabilitated horses gained new purpose in serving children and adults with special needs and individuals recovering from trauma.


ERCT was founded by Lisa Rivers who continues her heartfelt work to help both horses and humans in need.  


Find more information about our Horse Sponsorship Opportunities along with News & Events below.