Leadership Round Rock Gives Back with Hearts for Horses

Leadership Round Rock is a professional development program hosted by the Round Rock Chamber that equips emerging and established leaders with the knowledge, connections, and skills to make a lasting impact in the community. Through a series of monthly sessions, participants gain behind-the-scenes access to key sectors such as local government, economic development, education, healthcare, and public safety. The program fosters collaboration, civic engagement, and leadership growth — empowering class members to become more informed, connected, and influential leaders in Round Rock and beyond. 

Each year, the Leadership Round Rock class selects a project that allows them to give back to the community in a meaningful way. For the Class of 2025, that project is “Hearts for Horses: A Home Makeover for ROCK.” 

The initiative focuses on supporting the therapy horses at ROCK (Ride On Center for Kids), a nationally accredited nonprofit that provides equine-assisted therapy to hundreds of children, adults, and veterans facing physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges. While the spotlight is often on the incredible work done in the arena, the class recognized a unique opportunity to care for the unsung heroes of the program—the horses themselves. 

The project involves renovating 28 horse stalls and pasture shelters, with improvements that include: 

• Installing new fans for cooling 
• Replacing worn water troughs, hay bags, and feeders 
• Repairing and restaining stall doors 
• Adding new wheels to stall doors for better mobility 
• Creating personalized nameplates and feeding menus for each horse 

These upgrades will help ensure a safer, more comfortable environment for the horses that play a critical role in the healing and development of ROCK’s clients. 

How You Can Help 

The class is working to raise $10,000 to cover renovation costs and is inviting the community to participate through: 

• Donations of any amount 
• Stall Sponsorships ($1,000 each, includes recognition plaque) 

All contributions are tax-deductible and go directly toward improving the facility. By supporting “Hearts for Horses,” you’re helping care for the animals that care for so many in our community. 

Support the Project 

To learn more visit: Hearts for Horses Project Page 

To donate now, visit: Hearts for Horses Donation Page 

Interested in joining Leadership Round Rock Class of 2026

If you’re interested in joining next year’s Leadership Round Rock class, applications will open on September 1. Click HERE to submit your early interest form.