Our Mission
... is Reaching Inside Souls using Equines by providing the best therapy possible for those who need it most!
Karen Fergason, PT, HPCS
Founder, Clinical Director
Karen founded RISE Rehab in 2015 at RISE Therapeutic Equestrian Center just outside San Antonio. RISE incorporates her love of neurological rehabilitation and horses. She attended Texas A&M before graduating from physical therapy school in 1993 and developing a special interest in traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, amputee rehab, stroke and disabled sports.
Karen has a son who is on the autistic spectrum, making her particularly aware of the challenges presented by unique cases. It is the desire of her heart to bring joy and life to individuals and families with similar needs.
Di Hellgren
Executive Director
Retired from FedEx in Cleveland Ohio where she was a courier, driving instructor and safety specialist. Currently works as Facility Manager at River Crossing Club and is a member of IFMA and TNLA.
While in Ohio she was a volunteer, board member and eventually a staff member at Pegasus Farm, a therapeutic riding facility in Hartville, Ohio for 11 years. Di also raised Arabian horses on her farm, Howling Wolf Ranch, named for her Timber Wolf / Husky named Katie.
She has been riding since she was six years old and has a natural instinct of horse behavior. Andi knows the horses at RISE well and cares for them daily. She currently trains and competes in Hunter Jumper Division with the Interscholastic Equestrian Association.
Andi Fergason
Equine Manager
Andi attends college and loves to use her extraordinary equine skills to coordinate and train horses at RISE Therapeutic Equestrian Center.