Our Team
H.W. Kirk
President/Founder
Over the past 30 years, Wayne Kirk has been operating horse ranches and related charities including Majestic Ranch that was located at Frankford and Marsh in the City of Dallas, the 22,000 acre QB Ranch in King County, the 700 acre ranch known as Frisco Horse Park, he is now operating Storybook Ranch and was most recently chosen to run the Texas Horse Park, a 300+ acre facility located off of Loop 12 in the Trinity Forest.
Ranching and raising horses has been in Mr. Kirk’s blood since he was a child. Wayne’s humble beginnings in Oak Cliff included the dream of horses early on. His mom, Mary Kirk, operated the only riding stables in the City of Dallas, Halbert Stables, located at Kiest Park (later relocated to Mountain Creek Lake) over 50 years ago. He owned his first horse at age 5 and by the time he was 18 years old owned 14 horses that he paid for by bailing and selling hay.
In 1992, at the request of Catholic Charities and in concert with the YMCA, Kirk developed a riding program that was conducted at the Pines Youth Camp in Gladewater, Texas. He went on to establish and develop River Ranch Educational Charities and has been the driving force behind it with his dream to maintain a horse park that conserves a piece of nature in an urban environment in order to provide a unique facility for the community and for use by underprivileged children and those with special needs.
In order to support his efforts, Kirk started and ran a commercial construction company for over 20 years in the city of Dallas and then went on to become a top-selling broker, a passionate and motivational speaker and savvy business man. He currently oversees operations at the historic QB Ranch in Guthrie Texas along with his position at the charity providing the community and youth with a place and the chance to learn about horses and nature.
President/Founder
Over the past 30 years, Wayne Kirk has been operating horse ranches and related charities including Majestic Ranch that was located at Frankford and Marsh in the City of Dallas, the 22,000 acre QB Ranch in King County, the 700 acre ranch known as Frisco Horse Park, he is now operating Storybook Ranch and was most recently chosen to run the Texas Horse Park, a 300+ acre facility located off of Loop 12 in the Trinity Forest.
Ranching and raising horses has been in Mr. Kirk’s blood since he was a child. Wayne’s humble beginnings in Oak Cliff included the dream of horses early on. His mom, Mary Kirk, operated the only riding stables in the City of Dallas, Halbert Stables, located at Kiest Park (later relocated to Mountain Creek Lake) over 50 years ago. He owned his first horse at age 5 and by the time he was 18 years old owned 14 horses that he paid for by bailing and selling hay.
In 1992, at the request of Catholic Charities and in concert with the YMCA, Kirk developed a riding program that was conducted at the Pines Youth Camp in Gladewater, Texas. He went on to establish and develop River Ranch Educational Charities and has been the driving force behind it with his dream to maintain a horse park that conserves a piece of nature in an urban environment in order to provide a unique facility for the community and for use by underprivileged children and those with special needs.
In order to support his efforts, Kirk started and ran a commercial construction company for over 20 years in the city of Dallas and then went on to become a top-selling broker, a passionate and motivational speaker and savvy business man. He currently oversees operations at the historic QB Ranch in Guthrie Texas along with his position at the charity providing the community and youth with a place and the chance to learn about horses and nature.
Vanessa Merlos Fry
Executive Vice President
Board Member at Hope Rising
Board Member at Helping Friendly Foundation
Vanessa Fry is the Executive Vice President. Vanessa has dedicated her time to the charity since March 2007 helping oversee the scheduling, daily duties, organizing and structuring of events, and making sure the welfare of the animals is intact.
Vanessa also oversees the marketing and assists with special events and spreading the word about the gifts the charity has to offer. In her spare time, she sits on the board for Hope Rising, another non-profit organization working to raise awareness about sexual and domestic violence.
With her strong belief and background in holistic healing and spiritual pursuits, she does her best to help guide the charity in it's mission and compassionate endeavors. She speaks Spanish and English and honors her Spanish-Indian heritage.
Her dedication to the cause continues to motivate and help team members, children and guests alike.
Executive Vice President
Board Member at Hope Rising
Board Member at Helping Friendly Foundation
Vanessa Fry is the Executive Vice President. Vanessa has dedicated her time to the charity since March 2007 helping oversee the scheduling, daily duties, organizing and structuring of events, and making sure the welfare of the animals is intact.
Vanessa also oversees the marketing and assists with special events and spreading the word about the gifts the charity has to offer. In her spare time, she sits on the board for Hope Rising, another non-profit organization working to raise awareness about sexual and domestic violence.
With her strong belief and background in holistic healing and spiritual pursuits, she does her best to help guide the charity in it's mission and compassionate endeavors. She speaks Spanish and English and honors her Spanish-Indian heritage.
Her dedication to the cause continues to motivate and help team members, children and guests alike.
Gail Terrel
Vice President
Gail is a blessing for River Ranch! Her gifts bless both staff and charity clients alike.
We give thanks for Gail!
Vice President
Gail is a blessing for River Ranch! Her gifts bless both staff and charity clients alike.
We give thanks for Gail!
Ann Stacy
Equestrian Programs Director
Ann is a blessing for River Ranch! With her dynamic background as a school superintendent, a sports and motivational coach, history teacher, and equestrian guide on trail riding courses, she brings more than we could ask for to our charity! Her gifts bless both staff and charity clients alike.
We give thanks for Ann!
Equestrian Programs Director
Ann is a blessing for River Ranch! With her dynamic background as a school superintendent, a sports and motivational coach, history teacher, and equestrian guide on trail riding courses, she brings more than we could ask for to our charity! Her gifts bless both staff and charity clients alike.
We give thanks for Ann!
Chone Caldwell
Lead Trail Guide, Instructor and Horse Trainer
Chone is a professional rodeo competitor and has his own racing team. He is also a recording artist, well-known DJ and Dance Instructor.
We will have more information on Chone's background soon...!
Lead Trail Guide, Instructor and Horse Trainer
Chone is a professional rodeo competitor and has his own racing team. He is also a recording artist, well-known DJ and Dance Instructor.
We will have more information on Chone's background soon...!
Rhonda Whitney Douglas
Animal Care, Charity Programs and Events
Rhonda grew up with horses and has a passion and love for all animals.
She brings her big heart and servant attitude and helps the team wherever help is needed.
We will have more information on Rhonda's background soon...!
Animal Care, Charity Programs and Events
Rhonda grew up with horses and has a passion and love for all animals.
She brings her big heart and servant attitude and helps the team wherever help is needed.
We will have more information on Rhonda's background soon...!
Madi Collis
Senior Horse Staff and Charity Programs Assistance
We will have more information on Madi's background soon...!
Senior Horse Staff and Charity Programs Assistance
We will have more information on Madi's background soon...!
Jeanette (Nett) Wallace
Senior Horse Staff and Charity Programs Assistance
We will have more information on Nett's background soon...!
Senior Horse Staff and Charity Programs Assistance
We will have more information on Nett's background soon...!
J'Quan Beavers
Junior Horse Staff and Charity Programs Assistance
We will have more information on J'Quan's background soon...!
Junior Horse Staff and Charity Programs Assistance
We will have more information on J'Quan's background soon...!
Accent Event Marketing
Connie Boucher
Connie's Event Production company brings years of extensive event planning and fundraising experience to the Texas Horse Park.
Connie's extensive background is in event fundraising for Veteran's and event coordinating for the Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients. Her professionalism and expertise make her an ideal coordinator for any event!
Connie Boucher
Connie's Event Production company brings years of extensive event planning and fundraising experience to the Texas Horse Park.
Connie's extensive background is in event fundraising for Veteran's and event coordinating for the Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients. Her professionalism and expertise make her an ideal coordinator for any event!
Amber Bagwell
Marketing Assistance
Amber comes to River Ranch from the American Heart Association where she served as the Media Relations Director for North Texas. Her past experience include stints as Public Relations Manager for CP Homes, Senior Media Relations Supervisor at the Loomis Group, Senior Public Relations Manager at NewTek, Media Director of the California State Fair and Director of Public Relations and Marketing at Messina Hof Winery and Resort.
She has worked with national media, including TIME Magazine, The Today Show, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Dallas Morning News, Houston Chronicle, The Austin Chronicle as well as local print, television and radio stations.
In addition to her extensive work background, she also serves as a Dallas Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), speaking up for the best interests of America’s most vulnerable children, so every abused or neglected child in the United States can be safe, have a permanent home and the opportunity to thrive.
With her experience, knowledge of horses and riding and altruistic spirit, she is great addition to the team!
Marketing Assistance
Amber comes to River Ranch from the American Heart Association where she served as the Media Relations Director for North Texas. Her past experience include stints as Public Relations Manager for CP Homes, Senior Media Relations Supervisor at the Loomis Group, Senior Public Relations Manager at NewTek, Media Director of the California State Fair and Director of Public Relations and Marketing at Messina Hof Winery and Resort.
She has worked with national media, including TIME Magazine, The Today Show, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Dallas Morning News, Houston Chronicle, The Austin Chronicle as well as local print, television and radio stations.
In addition to her extensive work background, she also serves as a Dallas Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), speaking up for the best interests of America’s most vulnerable children, so every abused or neglected child in the United States can be safe, have a permanent home and the opportunity to thrive.
With her experience, knowledge of horses and riding and altruistic spirit, she is great addition to the team!
The Behind the Scenes Dream Team
CONTACT RIVER RANCH AT TEXAS HORSE PARK FOR MORE INFORMATION -
469-804-2660 or info@RiverRanch-TexasHorsePark.com.