Equest Newsletter
October 2024
DearEquestCommunity,
IamdeeplyhumbledandexcitedtojoinEquestasthenewCEO As Istepintothisrole,Iwanttotakeamomenttohonortheincredible legacythathasshapedEquestoverthelast43years Eachhoofbeat echoeswithstoriesofcourage,healing,andtransformation, remindingusoftheprofoundimpactEquesthasmadeinthelives ofindividualsandfamiliesoverthepastfourdecades Equest’sjourneybeganin1981withasimpleyetpowerfulvision:to providetherapeuticservicesthroughtheuniquebondbetween horseandhuman.Thankstothededicationofourfounders,board, staff,volunteers,andsupporters,thatvisionhasblossomedintoa thrivingcommunitythatupliftsandempowersallwhoparticipate Thestoriesinthisnewslettercapturejustaglimpseofourimpact onthelivesofourclients
Aswereflectonourpast,let’salsolooktowardthefuturewithhope andexcitement IbelievethatEquestisatapivotalmoment,ready tobuildonourpastsuccessandembraceinnovativepracticesthat willenhanceourprogramsandexpandourreach Ourcommitment toexcellenceinequineassistedservicesremainsunwavering,and weareexcitedtoexplorenewpartnershipsandinitiativesthatwill allowustodeepenourimpactandserveevenmoreindividualsin need
ThankyouforbeinganessentialpartoftheEquestfamily Your support,dedication,andbeliefinourmissionarewhatmakeour workpossible Here’stohonoringourlegacywhilesteppingboldly intoabrightfuturetogether
Withheartfeltappreciation,
2024 Program Impact
We are proud to share the significant progress we've made this year across all our programs: 164 unique clients have benefited from our services in therapeutic horseback riding, equine assisted learning, carriage driving, and physical and occupational therapy during the spring, summer, and fall sessions
55 veterans participated in our therapeutic horseback riding, equine assisted learning, and vaulting classes, receiving vital support and engagement
Our counseling services reached 64 veteran and veteran dependent clients, with a total of 640.5 hours dedicated to their counseling sessions Additionally, we served 47 civilian clients, contributing 253 75 hours to their counseling needs
In our literacy program, we proudly supported over 400 pro ting, we an
personal journey through the challenges of a high-stress nursing career and the profound impact of equine therapy on her mental health With raw honesty, she reflects on the pressures faced by nurses, including burnout, compassion fatigue, and the alarming rates of suicide in the profession After reaching a crisis point, Paula found hope and healing through her connection with horses at Equest. Read her story HERE
atrophy (SMA), has found joy and transformation through therapeutic horseback riding at Equest Coming from a family of horsewomen, her passion for horses shapes her identity and dreams of owning a horse and ranch. Over five years, she has grown from a shy girl into a confident rider, experiencing a sense of freedom that transcends her physical limitations Her deep bond with horses, especially Dottie, provides her with peace and understanding, making Equest a sanctuary that enriches her life.
Equest enhances the lives of individuals with diverse needs through therapeutic activities with horses. We serve clients ages two and up with physical, intellectual and emotional disabilities
Volunteer Services
As a 501(c)(3) public charity, Equest relies on the dedication of hundreds of volunteers each year to support our classes, events, and grounds upkeep We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities, including:
Class assistance
Barn help
Event support
Internships
Group volunteering
If interested in making a positive impact, we invite you to visit our website to complete our online volunteer application and get started! Learn more HERE
Team Up for Corporate Groups
Equest offers a unique corporate team building experience that harnesses the power of horses in the picturesque Texas Horse Park in Southern Dallas This interactive session is tailored to align with your company’s specific goals and team dynamics, conducted entirely on the ground in our covered arena Horses provide immediate feedback by mirroring human emotions, making them exceptional partners in team building. Led by qualified professionals, this transformative experience enhances team cohesion and productivity, leaving a lasting impact Learn more HERE
Pegasus Giving Circle
Your support can unleash a wave of inspiration and change at Equest. By participating in horse sponsorship or joining our Equest Monthly Giving program, you help us provide hope, strength, and joy to those we serve Learn more HERE
Horse Sponsorship:
$7500 provides overall care for horses: feed, shots, farrier, shavings, transportation, veterinarian, and chiropractic care
These donors get a photo session with their horse.
Recognition includes stall plates with donor’s names, listing on our website, certificate of sponsorship with photo and special communications about the great work of sponsored horse
Friend of Equest Monthly Giving Levels of Support:
$55 – Provides 12 therapeutic lessons over a year.
$120 – Supports a veteran with 12 counseling sessions
$180 – Provides 12 physical or occupational therapy sessions
Join us in giving today! Donate Now
2023 Annual Report
This annual report reflects our achievements in 2023 and the profound impact we've made together. Your invaluable support is essential in our mission to enhance the lives of individuals with diverse abilities through the healing power of horses We recognize that our work would be impossible without the critical investments, dedicated volunteers, and encouragement from supporters like you We hope to keep you informed and inspired by our ongoing commitment to this important cause View full report HERE
Equest events are an excellent opportunity to showcase the power of the human-horse connection and the benefits of equine therapy for individuals of all ages We believe that by increasing awareness of our programs, we can raise the necessary funds to expand Equest’s offerings and positively impact even more lives
Sunday, Nov 10 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Equest Fall Fair & Open House
Location: Equest 811 Pemberton Hill Rd, Building #4, Dallas 75217
Annual Blue Ribbon Gala Friday, April 25 6:30 - 11:00 PM
Location: Gilley’s Dallas Southside Ballroom
