Horses for Heroes

Equest’s Horses for Heroes program, H.E.R.D. (Heroes Empowered Reunited and Determined) offers EFMHA opportunities as well as sports riding classes for wounded veterans and active duty military personnel.

On Monday afternoons, Equest horses work with veterans, their families, and a licensed therapist to offer counseling for individuals suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  These equine therapy sessions offer an alternative therapy for veterans who are having difficulty reintegrating into civilian life after deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.  Equine facilitated activities offer a unique alternative to traditional therapy that will enable our clients to open the doors of communication, to set and accomplish personal goals, and to have measurable progress in and out of the arena.

Equest is fortunate to have collaborated with another Dallas area non-profit that refers Veterans to therapists throughout the metro area.  Operation Healthy Reunions (OHR) works directly with Veterans Affairs and is a program of Mental Health America.

Wounded veterans are invited to participate in sports riding sessions where they will learn to groom and tack their horse, ride for a one hour session and then help care for their horse after their lesson.   Horseback riding offers physical benefits of increased balance and core strength as well as emotional benefits of empowerment and team work.



For more information about enrolling in our Horses for Heroes Programs, please contact the Equest registrar, Susan Liepins at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (972) 412-1099 ext. 209.

For information about volunteering in our Horses for Heroes Programs, please contact Julia Patterson, H.E.R.D. Coordinator, at (972) 412-1099 ext. 202.