Equest's Mission

To enhance the quality of life for children and adults with diverse needs by partnering with horses to bring hope and healing through equine assisted activities and therapies.

Equest is a 501 (c) (3) public charity, IRS Tax ID 75-1823701. All donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Our organization is not a United Way Agency. We are dependent upon charitable gifts and grants to support our programs.

Meet our staff & board

View our Annual Report

Client stories

Sandra's Story

Sandra’s physician suggested equine therapy to address Sandra’s anxiety.

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Mike's Story

Mike’s psychotherapist suggested that Mike go to an equine therapy center for his PTSD, and to see if equine therapy would help with the Parkinson’s.

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Rebeca's Card to Vegas & Malibu

Our client Rebeca made a card for her two favorite horses: Vegas and Malibu.

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Joe's Story

Joe came to Equest five months ago, after spending 20 years as an Army M1 Abrams Armor Crewman.

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Victoria's Story

MS robbed Victoria of her freedom, hope, marriage, and career. This is Victoria's journey - her fight, her demand - for her life back.

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Jonathan's Story

Despite minor progress from traditional occupational, physical, and speech therapies, Jonathan's mom knew Jonathan was capable of more. She found Equest, and Jonathan found real success.

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Sara's Story

After two deployments, Sara returned to the States feeling disconnected and began isolating herself. Her life changed when she met fellow veteran Jeff who introduced her to equine therapy.

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Leah's Story

Leah started her equestrian career in Denver, but now calls Dallas' Equest home.

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Upcoming Equest Events

Equest Events

Nov 19

Nov 19, 2018 – Nov 24, 2018

Thanksgiving Break, no classes

Nov 19, 2018 – Nov 24, 2018

We will not have classes due to the Thanksgiving holiday from Monday, November 19 to Saturday, November 24, 2018. Please note that the Equest offices will be closed Thursday, November 22 and Friday, November 23 in observance of Thanksgiving.

Nov 19, 2018 – Nov 24, 2018

Nov 26

Nov 26, 2018

Mental Health First Aid - Youth Module

Nov 26, 2018

We are hosting the Mental Health First Aid - Youth Module training course on Monday, November 26.

Nov 26, 2018

Dec 8

Dec 8, 2018

Fall semester ends

Dec 8, 2018

The Equest fall semester runs Friday, September 7 to Saturday, December 8, 2018.

Dec 8, 2018

Dec 10

Dec 10, 2018 – Dec 15, 2018

Make-up Week

Dec 10, 2018 – Dec 15, 2018

Dec 15

Dec 15, 2018

Jingle & Mingle

Dec 15, 2018

Join us on Saturday, December 15 for Jingle & Mingle, Equest’s Holiday Party at the Texas Horse Park!

Dec 15, 2018

Dec 24

Dec 24, 2018 – Dec 25, 2018

Equest office closed

Dec 24, 2018 – Dec 25, 2018

Please note that the Equest office will be closed on Monday, December 24 and Tuesday, December 25 in observance of Christmas.

Dec 24, 2018 – Dec 25, 2018

Jan 13, 2019 – Jan 15, 2019

Chisholm Challenge Horse Show

Jan 13, 2019 – Jan 15, 2019

Jan 18

Jan 18, 2019

PATH Int'l Instructor Training Course begins!

Jan 18, 2019

The next Instructor Training Course is scheduled for January 18 - March 11, 2019. Application deadline for the January course is December 1, 2018.

Jan 18, 2019

Jan 19

Jan 19, 2019

Volunteer Training

Jan 19, 2019

Join us for volunteer training on either Saturday, January 19 or Saturday, January 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. You must attend one training session to be an Equest volunteer.

Jan 19, 2019

Jan 26

Jan 26, 2019

Volunteer Training

Jan 26, 2019

Join us for volunteer training on either Saturday, January 19 or Saturday, January 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. You must attend one training session to be an Equest volunteer.

Jan 26, 2019

Equest in the News

News & Media

How equine therapy can save veterans like me

Despite the collective apathy our nation showed veterans of the Vietnam War — or perhaps because of it — we have invested a great deal of energy and money to support the latest generation of veterans as they struggle to write new chapters in civilian life.

Woman uses equine therapy to help with bone disease

Equest After Dark Gala guests had a blast at The Bomb Factory with bubbles, baubles and beads

Leading the charge for the look of the night of babes, bids and booze were Event Co-Chairs Susan and Jon Farrier and Honorary Co-Chairs Sue and Ben Casey.

Equine therapy: Therapeutic interactions with horses

Dr. Burress explained that therapeutic riding activates pathways in the brain around the parts with Parkinson's Disease.

Horse therapy helps Spina Bifida patients

By three months old, Bliss had started all kinds of therapies. By age two, she was riding her first horse at Equest.

Horseback riding therapy for autism

Working with animals can be healing for people like Brendan Pritchard.

A Night of 1920's Glamour and Modern Day Entertainment: 2018 Equest After Dark Gala

Just like The Great Gatsby himself, Equest threw an unforgettable affair for close to 500 guests last Friday, April 20, at Deep Ellum’s historic Bomb Factory. Honorary Co-Chairs Sue and Ben Casey and Co-Chairs Susan and Jon Farrier led the exciting modern speakeasy-inspired Equest After Dark Gala to celebrate the achievements of Equest’s remarkable 37-year history of enhancing the quality of life for children and adults with diverse needs through the human-horse connection.