Equest enhances the quality of life for children and adults with diverse needs by partnering with horses to bring hope and healing. This is done through equine-assisted activities and therapies, including a variety of programs that include therapeutic horsemanship, hippotherapy (which is when the client recieves physical, occupational, and speech therapy while mounted on the horse, using the movement of the horse to accomplish therapy treatment goals), and therapeutic carriage driving, which provides an opportunity to participate in equine-assisted therapy while "mounted" in a carriage for those with special needs who cannot or do not wish to be mounted on a horse.
Equest offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups — no prior horse experience is required. Equest teaches volunteers everything they need to know at various volunteer training sessions throughout the year.
Equest's signature fundraising event, Boots & Salutes, is a USO-style tribute fundraiser benefitting Equest's Hooves for Heroes program, which promotes the well-being and mental health of veterans and their families through equestrian therapies and counseling. The fun-filled, high-energy celebration features a WWII T-6 Texan fly-over, live Frank Sinatra-inspired music by Dave Halston, "Boogey Woogie Bugle Boy" dancers from the Dallas Swing Dance Society, casual gourmet food and beverage stations, and tributes to the men and women who have served our country to protect our freedom.
The Equest Women's Auxiliary (WAUX) was founded in 1986 with the purpose of supporting and promoting Equest. What began as a small group of women with good intentions has grown into an auxiliary of over 250 women, and a signature event, the Women's Auxiliary Luncheon and Style Show, chaired by a prominent leader in the Dallas community. To join WAUX, head here.
