March 2026 Newsletter
A Message from Equest CEO, Eric Lindh
Dear Equest Community,
Now that the year ’ s impact is fully in view, we are reflecting with gratitude on all that you made possible in 2025. Because of you, hundreds of lives were changed through our equine-assisted activities and therapies, helping children and adults grow stronger physically, emotionally, and socially. Together, we witnessed the extraordinary power of the human–horse connection to bring hope and healing to so many individuals and families
None of this impact happens without the remarkable community that surrounds Equest. Over 800 volunteers contributed more than 19,000 hours of service, working side by side with our talented staff and our incredible herd of 30+ therapy horses to create life-changing experiences for every rider, client, and family we serve. To our donors, volunteers, partners, and advocates: thank you for believing in this mission and investing in the people whose lives are transformed here every day.
This year is especially meaningful as Equest celebrates 45 years of impact. For nearly half a century, our community has partnered with horses to help individuals discover strength, courage, and confidence they may never have thought possible We’ve started the year off strong, being named a beneficiary of The Crystal Charity Ball and receiving a $1 1 million commitment to support the growth of our children’s programs! As we look ahead, we are excited to build on this momentum to strengthen our programs and serve even more people.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support.
With gratitude,
Our Mission
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
Our Clients in Action
Lights, Camera, Action Virtual Horse Show
Our Equest clients recently participated in the Lights, Camera, Action Virtual Horse Show, a unique event that allows riders to submit video entries showcasing their skills and progress Originally created during COVID, this virtual format continues to provide meaningful opportunities for riders to compete and celebrate their accomplishments. We are incredibly proud of the hard work, dedication, and teamwork shown by our clients, instructors, and staff throughout this event. From preparing patterns to filming submissions, this experience reflects the commitment and encouragement that make our programs so special Congratulations to all who participated, we can’t wait to celebrate together! Chisholm Challenge at Fort Worth Stock Show
Fourteen incredible Equest riders and ten amazing horses lit up the arena at this year ’ s Chisholm Challenge! Each rider stepped up, gave their absolute best, and showed remarkable courage, growth, and determination Watching them support each other, tackle new challenges, and have so much fun was truly inspiring We’re over the moon to share the biggest highlight: Equest was named the 2026 Chisholm Challenge Champion Center! This award celebrates outstanding sportsmanship and teamwork and it was our riders’ hard work, positivity, and heart that made Equest shine. Every ride, every cheer, every smile contributed to this unforgettable victory Thank you to our amazing riders for making this Chisholm Challenge one for the history books!
Spring Semester Begins at Equest!
Our spring semester kicked off on February 9, bringing a season full of learning, growth, and memorable experiences for our riders. This semester has offered new challenges, skill-building opportunities, and plenty of fun both in and out of the arena. A highlight was the Area Special Olympics on March 29, hosted at Equest, where six centers, including Equest, and more than 50 riders competed and were recognized with medals and ribbons Congratulations to our Equest participants, and thank you to the family and friends who came out to cheer them on!
Volunteer Spotlight
Since Spring 2021, Alex Miller has been sharing her time and heart as a devoted volunteer at Equest. She first heard about our organization through Junior League Dallas, and we are so grateful she answered the call to get involved. Our instructor, Kirsten, says: "Alex has been a longtime volunteer and friend, and her dedication and joy never go unnoticed She consistently shows up with a positive attitude, a flexible spirit, and a willingness to help wherever she’s needed. Alex has a genuine way of connecting with both clients and fellow volunteers, making people feel comfortable, supported, and truly valued. On the rare occasion she is unable to attend a session, her riders always ask where she is I am so grateful for the care, heart, and commitment she brings to everything she is a part of." Thank you, Alex! You make a lasting difference in the lives of our riders and volunteers alike!
ements
Please join us in congratulating Michaela on successfully completing her PATH Intl. Interactive Vaulting Certification! After two years of dedication and hard work, Michaela has strengthened her skills while helping prepare our horses to meet the standards required for this credential We’re excited to expand our interactive vaulting offerings thanks to her expertise. A special thank you to Whiskey for being such a wonderful partner throughout this journey.
We d also like to celebrate Laura for earning her PATH Intl. Interactive Vaulting Certification! Over the past two years, Laura has invested countless hours developing her skills and preparing our horses to achieve this milestone With Laura’s certification, we look forward to offering even more interactive vaulting opportunities for our community. And of course, a big thank you to Kilty for being an incredible partner along the way.
Get involved with Equest as a client, volunteer, or supporter and help us empower individuals through the healing power of horses. Explore ways to make a difference and join our mission today.
Our Programs Volunteer Services
At Equest, our equine-assisted programs serve individuals of all ages and abilities, offering therapeutic riding, therapy services, veterans programs, counseling, and literacy initiatives Through the powerful connection with horses, clients build confidence, independence, and meaningful skills, guided by our dedicated instructors and staff. Learn how to get started at equest.org/programs or email registrar@equest.org
Volunteers are vital to Equest, supporting clients, instructors, and horses in all programs. Upcoming training sessions on Mary 16 & May 30 welcome new team members and provide the skills to get started. Join our volunteer community at equest.org/volunteer. SAVE THE DATE: Our Volunteer Appreciation Banquet will be on April 19 at Community Beer Company in Dallas! RSVP online at Equest Volunteer Banquet RSVP
Legacy Giving
Equest Legacy Giving ensures your support continues for generations, keeping our programs available for future clients Gifts through wills, trusts, IRAs, or life income plans create a lasting impact on the lives we serve. Learn more about supporting Equest at equest.org/legacygiving or contact Boski Sharma, Director of Donor Relations, Community Foundation of Texas at bsharma@cftexas org
Support Our Mission
Your support helps unleash a wave of inspiration and lasting change at Equest By participating in horse sponsorship or Equest Monthly Giving program, you help us provide hope, strength, and joy to those we serve Learn more equest.org/supportus
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 or email teamup@equest org for more information
Upcoming Events
There’s always something happening at Equest, and we hope you’ll be part of it! Check out the links below to learn more about upcoming events and ways to get involved.
Volunteer Appreciation Dinner April 19, 2026 Community Beer Company 4pm - 8pm RSVP Now
Equest Blue Ribbon Gala
April 25, 2026
Visit equest.org/gala to purchase table and invididual tickets
Kentucky Derby Party at The Algiers Club May 2, 2026 The Algiers Club 4pm - 8pm Purchase Tickets
Volunteer Training
May 16, 2026 May 30, 2026 equest.org/volunteer
Stay connected with Equest! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, or join our mailing list to receive updates and news at equest org/contact-us