Equest, a prominent equine-assisted therapeutic center located in Dallas, is seeking volunteers to support its vital programs that enhance the lives of individuals through horse therapy. The organization will conduct Volunteer Training sessions on January 24 and January 31, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at its facility within the Texas Horse Park, situated southeast of downtown Dallas. Prospective volunteers need only attend one of the sessions.
To participate in the training, interested individuals must complete a volunteer application in advance, which can be found on the Equest website at equest.org/volunteer. It is important to note that volunteers aged 12 and 13 must be accompanied by an adult guardian during the training sessions.
Engage with the Community through Equest
Equest offers a variety of volunteer opportunities tailored to different interests, whether participants are passionate about working with horses, engaging with children, or providing support within office settings. By enrolling in Equest’s Volunteer Training, individuals can embark on a rewarding journey of personal growth and community service.
Equest serves over 800 clients, including children, adults, and veterans, conducting more than 4,000 session hours annually with its team of dedicated volunteers. The organization is home to over 30 therapy horses, delivering transformative services that promote healing and personal development. Volunteers contribute more than 20,000 hours each year and play a pivotal role in outreach programs and equine-assisted learning, including the Reading Quest literacy initiative that benefits 400 students.
Roles and Responsibilities for Volunteers
Equest’s volunteer roles are designed to suit a range of skills and preferences. The leader role involves managing the horse during therapy sessions, ensuring its pace, calmness, and focus while allowing clients to engage fully in their activities. This position is suitable for individuals with prior experience with horses or those eager to learn.
Side-walkers assist clients by reinforcing instructions, providing balance and physical support, and offering encouragement. This engaging role is ideal for those who enjoy direct interaction with participants.
For individuals interested in supporting Equest from an office environment, opportunities include database management, event coordination, and administrative tasks. Volunteers with skills in software like Excel are particularly valuable to the organization’s growth and efficiency.
Equest encourages anyone interested in making a positive impact to reach out with questions or to enroll in the upcoming training sessions. This initiative not only provides essential support to the community but also offers a unique opportunity to experience the profound connection between humans and horses. For more details, please visit equest.org.
