Equest
Dallas, Texas
Equest is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit therapeutic horsemanship center on a campus in southern Dallas, Texas, at the edge of the Great Trinity Forest. It lists therapeutic horsemanship, physical and occupational therapy, equine-assisted counseling and a program for veterans and first responders. It serves children and adults with diverse needs and disabilities.
- Therapeutic horsemanship
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Equine-assisted counseling
- Hooves for Heroes (veterans and first responders)
- Reading Quest literacy program
- Mini Horse Ambassadors
- Interactive vaulting
- Corporate team building workshops
- Children with disabilities
- Adults with disabilities
- Veterans and their family members
- First responders
- First-grade students (literacy program)
More about this center
About the Program
Equest describes itself as one of the nation's largest PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Centers and as the first therapeutic horsemanship center in Texas. Its stated mission is to enhance the quality of life for children and adults with diverse needs by partnering with horses.
Its therapeutic riding program adapts riding and horsemanship skills to each participant. Equest also lists physical and occupational therapy that uses the horse's movement toward treatment goals, and equine-assisted counseling with a licensed mental health professional for concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma and relationship struggles.
The Horses and Staff
According to its website, Equest cares for more than 30 therapy horses and logs over 6,000 client session hours and more than 19,000 volunteer hours a year. A February 2026 Blue Ribbon News article names Eric Lindh as CEO.
History
Equest began in 1981 as the Freedom Ride Foundation, founded by Evelyn Zembrod and Susan Schwartz, and took its current name later that decade. It has been tax-exempt since 1982 and moved its therapeutic horsemanship programs to the Texas Horse Park in Dallas in the mid-2010s.
Location
Equest is at 811 Pemberton Hill Road #4, Dallas, TX 75217, within the Texas Horse Park in the Great Trinity Forest. Mail goes to PO Box 171779, Dallas, TX 75217. Its North Texas Giving Day profile says it serves 20 North Texas counties.
From public records, not yet reviewed by the center · Last updated Oct 2026 Suggest an edit
Common Questions
Answered from the center’s own website and public records.
How do I become an Equest client?
The website has a "Become an Equest client" section under Client Services. You can also call (972) 412-1099 or email equest@equest.org to ask about intake and any waitlist.
How much do sessions cost?
Equest links a fee schedule on its site, but amounts were not visible when checked. Its giving profile lists Hooves for Heroes as free for veterans and discounted for first responders. Call (972) 412-1099 for current fees, and see our guide to equine therapy costs.
Is Equest accredited?
Equest says it is a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center.
Can I volunteer?
Yes. The website lists volunteer opportunities, and Equest reports more than 19,000 volunteer hours a year.
Location
Dallas, Texas 75217
Questions to Ask When You Call
The center is the best source for these answers.
- Are you running now, and taking new riders?Start here. We couldn’t confirm a current schedule.
- Which ages and needs do you work with?Ask about experience with your rider’s specific condition.
- Is a licensed PT, OT or speech therapist involved?Therapist-led hippotherapy is usually the only kind insurance may cover.
- What does a session cost, and are there scholarships?Many nonprofit programs offer sliding scales or sponsored spots.
- Do you have a mounting ramp or lift?Important for riders who use a wheelchair or need help mounting.