35th Anniversary Gala Chairs~Helena & Doug Wall
Equest~the Benefits of Horseback Riding & Anniversary Gala
Many people that hate working out at conventional gyms are now trying horseback riding as exercise. It is a great way to get in shape and exercise different parts of the body and gain mental toughness. If you have not tried horseback riding as exercise, you should give it a try. Horseback riding is a great way to get in shape and stay that way! For a lot of people, simply sitting on horseback might not look all that strenuous and therefore could not possibly be a form of exercise that would be beneficial. But the reality could not be further from the truth.
Exercise is not the only reason that Equest, an Equine therapy agency, opened in 1981. Equest has cherished and groomed a very special herd of therapy horses to help children, adults and veterans overcome unique challenges – all through the human-horse connection. Equine-assisted activities and therapies are used to effectively treat over 100 physical, cognitive, social, learning disorders. Equest’s Hooves for Heroes program provides veterans and their families with unique support as they transition to civilian life. The Equest 35th Anniversary Gala will be an exciting night to celebrate the people and horses that make Equest so special and to raise the funds necessary to sustain Equest’s growth and success.
As the first therapeutic riding program in Texas, Equest has become one of the largest non-profit therapeutic riding centers in the nation. It is considered an industry leader in equine assisted therapy programs and offers unique solutions to help over 1,200 individuals each year overcome physical, social, emotional and psychological challenges. Equest serves children (beginning age 2) and adults with all types of physical, cognitive, social-emotional and learning disabilities, including veterans diagnosed with PTSD. Equest client diagnosis encompass over 100 different unique disabilities and challenges.
Equine therapy provides the following benefits:
Physical
The horse rhythmically and naturally moves the body in a manner similar to the human gait, improving posture, balance and muscle control. Notably, equine-assisted therapy also provides cardiovascular benefits.
Psycho-social
Equine-assisted therapy increases concentration, improves sequential thought processing, increases riders’ abilities to articulate emotions, develop spatial awareness/orientation, and expand their self-esteem, general awareness, and self-discipline. Perhaps one of the most life changing effects of the Equest experience is the self-confidence each rider gains through the process, which becomes a permanent part of his or her world outside of Equest, as well.
Life Skills
The benefits of riding can influence daily living skills, foster independence and consistently improve peer-to-peer and family relationships, resulting in increased socialization and participation in areas such as at home or at school.
“We appreciate the power of the horse to change lives”
—Dr. Paul Spiers, Past PATH Intl President
Equest, the first therapeutic riding program in Texas, will celebrate their 35th anniversary on May 7, 2016 with an Anniversary Gala. Equest is thrilled to have Helena & Doug Wall chair the Gala along with Honorary Chairs Chris & Dale Hansen. The Wall’s have been living and breathing horses for the past decade and understand the extraordinary bond between humans and horses.
The Gala will showcase the amazing work that is carried out by their dedicated staff, selfless volunteers, and the generous community of supporters. Over the years, Equest has helped thousands of children and adults with disabilities. And what could be more fun than horses, bourbon, and boots or more Texan?
There are still tickets available for this fabulous event please consider donating or attending The Gala at the Texas Horse Park. Western or Equestrian Chic is the dress code and boots are mandatory! Visit www.equest.org/gala for more information and to register. Or call Equest at 972.412.1099 and ask for Amanda.
Now I know you’re wondering, what in the world do I wear to a Gala at the Texas Horse Park when the theme requires Western or Equestrian Chic as the dress code and boots are mandatory? Well I’ve got you covered just check out my shop the post below and kick off your heels for some Texas Fun…
