Horseplay Required
Charitable horseplay results in half a million bucks raised for Equest
The weather cooperated for the sold-out Equest Premier Celebration at Texas Horse Park, where more than 500 philanthropic guests joined chairs Connie and Denny Carreker and honorary chairs Lisa and Kenny Troutt at the brand-new facilities surrounded by the Great Trinity Forest.
The evening began with a lively reception catered by Food Glorious Food, and it evolved into entertainment by guitarist Phil Brumle. Guests were also encouraged to hit up the bourbon and biscuit bar and the Cru Wine Lounge before heading over to enjoy the horse and rider demonstrations.
The demonstrations, always a highlight of the event, give guests the opportunity to see for themselves just how effective equine-assisted therapy is and delighted in the joy radiating from the riders and their four-legged friends.
After a family-style Southern dinner and a successful live auction, the Ray Johnston Band charmed the crowd with their latest hits and popular covers. Guests — including Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings, Rowlett Mayor Todd Gottel, Trudy and Bob Ladd, Louise and Guy Griffith, Margo and Jim Keyes, Jennifer and Coley Clark, Jan Strimple, and Barbara and Don Daseke — two-stepped, spun and dipped their way across the dance floor while singing along to their favorite tunes.
Equest Therapeutic Horsemanship’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for children and adults with diverse needs using horses to bring hope and healing through equine assisted activities and therapies. Thanks to this epic celebration, Equest raised $500,000 to help with serving between 300-400 riders in the next two years.