Equest hosted a day of volunteerism for six European leaders who are participating in the International Visitor Leadership Program, hosted by the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth.  On March 7, representatives from Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Finland, Luxembourg, and Spain met Equest’s staff and 30 therapy horses that provide hope and healing daily for those with special needs. After touring the 6,000-square foot campus located at Texas Horse Park in southern Dallas, the international leaders rolled up their sleeves, put on work gloves, and helped clear riding trails and prep for an upcoming volunteer banquet.

“We are honored that the World Affairs Council selected Equest for their day of volunteerism,” said Equest CEO Lili Kellogg. “We were able to showcase how equine assisted activities and therapies change lives daily for children and adults with special needs. Perhaps this one interaction might inspire the interest and support of therapeutic horsemanship programs in other countries.”

The foreign leaders are invited to the United States under the auspices of the Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program, arranged by World Learning.  The IVLP builds mutual understanding through carefully designed short-term visits to the United States for current and emerging foreign leaders. Through the combination of meetings, site visits, and focused cultural events, IVLP, which is funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, promotes a deeper understanding of the political, social, economic and cultural diversity of the United States; a thorough range of viewpoints; and the opportunity to develop meaningful professional relationships.