Miniature Horses Gallop Into Dallas’ Libraries (No, Really): Magnificent Beasts and Books Inspire Kids in Unique, Hands-On Ways

Summer reading just got a lot more interesting…

The public charity Equest is bringing a duo of miniature horses on a tour through Dallas libraries this summer. The organization’s Mini Ambassadors Cisco and Dare will be the stars of a unique equine story time experience.

The free events will tie in some horse-themed literature, of course, and Equest specialty program and outreach director Jen Donahue will be on hand to discuss basic equine behavior, communication and care. Most importantly, children will have the opportunity to have a hands-on experience grooming, leading and feeding a horse (with the help of Donahue) – opening their eyes to the therapeutic benefits of horsemanship. 

It’s all part of Equest’s mission to help people of all ages learn about the unique healing bond between humans and horses. The organization provides equine assisted therapy and learning to children and adults with physical, cognitive, sensory, coping and learning disabilities and veterans with adjustment challenges. With the help of 36 special horses, Equest serves more than 3,000 clients annually. The therapy benefits muscle tone, coordination, balance, communication skills and more. 

The Equest mini ambassadors are specially trained therapy horses, like all of Equest’s four-legged friends – and their miniature size makes them the perfect companion for people at locations that cannot accommodate a full-sized therapy horse.

Ready to meet Cisco and Dare and experience a one-of-a-kind story time? Equest is bringing the mini ambassadors to the following events this summer:

• Saturday, July 14, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Timberglen Branch Library (18505 Midway Rd, Dallas, TX 75287)
• Wednesday, July 18, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Keller Library(640 Johnson Rd, Keller, TX 76248)
• Thursday, July 19, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Polk-Wisdom Branch Library (7151 Library Lane, Dallas, TX 75232)
• Tuesday, July 24, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Audelia Road Branch Library (10045 Audelia Rd, Dallas, TX 75238)
• Friday, July 27, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Park Forest Branch (3421 Forest Ln, Dallas, TX 75234)
• Sunday, Aug. 12, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Renner Frankford Branch(6400 Frankford Rd, Dallas, TX 75252)