Today we’d like to introduce you to Lili Kellogg.
Hi Lili, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am Elizabeth “Lili” Kellogg, CEO of Equest in Dallas. Throughout my entire life, I have been passionate about horses and am convinced that it came with me from the womb. According to my mother, “horse” was the second word out of my very young mouth and the first indicator of my innate passion. Fortunately, my parents fostered my love for horses and was able to grow up riding, and showing.
Following my passion, I attended Southern Sem college, a two-year “horsey” college in Virginia. I then transferred to Colorado State University to finish my bachelor’s degree in animal science. Upon graduation, I landed a position as an adjunct faculty member in the horse management department at the University of Minnesota Technical College-Waseca. It was an incredible opportunity and amazing experience to help burgeoning students develop their knowledge and skills while I continued to expand my scope as a teacher, coach, and equestrian.
Nine years later, when my then-husband’s job relocated us to Texas, I began to develop my freelance business as an instructor and show coach for folks who had their own horses at their own barns. When my marriage failed, my life took a significant turn and I found myself as a single mom of an 18 month old daughter and in need of a job that didn’t depend on the weather. Divine intervention guided my future. Through a series of events, in 1987 I was hired by Equest to run their therapeutic riding program. This position introduced me to a new form of equestrian services, and an industry filled with wonderful folks. It was one of the biggest blessings of my life. At Equest the focus is on maximizing the therapeutic value while progressing our clients’ equestrian skill development. Witnessing the life changing effects and incredible abilities of horses to help clients has been a cathartic experience.
In 2007, I left Equest after 20 years to help start another therapeutic riding program, ManeGait, in McKinney. Four years later I was hired to lead yet another therapeutic riding center, Sire, in Houston. After seven years away, in January of 2015, Equest made me an offer and I returned to the program that I loved so much.
Throughout my 34 year career in the Equine Assisted Services industry, I have volunteered for the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl. and formerly NARHA) serving on many committees, became a PATH Intl. Master Certified Instructor, an Accreditation Site Visitor, and I currently sit on the PATH Intl. Board of Trustees. I have coached riders with disabilities up to the international level: including the 1990 World Disabled Sports Championship in Holland, the 1994 World Dressage Championship for Disabled Riders in England and the 1996 Paralympics in Atlanta, Georgia.
On a side note, while in Houston I met a wonderful man who eventually followed me to Dallas. Our 5th year wedding anniversary was celebrated October 9th and we live in the country on 72 acres with cows, horses, dogs, cats and bees.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
For the most part the journey has been fairly easy because I ALWAYS knew I wanted to work with horses. Lots of people struggle with their life’s purpose and what path to take, but I never had to. However, when I was 16 my father died unexpectedly and then when my first marriage ended after six years leaving me as a single mom to an 18 month old, my life challenges increased exponentially. One of my favorite quotes is: Show me someone who has done something worthwhile, and I’ll show you someone who has overcome adversity.”– Lou Holtz
Another significant obstacle, along professional lines, was when the decision was made in 2017 for Equest to sell their Rockwall County facility and consolidate all programing down to the Texas Horse Park in southern Dallas . For sustainability purposes, it was the best decision for Equest, yet very unpopular with clients and volunteers who lived up in Collin and Rockwall counties.
We’ve been impressed with Equest , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Founded in 1981, Equest is an equine assisted services center that is a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International Premier Accredited Center. Before the coronavirus pandemic in early 2020, Equest was serving 1,400 – 2000 children, adults and veterans annually through our therapeutic horsemanship, physical and occupational therapy, equine facilitated counseling, and equine assisted learning programs. Our numbers are currently below 1,000 but we are gradually increasing the enrollment.
You may ask: why horses? Working with horses can be much more effective than traditional therapy. Horses are natural therapeutic partners because they inherently possess characteristics that help humans learn about their environment, their relationships, and themselves. Physically, horses are large, yet welcoming animals. Behaviorally, the horse is both a prey animal and herd animal. As herd animals, horses are naturally social and often accept humans based on a trusting relationship. As prey animals, horses survive by being in tune with their environment and rely on non-verbal communication. Horses provide clients with immediate feedback that can lead to increased self-awareness and emotional self-regulation. From a riding standpoint, horse provide multidimensional movement, and sensory input to vestibular, proprioceptive, tactile and visual systems. They strengthen the rider’s core, increase balance and help with circulation.
In our Therapeutic Horsemanship program Equest teaches equestrian skills to clients with physical, cognitive, sensory, learning, social, or emotional challenges. Riding gives clients the freedom of motion and ability they simply do not or cannot enjoy in other aspects of their lives. For those clients who are unable to mount a horse, Equest also offers therapeutic carriage driving which engages core muscles and enhances hand-eye coordination to offer a unique therapy and a newfound level of freedom for the client. Clients also may have the opportunity to compete at the local, regional or national competition where they may often for the first time, experience the thrill of competition, teamwork in preparation, and emotional regulation during both wins and losses.
Physical and Occupational Therapy uses the movement of the horse to accomplish treatment goals. Clients work with, physical and occupational therapists, and experience improved posture, communication, fine motor skills, and enhanced walking ability through the unique therapy partnership with the horse. The client receives treatment while mounted on the horse. Through the horse’s multi-dimensional movement, the rider’s muscles are strengthened while balance and circulation are improved. Fine and gross motor skills increase, and sensory input is provided. Equine-assisted therapy may also affect psychological, cognitive, behavioral, and communication outcomes
Equine Facilitated Counseling pairs clients with a licensed mental health professional, a certified equine specialist, and a therapy horse to accomplish personal goals in support of a treatment plan. Clients regularly experience breakthroughs in improved communication, confidence, trust, emotional regulation, and more.
Equine Assisted Learning connects students with horses to provide an educational program that is focused on horses.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Wow………..this is a BIG one! Susan Schwartz the Co-founder of Equest for sure! If it weren’t for her, Equest would not exist nor thrive. Wonderful colleagues, mentors, board members, employees, volunteers, clients and of course, horses. My hugely supportive family! Both while growing up and now my daughter, her family and my husband have made all the difference in the world. Thank you all!
Contact Info:
- Email: lkellogg@equest.org
- Website: www.equest.org
- Instagram: @equest
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/Equest1981
- Twitter: @equest_TX
