The Equest Foundation carries on the philanthropic legacy of the Equest Therapeutic Riding Center, originally founded in 1998 by Nick and Sarah Armentrout on their farm in Lyman, Maine. As an independently governed non-profit organization, the mission of the Equest Foundation is to raise charitable scholarships for students with disabilities who participate at Carlisle Academy Integrative Equine Therapy & Sports. Additionally, the Equest Foundation supports ongoing research, promotion of medical reimbursement, and professional education in the field of equine-assisted therapy.

It is the Foundation’s core belief that providing charitable access to the Academy’s equine-assisted therapy and adaptive programs is essential. By supporting families of southern Maine and seacoast New Hampshire who demonstrate an economic or disability-specific need, the Foundation continues to enhance lives and will be a viable community resource for many years to come.

The Equest Foundation is able to fulfill this mission through donations from individuals, foundations, corporations, and through the building of its endowment fund. The Foundation also hosts various fundraising events, such as the Cowboy Ball and the Benefit Trail Ride, well-known community gatherings supporting the scholarship fund.

Click here to review the scholarship application guidelines.

Because of your generosity, children and adults introduced to Carlisle Academy by their families, school systems, hospitals, or social service agencies are empowered to reach new heights. The biggest accomplishment of all is seeing our mission fulfilled every day in our students who ride a little taller, walk with greater confidence, and speak with skill and passion about their trusted equine friends. Your tax-deductible contributions to the Equest Foundation, a 501©(3) non-profit organization, ensure that students “walk on” into the future because of your heartfelt gifts.

The Equest Foundation welcomes your contributions and thanks you for your valuable support.

To donate online with a credit card, click here to reach our secure site.

To make a gift with a check, please download our donation form by clicking here.

To view our 2011 Annual Report, please click here.

Ben first enrolled last season, and I saw sisgnificant improvement in his ability to maintain focus, manage time, physical conditioning, and self-esteem. The farm and its animals are restorative, and it quickly became a safe haven for him. I watched him unfold from his protective shell and lose self-consciousness about his body. He relaxes into the joy of physical movement and loves the engagement with his horse partners. He is a calmer and more focused child, with improved muscle tone and sensory integration.

- Deb Whitney

Click here to read more testimonials

The Equest Foundation will provide financial assistance to students of Carlisle Academy in an objective, fair, and responsible manner. Scholarship decisions will be made by the Scholarship Committee of the Equest Foundation and will be awarded based on economic need and/or disability-specific needs.

Please click here to download the Scholarship Guidelines and Application.
Please click here to download Carlisle Academy's 2012 Calendar.

The Equest Foundation holds special events to help raise funds for scholarships for riders who attend Carlisle Academy Integrative Equine Therapy & Sports.

Advisory Board
Sarah Chappell Armentrout
Judy Kimball, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Development Coordinator
Susan Foote