Shatner brings horse sense to Mideast

‘Trek’ star hopes to promote peace through use of ‘theraputic riding’

Oded Balilty / AP	Backdropped by Jerusalem's Old City walls, actor William Shatner pauses during a press conference Monday.

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updated 9:55 a.m. ET May 30, 2006

JERUSALEM - The captain who dared to “boldly go where no man has gone before” has targeted a new destination: William Shatner believes he can contribute to Middle East peace by helping disabled children through horseback riding.

The former “Star Trek” star was in Israel on Monday to promote “therapeutic riding.” He hopes to raise $10 million for nearly 30 riding programs in the country.

Shatner said that placing injured people on horseback has been shown to improve their conditions.

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“We know that the use of a horse in their therapy takes them beyond their handicapped body, their injured body, and into another area of health,” he said.

Shatner has long been involved with Ahead With Horses, a California charity that works with physically and mentally disabled children through horseback riding.

He hopes his new fund, launched with the nonprofit Jewish National Fund, will contribute to Mideast peace. He stressed that every citizen of Israel, as well as Jordanians and Egyptians, will be encouraged to participate.

Shatner and his wife Elizabeth are on their second trip to Israel.