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" actor 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. "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 for Horses," a Los Angeles 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 Palestinians, Jordanians and Egyptians, will be encouraged to participate.
Shatner and his wife Elizabeth are on their second trip to Israel, where they are visiting many of the riding centers and meeting with people that benefit from the treatment.
Shatner, who played Capt. James T. Kirk on the original "Star Trek" TV series, currently stars in the series "Boston Legal."
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