How You Can Help > Horse Donation
About Donating
Your Horse
It takes a very special horse to give back to our community. Working in an equine-assisted therapy program is a mentally and physically challenging job for our equine friends and is in no way a retirement home. Our horses must be of sound mind and body as they work with participants of all ages and abilities for up to 10 hours a week.
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As a donor, you will receive a donation receipt for a tax deduction, updates about your horse, and the right to refuse if/when your horse needs to be rehomed or retired. You are always welcome to visit your horse during operating hours, and ride times can be scheduled with the Program Director to avoid conflicts with program scheduling.
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General Requirements
The quality of the horse’s movement is what most benefits the participant, so we cannot accept horses with any soundness issues.
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Mare or gelding between 13.0 - 16.0 hands
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9-15 years old preferred (we occasionally accept horses older than 15, if they are sound and meet the requirements of the program)
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Horse is sound at the walk, trot and canter, with three rhythmic and balanced gaits
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Tolerant and calm temperament
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Easy to handle on ground and under saddle
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Loads easily
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Stands quietly on cross ties or tied
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Slow speed and smooth gaits
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Non-gaited
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Safe to ride in the ring and on trails
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All horses must pass a screening, including a trial ride by one of our staff, and will be given a trial period at our facility to make sure they are comfortable and enjoy their new job. ​​
Please email us if you are interested in beginning the screening process or call our Executive Director at (423) 285-2636.