Horse Donation
Our horses are some of the most important members of the HETRA team.
Think your horse may be a good fit for HETRA? Complete our Horse Donation Inquiry Form to tell us more about them.
There are several qualities HETRA looks for in a therapy horse:
- Quiet, patient, and healthy, with an enjoyment of working and being around people
- Sound at the walk and trot (light maintenance is OK)
- Ideally between 13 and 17 hands tall
- Between 5 and 22 years old
When we hear from an owner about a horse that meets these qualities, our evaluation process includes the following steps:
- Video and photos: We ask the owner to send a video showing the horse being ridden at the walk and trot in both directions, along with confirmation photos of the horse without a saddle.
- In-person evaluation: Next, we schedule a time to visit the horse at their home and evaluate their suitability for an adaptive riding program. We like to see the horse being haltered, groomed, saddled, and ridden. We also bring a variety of toys and objects to see how the horse responds to different sights, sounds, and experiences.
- We require the owner or agent to ride the horse before a HETRA team member gets on.
- Trial period: If the HETRA horse team determines the horse may be a good fit, we will sign a lease agreement with the owner and bring the horse to HETRA for a 30- to 60-day trial period. During this time, we help the horse become familiar with the unique responsibilities of a HETRA horse, including working around wheelchairs, walkers, toys, loud noises, and mounting ramps.
- Joining the herd: If the horse successfully completes the trial period and is determined to be a good fit for our program, they will officially become part of the HETRA herd!
If you are interested in talking with us about a horse you think may be a good fit for HETRA’s program, please contact Cassidy Godden at CassidyG@HETRA.org.
