Donation and Evaluation Process
MANE’s special equine partners go through a rigorous evaluation process before being accepted into the program. All horses must complete a three-month trial period during which MANE’s staff evaluate their disposition, manner, movement, and intelligence. MANE focuses on choosing horses whose instinct is to think instead of flee, work positively with a variety of handlers, and have gaits that are suitable for many different riders.
Please understand that because MANE horses are entrusted with the care and safety of precious riders, only a select few horses qualify as therapy partners. On average, only 1 out of 10 horses taken on a trial basis actually join and stay with MANE’s program. The health and well-being of MANE’s herd is closely monitored – they receive top-notch veterinary care and are retired when they are no longer able to comfortably remain in work.
If you have a horse that you feel would be an asset to MANE’s program, please consider the following criteria:
- Is your horse between the ages of 8 and 16?
- Is your horse between 12 and 16 hands tall?
- Does your horse have a negative coggins report? Is your horse current on all vaccines and dewormings?
- Is your horse tolerant, calm, and even-tempered enough that it could safely lead a two year-old child around an enclosed arena (on-lead)?
- Is your horse serviceable sound at the walk, trot, and canter?
- Does your horse get along well with other horses? Is your horse likely to complement the current and predicted needs of our program with regards to the rest of our herd?
If you answered yes to ALL of the above questions, please contact MANE. All relevant information about your horse must be disclosed. Be prepared to share pictures and videos, if possible. Horses that meet the above criteria may be scheduled for pre-acceptance evaluation followed by a 90-day on-site trial period.
Please note that gaited horses, horses with serious medical conditions, and horses that have expensive or extensive maintenance needs are not suitable for MANE’s program. Horses who have insulin resistance, Cushing’s disease, chronic founder, navicular disease, visual impairment, or severe ring bone will not qualify.
Horse Retirement
MANE finds retirement homes for beloved horses that are no longer able to work in the program. If you are interested in providing a NON-RIDING retirement home for one or more of MANE’s horses, please contact MANE to be added to the list. You will be notified when a retired horse becomes available.
