Donating a Horse to Equine-Assisted Services

From AQHA:

Equine-assisted services could be the perfect option for American Quarter Horses looking for a new occupation.

Donating or loaning an American Quarter Horse to an equine-assisted services program is a gift back to the industry and an opportunity for others to experience the compassion of the American Quarter Horse.

Equine-assisted services encompass a variety of services and therapies that partner with horses to benefit people. These services benefit not only the riders and horse enthusiasts who participate in the program but also the horses that serve in the industry, even after their career as a show horse, ranch horse or performance horse has ended.

The conformation, demeanor and versatility of the American Quarter Horse makes them great candidates for EAS. Many Quarter Horses have worked in EAS and lived out their lives making life-changing impacts on those they serve.

What Qualifies a Horse for EAS?

Horses being considered for EAS will be evaluated for soundness of mind and body.

Horses must:

• Be reliable
• Able to calmly adapt to a changing environment
• Be overall healthy and sound
• Able to carry riders of different levels safely
• Have strong conformation and good movement
• Serviceably sound and calm horses that no longer enjoy being ridden might even be suitable for psychotherapy sessions that incorporate horses.

Opportunities to donate to EAS programs and facilities are available nationwide. The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International has a compiled a list searchable by city and state to aid in locating facilities and programs.

AQHA-PATH Intl. Horse of the Year

The American Quarter Horse Association teamed up with PATH Intl. to recognize an AQHA-PATH Intl. Equine-Assisted Service Horse of the Year in 2023.

The winner of this award was Cheerioak,  also known as “Hank” Hank started his career as a cutting horse before becoming a trusted part of the team at BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding and Education Center. Hank has served for over 25 years as a therapeutic riding and horse in therapy sessions, helping thousands of children, adults and veterans. The runner-up for 2023 AQHA-Path Intl. Horse of the Year was  Amigos N Jags, also known as “Amigo.” Amigo has a long list of accomplishments achieved through his service at EQUEST Therapeutic Horsemanship. Amigo’s one-of-a-kind demeanor allowed him to carry countless riders to victories of all kinds. Both horses are prime examples of the heart-warming potential that comes with donating or volunteering an American Quarter Horse for EAS.

“We hear frequently about the need for good program horses at PATH Intl. Member Centers. Center needs vary by location, while one might be looking for something larger to be ridden western by adults, another might seek smaller horses for children to ride English,” says Kathy Alm, PATH Intl. CEO. “If you are considering donating a horse, please reach out to the centers in your community to see what might align with their current herd needs. The versatility of the Quarter Horse makes them ideal!”

America’s Horse Cares

The American Quarter Horse Foundation recognizes the importance of EAS through America’s Horse Cares.

America’s Horse Cares is a grant program of AQHF that provides educational opportunities that help to preserve a high level of care, training and performance expectations to ensure the wellbeing of both clients and the horses that serve in the industry.

The American Quarter Horse is renowned for its capacity to offer transformative experiences to those in need, making it a cornerstone of the EAS industry. Through the America’s Horse Cares grant program, we are dedicated to enhancing industry horsemanship skills while prioritizing the welfare of our horse.

If you have a passion for equine-assisted services, donate to the life-changing work of the America’s Horse Cares.