Our horses are some of the most important members of the Starbrite team, and we frequently get calls from individuals wanting to donate their horse.

 

There are many qualities that Starbrite looks for in a Therapy Horse, which include, but are not limited to, some of the following:

 

• Quiet and patient horses that enjoy working and being around people.

• Horses that are sound and healthy without major illness or injury.

• Therapy horses are ideally between 13 and 16 hands tall.

 

When we receive a call or email from an owner regarding a horse that meets all of the above qualities, our evaluation process includes the following:

 

• We request that the owner send a video of the horse that includes the following:

  • Rider mounting the horse.

  • Horse moving at a walk, trot, and canter (if able) in both directions.

  • Horse moving at a walk and trot in a small circle both directions.

  • Rider dismounting the horse.

  • Horse moving at a walk and a trot both straight toward and then straight away from the camera.

• Next we will set up a time to come out and visit the horse at their home. We will perform an evaluation to determine if the horse is suitable to work in an adaptive riding program.

• If the horse management team decides that the horse is a prospect, we will sign a 90 day trial contract with the owner. During this trial period, we will work on getting the horse accustomed to a therapy horse’s typical duties. This includes working around wheelchairs, walkers, toys, loud noises, and mounting ramps.

• If the horse passes each step of the evaluation process, then s/he becomes an official part of the Starbrite herd!

 

All of the horses at Starbrite receive excellent care, including a comprehensive feeding program, veterinary care, routine farrier visits and dental care, as well as daily grooming and interaction. While Starbrite does keep, care for, and maintain the horses that retire from the program, we do work with owners on an individual basis if they would like to bring the horse back to its original home when it is ready to retire.

 

If you are interested in talking with us further about a horse you think will fit into Starbrite’s program, please email Ride@Starbritetyler.org. 

 

If you think your horse would make a great therapy horse, please fill out the form above with additional information.

 

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