Donate a Horse
Equine Free Lease
Think your horse could be a great fit for therapeutic riding? Fill out our Trial Horse Application below! If your equine shows potential, a member of our team will reach out to schedule an evaluation.
Please note: Due to the size of our permanent herd and our non-profit structure, we require that horses have a retirement home to return to at the end of their therapy career. At this time, CKRH is only accepting applications for free-lease horses.
FAQ
What breed makes a good therapy horse?
When it comes to therapy horses, there isn’t one “perfect” breed. Individual temperament and training play the most important role in determining a horse’s suitability for this work. Regardless of breed, a therapy horse must be well-trained, patient, and adaptable, with a calm demeanor that allows them to build trust with our participants. Equally important are the horse’s overall health and soundness, as these ensure they can safely and comfortably engage in the physical and emotional demands of our program.
What kind of horse are we looking for?
At CKRH, we seek horses that are physically sound at the walk, trot, and canter, free from lameness issues or ongoing health concerns. The ideal therapy horse has a calm, gentle, and curious temperament, responds reliably to basic cues, and demonstrates excellent manners both on the ground and under saddle. Because our participants come with a wide range of abilities, it is important that our horses are comfortable working with riders of different skill levels. Just as importantly, they must be adaptable to a variety of environments, sounds, movements, and objects, ensuring they can remain steady and confident partners in our programs.
What care will my horse receive?
At CKRH, our herd is at the heart of everything we do, and it takes a community of generous partners to keep them healthy, happy, and ready to serve. We are fortunate to receive vital in-kind support from leading equine professionals and businesses who provide exceptional veterinary care, quality nutrition and supplements, farrier and podiatry expertise, and the equipment and supplies our horses rely on each day. Their generosity ensures that every member of our herd can thrive in their role as a partner in healing. Thanks to the support of our sponsors, CKRH covers the regular upkeep costs—including feed, supplements, farrier care, training, and medical services—so that each horse receives the highest standard of care. In addition, we are proud to receive support from the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and the Thoroughbred Charities of America, whose commitment helps us provide second careers for our off-the-track Thoroughbreds. These retired athletes bring a strong will to work and a deep desire to connect, and in their new role they form meaningful bonds with our clients—benefiting the horses just as much as the people they serve. To see the full list of our equine sponsors, please view the logos displayed in our website footer.