Donating a horse to We Can Ride is a multi-step process. It begins with an interview between the barn manager and the horse owner. If the horse meets the initial criteria, and if We Can Ride is currently looking for horses, then it moves on to an onsite evaluation. If the horse fits what we are looking for, then the horse is accepted on a trial basis. If the horse makes it through the trial period, then it is accepted and becomes part of the We Can Ride program. The horse helps with our classes until it becomes time for the horse to retire from work. At that point, we contact the original donor of the horse to see if they are interested in having the horse back. If not, we then proceed to find a good home for the horse elsewhere, often times with a volunteer in our program.

Interview
Step 1: Phone or email interview about the horse

Onsite Evaluation
Step 2: If horse meets preliminary criteria, we schedule a visit when the barn manager comes out and observes the horse being caught, groomed, led at a walk and trot, tacked, longed, ridden, and then ride the horse themselves.

Trial Period
Step 3: If horse meets secondary criteria, they are accepted to our program for a 60 or 90 day trial period in which they are introduced to the wide variety of things they will need to know for doing therapy work. If the horse meets the qualifications for NARHA and is happy doing therapy work, We Can Ride accepts it as a donation.

Retirement
Step 4: When it is time for the horse to retire We Can Ride contacts the original owner (if they have indicated they would like to be contacted) and asks if they would like to have the horse back. If not, We Can Ride places the horse in a good home, often times with a We Can Ride volunteer.

The initial interview about each horse includes the following questions:

• Name?
• Age?
• Breed?
• Size?
• Any health concerns?
• Is the horse on any supplements?
• Is the horse sound at the walk, trot, and canter?
• Does the horse tie and crosstie?
• Barefoot or Shod?
• What kind of living situation is the horse used to (barn, stall, outside)?
• Does the horse have any experience with large herd situations?
• Is the horse an easy or hard keeper?
• What does the horse do when it shies away from something?
• Is the horse up to date on everything and have a negative coggins?
• What experience does the horse have?
• Why is the horse being donated?