Horse Donations

CTRC’s therapeutic horses serve as unique vehicles for inspiring positive changes in the lives of our participants. CTRC maintains a herd of 24 horses – and every one has been donated to us! Clearly, without people in the community donating exceptional horses, CTRC would be unable to operate.

We Care For Our Horses…
CTRC offers the best possible care for our “Equine Therapists”. Each horse is kept on a regular vaccination, de-worming and farrier schedule. Their nutritional needs are evaluated and addressed on an individual basis. The horses are turned out daily on 30 irrigated acres of pasture and return to an individual run with shelter at night. Weekly a “Barn Buddy” volunteer gives their assigned horse special care and TLC. The horses are brushed thoroughly and examined for cuts or anything unusual regularly. Our horses also receive an equine massage from students at Boulder School of Massage each week. Additionally, “Schooling Team Members” – specially selected and trained volunteers with exceptional equestrian experience - rides the horses each week. This ride keeps the horses tuned up, balanced and mentally fresh.

What we look for in a Therapy Horse…
CTRC serves from 170 to 200 participants, with the assistance of over 260 volunteers, each week. Serving our clients is a mentally and physically challenging job for many of our equine friends. Consequently, it is essential that our horses have a solid work ethic, enjoy people and are healthy and sound. A great therapy horse is sound at the walk, trot and canter, with three rhythmic and balanced gaits. The quality of the horse’s movement is what most benefits the participant. Other qualities we require include experience, good vision, trained, quiet and at least six years of age. Our riders have a very wide range of special needs, and our herd must be varied to meet those needs; therefore, the specific qualities we are seeking in a horse can change depending upon the current needs of our program.

The donation process…
CTRC therapy horses carry precious cargo and we take great care in selecting, evaluating and training them. Our Trainer first evaluates all horses being considered to join the CTRC herd. The horse’s conformation, movement, and behavior are evaluated, as well as their ground manners, ability under saddle, and suitability for riders with disabilities. If the horse is then accepted, he will come to CTRC for a 60-day trial period. If the trial period is a success, donation papers are signed and CTRC, with warmth and enthusiasm, welcomes a new member to its therapeutic herd. When a horse becomes ready for retirement the original owner has the right of first refusal. If they waive that right, CTRC carefully selects a good home for our retiring “Equestrian Therapist”.

If you donate your horse to CTRC you can be assured that your horse will receive exceptional care, unlimited love, and constant attention and appreciation. Further, you will receive the deep satisfaction of knowing that you are helping to make a profound difference in the lives of children and adults with special needs!

If you would like more information on donating a horse, please call our Barn Manager at 303-652-9131, or contact Carol at carolb@ctrcinc.org.