HOW A HORSE BECOMES A THERAPY HORSE

Not every horse can become a therapy horse. Too many times a horse owner contacts a therapy center and offers their 'old' horse to the program. And too many times, the horse has to be turned away because they did not pass the evaluation.

Therapy horses, whether they are for therapeutic riding or working with clients on the ground, need to fit specific requirements. Yes, the older horse does seem to typify the horses used for equine therapy but it's not their age that qualifies them ... it's that the horse has probably come to the end of their career.

Maybe the owner no longer wants to work as hard with their horse or the horse just doesn't have the same kind of stamina but they want their precious friend to still be useful but in a new career that isn't as demanding.

Sometimes, the equine therapy candidate IS a younger horse, but they meet the criteria of the equine therapy center, so are accepted into the program.

Any candidate, whatever age, must posses many skills. These will include but are not limited to .... A good personality; Willingness to learn; A great temperament; Used to being handled; and Does not get agitated easily.

If you know of a well behaved horse who is free of bad habits and is gentle and kind ... you may be looking at a future therapy horse!