I just posted this on the Special Horses, Inc. group page in response to a question regarding partnerships between equine therapy facilities and horse rescue and rehab groups. 

"Marli, I think bringing rescues together with therapy centers can results in some wonderful partnerships.

Take our Paco for example. Because Lori at Sunkissed Acres has been involved with equine therapy when I called she knew instantly that Paco would be perfect for us. And he is! The little ones, Rye and Firefly are going to be a very important part of the program as well. Rye, because of his size, makes a wonderful visiting horse for presentations at schools and centers. Firefly has the makings of a top-notch driving prospect which will be a large part of our program within the next few years. Trooper was adopted through the COTH giveaways, and while not a rescue he is the been there, done that type of horse that finds a second career in a therapy center to be the perfect fit.

Therapy programs look for horses that are sound, calm, older and typically 14-16 hh. Stockier breeds like the Fjord, Icelandic and Hafflinger are wonderful for us too because they can accommodate a wide range of riders. Most programs (including ours) work with riders at the walk, trot and sometimes the canter. We have riders that are able to do most anything and want to try so we also like to have horses that are able to at least handle 2'6" comfortably as well. Basically we are looking for those one in a million, priceless horses that turn up in the rescues all the time covered in filth and malnourished waiting for a chance to be loved again.

In partnership with Special Horses, Inc. we hope to start a series of informative online sessions that help our groups evaluate horses in their programs for potential use in a therapeutic settings. I am hoping to get started with them soon!"

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