Looking to possibly donate a lovely sound horse to a program but needing suggestions for ones that take good care of the horses and ones who do not run them into the ground. I have been told that some of the smaller programs may be better? Recommendations and also ones to avoid would be appreciated. Thank you.
No recommendations other than be very careful about the program. I had a good friend donate a horse that she was willing to take back at any time. When the horse was diagnosed as being career ending lame, the program euthanized. Never contacted her. I’ve heard such horror stories from others as well. Just be careful. Personally, I would do some free lease where I could keep tabs on the horse.
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Read the old threads. The programs give away, sell cheaply, and euth horses often. I know from what I’ve seen with the programs around here. You see one of those programs often in Coth magazine, winning competitions. The turnover rate is awful. One woman who worked there claimed that they drugged the horses routinely. I know people who have bought horses from both programs here for $50 more than once.
Same with therapeutic programs around here. So if you donate your horse, the horse may end up very badly.
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U.S. Naval Academy Equestrian Team, Annapolis, MD.
https://www.facebook.com/usnaETeam/?ref=br_rs
G.
CDR, USNR (Ret.)
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But, also, remember that there are good programs. My school was in NC and it’s IHSA/IDA program did none of the crazy things people tell you to look out for.
My school had donated horses we all knew were not allowed to jump or could only be ridden X days a week. They also took horses on long-term leases so that the owner could take them back whenever they wanted.
It’s true that being a lesson pony/IHSA pony is a harder lifestyle, but all of our horses were loved by the students. Most of the truly donated horses that either don’t fit the program anymore or are getting on the older side are adopted out to former students who literally tell the barn as they are graduating to put their name down for them.
Feel free to PM me for the school.
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I may be biased, but Miami University has an excellent IHSA/IDA program. The horses are very well cared for, and when the time comes for them to retire, we have a waiting list of alumni ready to take them. I wouldn’t hesitate to donate a horse to the program.
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The University of Vermont team is run out of a private barn and, while I wasn’t on the team, I did work in the barn and I can vouch that those horses lived well. Nothing fancy- they’re on 24/7 turnout but it’s a huge turnout and as far as I know they rarely sell them. I do know that occasionally a student will take one for the summer and end up keeping it, but I don’t believe anyone goes to auction.
I havent been there in about 6 years though, so the protocol might’ve changed. But that’s one of the few programs I’d have no problem sending one to.
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Yes, I have heard my fair share of horror stories also. Maybe a free lease or a very reasonable one nearby would be a great option. thank you.
I did read the old threads. But, wanted to re-post hoping to glean even more info. The horror stories are just that…horrific; hence my researching. Thank you.
Thank you. I will look into it.
I do know there are some good ones. And, this is my goal e.g. to find those schools/programs. Thank you and I will pm for the name of the school. 
Thank you for sharing. I will put them on the list to research.
Thank you for sharing. I will add them to my list.
Foxcroft in Middleburg, VA does free leases I think. I have a friend who works there and they are well cared for.
I visited the facility that hosts UVT, and if I were in the area, I would board with them. Good horse people, safe and well kept farm. I don’t know the first thing about the way they approach “equine staffing” for their team, as that wasn’t why I was there, but I liked what I saw of the farm and the way the horses were kept.
You might consider Sweet Briar College in VA, OP. They take wonderful care of their horses and maintain a waiting list of alums as retirement homes if the original owner is not able to take the horse back.
I ride out of St. Timothy’s School in MD and would also vouch for their care of their horses. I think it says a lot for a lesson program of any kind when a balance of the horses, who have been with the farm for many years, are in their upper teens and twenties and are fit, sound, happy, and healthy in appropriate work, and a number of our gold-plated teachers fit that bill. When a horse is ready to retire they have information on the previous owner, and if not able, also find good retirement homes.
Thank you for sharing all of this most helpful information. I am most appreciative for everyone taking the time to post. I am fully aware there are ‘less than stellar’ programs, but I know there have to be reputable ones as well. I will put them on my ‘short list’. Best, Karen
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I show alumni in Zone 4 Region 1, and if I were in the the position to donate, I’d pick Goucher College and the University of Maryland/American University (run out of a private barn who also does IEA-the care is beyond exemplary) teams in a heartbeat.
Part of the problem is that a program can easily change. Unless you retain some control, anything can happen 
SCAD is one that I know well, and the care is top notch.
thank you!!
