Thank you for your interest in selling/leasing/donating your horse to our program. SoléAna Stables is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that exists to inspire positive change and empower those we serve through the healing power of horses. SoléAna Stables could not do any of this wonderful work without our amazing herd of therapy horses. Currently most of our horses are donated or loaned by generous supporters in the community, and we are often looking for additions to our herd. We do occasionally purchase horses and ponies that are exceptional candidates for the program.
Enclosed in this packet you will find the following:
The members of our horse selection committee will review your horse's application and make the best possible decision for both your horse and SoléAna Stables. Please call if you have any questions regarding the purchase process or if you would like to make arrangements to come and visit our facility.
While our screening process is a rigorous one, it is intended to ensure that the horses in our program are happy and comfortable in their very demanding jobs, and that they have the maximum impact in providing therapeutic activities to people with special needs. Our horses are well-cared for and loved, and have a very special purpose in life. However, they are our "equine Staff" and we depend on them to be able to offer quality programming and therapy.
| Age | 7 – 12 y/o; 12 – 15 y/o considered on a case-by-case basis. |
| Gender | Geldings preferred, mares accepted on a limited basis, NO stallions. |
| Preferred Breeds | Cold Blooded (draft breed, draft-cross), Warm Blooded (Morgans, QH, Paints etc). We do not accept Hot Blooded Breeds (Thoroughbred, Arabs) or Pony Breeds |
| Height | 14.0 – 15 hands high; horses over this height make sidewalking difficult; taller horses are considered on a case-by-case basis. |
| Soundness | No lameness. Must be sound at the walk and trot, with a free moving, even and balanced stride. Although we are willing to provide maintenance (therapeutic shoeing, medications, supplements, etc), horses that will not incur this additional expense are preferred. |
| Condition | Must be in good physical condition—ideally is currently in a regular conditioning routine. Horses that come from a pasture life with limited handling are generally not good candidates for our program. |
| Temperament & Vices | Must be calm, patient, gentle and react positively to human interaction. Horse should be even-tempered, safe and predictable. Must be trustworthy while being led and when being ridden by a beginner rider. Should be able to handle off balance riders, sidewalkers and items moving overhead. Must NOT rear, buck, bite, kick, pace, or crib (unless controlled with a halter). |
| Training | Must be completely saddle broke and trained. SoléAna Stables is not able to accept green or untrained horses. The horse should be responsive to his rider’s cues, but not overly sensitive or overly reactive to a leg or rein cue that may not always be subtle. Should be able to stand for farrier and saddling, be easily caught and easily tied. |
| Health | Up to date on all shots, deworming and Coggins. Has had teeth checked and/or floated within the last year and a farrier visit within the past 6 weeks. Will be required to pass a vet check by a vet of our choosing. |
