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All of our current equine therapists are volunteers. In order to expand our program offerings, STRIDE is actively seeking suitable horses who can be dedicated to our program on a full time basis. Therapeutic riding is one of the most demanding jobs any horse will ever be asked to do. Therefore, therapy horses have to be physically and mentally sound, gentle, people-oriented, and they absolutely must have good ground manners.
Most horses are happiest when they have a job to do, and we find
that aging horses are particularly well-suited to therapy work.
Horses that lack the stamina necessary for long trail
rides or vigorous horse sports, but that still possess a desire to
work and eagerness to please, might make suitable therapy horses. We encourage you to consider
donating your healthy older horse to STRIDE. Please
contact us if you would like our trainers to examine and
test a horse you wish to donate. All donations to STRIDE are tax
deductible to the extent allowable by law. |
Horse Care Facts
The average working horse consumes 450 pounds of hay and 270 pounds of grain per month at a cost of $168*. Annual cost to feed one horse: $2,016.
The average working horse wears out 8 sets of shoes per year at a cost of $150 per set. Annual farrier cost for one working horse: $1,200.
Annual vaccinations, dental work, worming, and general veterinary care costs an average of $400 per year per horse.
The average horse produces 350 pounds of manure per week. The average boarding facility caring for fifteen to twenty horses spends about $12,000 per year on waste removal or composting.
A horse that is well cared for has a life expectancy of twenty-five years or more. Most horses genuinely enjoy working, and can be very productive well into their later years.
*Costs are based on
actual operating expenses from a licensed boarding facility in
south-central Alaska.
Last updated:
Southcentral Therapeutic Riding, Inc. © 2004