Equine-assisted services are a unique way of working with people who have a broad range of abilities and needs. By definition, these services would not be possible without the horse.
It takes a very special horse to serve in this way. It all begins with temperament. A horse suited for equine-assisted services must be calm, adaptable, and tolerant of both their environment and people of all types, in situations ranging from ground-based horsemanship classes to working under saddle. In a horsemanship class, the horse must be comfortable with large groups of people. In mounted activities, they must feel at ease with inexperienced riders and the sidewalkers supporting the rider, as well as a leader guiding them forward. The best horses intuitively know how to help participants who are learning balance, position, and how to engage their bodies and voices intentionally. These horses are naturally quiet, forgiving, and largely unflappable, with a “been-there-done-that” attitude.
Horses accepted to High Hopes come for a trial period to evaluate their suitability for the program. Although their sizes may vary, they must be healthy and sound. These horses need to walk, trot, and canter with a free-moving stride. They are exposed to novel objects, loud noises, and various teaching tools such as rings, hoops, toys, and holiday decorations that might be handled by a volunteer or carried by a participant in a class.
Approximately one in five horses meet the requirements to join the program.
A good horse for equine-assisted services is a herd animal who accepts humans into their social circle. Here at High Hopes, horses need to be comfortable being fed, groomed, tacked, led, and worked with by many different people. It’s not unusual for a horse to be touched, hugged, and loved by participants and volunteers expressing affection. A good horse is able to accept this affection and even enjoy it.
These horses are professionals. Their reward is excellent care, which includes feed, hay, and regular visits from veterinarians, veterinary dentists, farriers, and chiropractors. They are our responsibility from the moment their hooves touch our ground, throughout their lives, whether they are active in the program or retired, either here at High Hopes or in a private retirement. These special horses give us so much, and in turn, we are committed to providing them with the best life possible.