Equis Save Foundation is a non-profit horse rescue organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption of horses.
The Equis Save Foundation is accepting applications for the “Equestrian Accessibility Lease” Program or “EquAL”. The EquAL program accepts donations of sport horses trained in English disciplines for annual care leases to riders that otherwise lack the means to purchase a horse of their own.
The program will match these horses with appropriately skilled riders from underrepresented groups who would otherwise not have the ability to purchase a horse of their own. The goal of this pilot program is to create new horsemanship opportunities for diverse riders.
In the pilot year of this program, the horses available for lease will be rescue horses from the Equis Save Foundation that have shown excellent sport horse potential. After undergoing basic training, they are seeking good human partners to continue their training and have happy lives. Equis Save Foundation takes great care in finding appropriate homes for all the horses they work with. There are currently three rescue horses that will be available for care lease beginning in winter 2022.
All prospective partners must complete a lease application and be approved by Equis Save Foundation. Once the lease and placement process are complete, the selected partners are responsible for the proper care and humane treatment of the animal for the duration of the lease. Leases are potentially renewable if the partnership is successful. Eligible applicants may include organizations or individual riders. Individual riders and their trainers should complete the application together.
To be considered as a partner, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Potential partners (both individuals and organizations) must:
- Be located in the United States
- Be able to provide stabling for the horse that is safe, healthy, and appropriate
- Have the cooperation of an experienced horse trainer that will provide training/ lessons and supervise the lease
- Explain how their partnership will benefit a member or members of a group that is underrepresented in equestrian sports (Black, Socioeconomically challenged, Indigenous, and/or People of Color)
- Demonstrate an ability to provide for the horse’s expenses during the time period of the lease, including board, regular farrier and veterinary care, feed, supplements, blankets etc.
- Situations in which the rider will be working off the board and/or other expenses will be considered. Applicants should provide the details of the agreement they have with the barn owner/manager/trainer, etc. and provide contact information for the relevant parties.
- Situations where up to two riders share lease the same horse to help cover expenses will also be considered. Applicants should provide details of the share lease agreement details including consent with the supervising trainer for the share lease proposal.
Individual applicants must:
- Meet all requirements above
- Be at least 18 years old, or if under 18 must have parental consent to participate in the program.
- Have at least 3 years of riding experience
- Be in a training program with an EquAL approved trainer
Additional Information:
