Common Problems:

• Green horses paired with green owners-

Both lack confidence, knowledge, & experience and have little to offer one another. Green riders need a patient, confident horse who can show them what riding should feel like in a safe, consistent learning environment. A green horse needs a seasoned rider with balance, feel & timing to help build their confidence, responsiveness & ability. Usually, pairing the two will create scared, disrespectful horses and fearful, frustrated riders.

• Horses being misrepresented as "broke" to unsuspecting buyers-

Some people use the term "broke" a little too loosely.  Some people know their horse has issues and they lie to hide it.  Either way, the new owners of a "not-so-broke" horse have few options. They can spend lots of money to retrain the horse and themselves.  They can pass the horse off the same way the first owner did to them.  Or they can sell the horse through auction "as is", knowing that traders and killers will be the bidders.

• Horses with abusive histories and too much baggage-

Owners usually wind up with these horses because they thought they could "save" the horse from its previous owner.  Perhaps the challenges didn't seem so bad at first, but at second glance they're overwhelming.  By then they own the horse and don't know what to do.  It usually takes a tremendous commitment of time, effort and finances to get these horses back on track.

• Owners with very sensitive horses and not enough information-

Horses who are extremely sensitive do well with a knowledgeable owner with plenty of tact and feel for the horse. People who train/ride using force over communication create either a terrified prey animal or an aggressive adversary in their horse.  Conversely, a very timid or unfocused person can create these same behaviors with their lack of leadership and anxiety. Compatibility issues can be very dangerous to both horse and rider.

How We Can Help:

• Education First!-

We offer a variety of horsemanship clinics, horse health seminars, and training services to help educate the horse community.  Day camps, horse game days, and other events are also exciting ways to have fun while learning to be a better horse person.

• Pre-purchase Sessions & Trial Periods-

EAF now offers pre-purchase evaluations for owners purchasing a new horse.  We can spend time with the horse and give feedback on its suitability for the owner, the horse's personality type, spirit level, and quality of previous training.  Trial periods may be spent at our facility if room is available.

• Professional Rehabilitation-

If a horse has issues that are beyond the current ability of the owner, EAF can keep the horse in short-term resident training to address the problems.  This allows for the best possible supervision of every aspect of the horse's handling and environment while it's undergoing rehabilitation.

• Foster Care & Placement-

If a horse is in need of extensive retraining & rehabilitation, the owners may not be able to provide this for the horse for various reasons.  It's an expensive, emotionally exhausting and time consuming process.  Instead of these horses winding up at auction or being sold to the next unsuspecting owner, they may be donated to EAF for rehabilitation.  If and when the horses are ready to lead happy, productive lives with a new owner, EAF will find a compatible match. 

This option allows the donor a charitable tax deduction, and they can rest easy knowing that the horse won't be abused or hurt anyone else in the future. 

How You Can Help:

• Horse Supplies Donations-

Anyone who's owned a horse knows that the list of supplies needed is endless.  Things like hoof care products, first aid supplies, fly masks, brushes, food and much more all add up quickly.  Every horse that is in the care of EAF has a list of needs.  Donations of any and all horse supplies are always welcome, as are cash donations earmarked for supplies.  

• Horse Health Care Donations-

When EAF takes in a donated horse for rehabilitation, there are quite a few expenses that go along with the horse.  Most horses who are suffering emotional problems also have physical discomfort which may be contributing to their behavior.  Cash donations earmarked for farrier, vet, chiropractor and dentist services are much needed!

• Equipment Donations-

Horse equipment can be expensive to purchase, but we do our best to make sure that our horses are comfortable and well cared for.  Donations of new and used tack and equipment are a huge help in caring for our horses.  If you have unused equipment sitting around, put it to good use!  We need tack, horse blankets, buckets, saddle pads and much more.  Donate your old stuff as a charitable contribution!

• Volunteer Your Time With Rehab Horses-

EAF is always looking for extra hands.  We need volunteers for grooming and exercising horses, upkeep of the stable, handling concessions and information tables at events, and to participate in our foundation committees.  We are also in need of confident riders to help in the rehabilitation of these horses. Please contact us if you can help.