Thank you for considering MTR for your horse. We are always on the search for new horses and ponies to join our amazing team. Due to the nature of what we do and who we are, we have some very specific requirements for our horses. It is often thought that therapeutic riding centers are a great place to retire horses to. This is not the case at MTR. We feel that our horses need to be physically and mentally fit to enjoy their life and do well at what they do here with us.

It is true that for most of our therapeutic lessons the horses will be on the lead line at a walk and often a little trotting, however, our horses continue their education and training with us in the form of expert riders and with an ever-growing recreational program, which includes dressage and show jumping.

The requirements are as follows;

• Is currently sound and has no previous or current health issues that would hinder performance
  
• Able to walk, trot, canter and possibly jump
  
• Trained for English riding
  
• Between the ages of 6 years to16 years old
  
• Up to date with all vaccinations, coggins, worming, farrier and veterinary care
  
• Between 13hh and 16.3hh tall
• Ideally able to carry up to 200lbs (less is fine)
  
• Easy to handle on the ground and when ridden
  
• Gets along with people and other horses
  
• “Bombproof and unflappable”
  
• Would be happy living in at night, with year-round turn out in the day
  

Ideally we would like to offer a free lease, with the owner only being financially responsible for non-routine care. MTR would be responsible for all routine care costs. We love for owners to stay in the picture, receiving regular updates and to be able to take the horse back once he or she needs to retired or if the horse has any behavioral or soundness issues that would result in having to leave the program.

Initially we will conduct a screening of the horse over the telephone or via email. If successful we will arrange a time to visit the horse at its current home to see him or her ridden and to ride the horse ourselves. If it appears that the horse is suitable we would arrange for a 60-day trial at our farm. After that, if successful, the horse would join our MTR family and hopefully be with us for an extended period of time.

If you feel that this is an arrangement that would work for you and that your horse or pony could be a potential candidate; please contact Jo McCallum by email jo@mtrinc.org providing as much information as possible using the horse screening form. Please email any pictures or video that you may have of your horse.

Thank you so much for your consideration. We look forward to hearing from you soon

Jo McCallum
Equine and Facility Manager
Maryland Therapeutic Riding