Eligible host organizations include universities and nonprofit centers that offer equine-assisted services programs. The host organization must meet the following criteria:

Organization/Governance

• Maintain active membership with a collaborating association (as referenced below).
• Be recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization and have operated in good standing for at least five years. A filed version of the most recent IRS Form 990 (dated within the last two years) is required.
• Provide programs that demonstrate a mutually beneficial partnership between people and horses, contributing positively to cognitive, physical, emotional, and/or social well-being.
• Be governed by an active, responsible board of directors, the majority of whom serve without compensation.
• Maintain a written conflict of interest policy that has been reviewed and approved by the governing body.
• Have an annual operating budget of $100,000 or more, with at least 65% of expenses allocated to program services.
• Carry active General Liability Insurance.
• Maintain a current organizational profile with up-to-date financial and operational data on Charity Navigator and/or GuideStar.
• Demonstrate financial capacity to ensure the appropriate care and management of all equines involved in their programs.
• Maintain a professional online presence that clearly communicates their services, programs, and organizational mission.

Preference will be given to organizations holding an AQHA membership. (Grant recipients will receive a complimentary one-year AQHA membership upon award.)

Equine Care and Management Requirements

To ensure the well-being of horses used in programming, host organizations must demonstrate responsible equine care practices, including the following:

• Maintain a herd of at least five (5) horses, with a minimum of 50% being registered American Quarter Horses.
• Have an operational policy that guarantees all horses receive continuous access to clean drinking water, a nutritious and adequate diet, appropriate shelter and protection from the elements, regular turnout, and prompt veterinary care.
• Implement a comprehensive health evaluation policy for all horses, including an initial assessment prior to acquisition and annual physical examinations that incorporate body condition scoring.
• Follow established health management protocols that address parasite control, vaccinations, dental maintenance, and routine farrier care.
• Adhere to contagious disease prevention and quarantine procedures in accordance with the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Biosecurity Guidelines.
• Provide onsite access to horse transportation for emergency situations.
• Maintain a humane euthanasia protocol guided and overseen by a licensed veterinarian.
• Enforce regular assessments of each horse’s workload and rider weight-carrying capacity to ensure their physical well-being.
• Conduct routine inspections (daily/weekly) of runs, turnouts, fencing, and enclosures to maintain a safe environment.
• Avoid any activities that compromise the health, safety, or welfare of equine partners.
• Uphold a formal re-homing policy, including procedures for tracking and follow-up when horses are adopted, sold, transferred, or otherwise placed with new custodians.

Instructor and Staffing Requirements

Host organizations must demonstrate professional and ethical staffing practices that ensure the safety, quality, and effectiveness of equine-assisted services programs. Requirements include:

• A formal, written application and screening process for all prospective staff and volunteers that complies with applicable local, state, and federal hiring regulations. This includes background checks to screen for convictions related to sexual offenses, animal cruelty, or neglect.
• At least one qualified staff member with demonstrated experience in horse handling and equine behavior must be onsite during operational hours to oversee horse care and assist with safe transport in the event of an emergency.
• Staff performing equine-assisted services must hold current credentials or certifications from one or more of the following organizations:
  • American Hippotherapy Association, Inc. (AHA, Inc.)
  • Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA)
  • Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, International (PATH, Intl.)

     Roles may include:

• Trained horse handlers
• Adaptive riding instructors
• Licensed therapists (PT, OT, or SLP)
• Mental health professionals

Collaboration and Outreach

To foster broader industry collaboration and professional development, all proposed training workshops must be open to participants both within and outside the host organization. The host is responsible for promoting the event and conducting outreach to other local and regional equine-assisted services providers.

To support recruitment and cross-organizational engagement, host organizations are encouraged to coordinate with relevant professional associations, including:

• American Hippotherapy Association, Inc. (AHA, Inc.)
• Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA)
• Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, International (PATH, Intl.)

Alignment and collaboration with these associations will enhance workshop visibility, strengthen industry partnerships, and support the overall success of the event.