Age Range:
Aged 6-9  Aged 10-14  

Gender:
Geldings  Mares  

Size Preference:
Medium Pony (12.2 to 13.2h) Large Pony (13.3 to 14.2h) Small Horse (14.3 to 15.3h)

Breeds we will NOT consider:
mustang, ottb, warmblood

Temperament:
Must have a calm, steady temperament Comfortable around people of all abilities and ages No spook, bite, or buck Able to tolerate adaptive tack and sidewalkers Friendly and patient with frequent handling

Activities that the equine will be expected to perform:
    Hippotherapy

Other Activities:
Preferred Qualities: Experience in therapy work, lesson programs, or beginner-safe environments

Current/former experience/training which could make the equine suitable for your program:
    Trail Riding

The organization has the following policies about horses who are sound and healthy but have the following chronic conditions that require medication:
Lyme Disease: Accept subject to severity of condition
Cushing's Disease: Accept subject to severity of condition
Thyroid Disease: Accept
Navicular Disease: Accept
Inflammation: Accept

More about where will the equine be located?

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Total acreage dedicated specifically to the horses: 10
The organization has use of the following at this facility:
Structures/Barns: 1  Run-in sheds: 0
Pastures: 4  Paddocks/Pens/Turnout Areas: 1
Uncovered Outdoor Rings: 1  Covered Outdoor Rings: 1
Indoor Rings: 0

Horses have assigned stalls in the structure(s) or exclusively assigned shelter locations where they are separated from other horses with a barrier.
Horses are stalled for 13-16 hours per day, on average.
Horse Turn Out Practices:
    Equines are out 1 to 3 hours per day
    Equines are out 4 to 8 hours per day
    Equines are out 9 to 15 hours per day

The following describes the pastures at this facility:
    This facility has a written plan in place for pasture management, which includes guidelines for seeding, fertilizing, irrigation, mowing, dragging, harrowing, manure removal, removal of debris, the control of poisonous plants, and a schedule for cleaning
    A dedicated staff person(s) is responsible for pasture management
    All pastures are fenced to prevent escape or injury
    Fencing checks, such as broken or missing planks, loose fence posts, exposed or loose nails, detached wires, etc., are done regularly
    Pastures are rotated
    Pastures have natural protection for equines (i.e., trees)

The following describes the turnout areas other than pastures at this facility:
    This facility has a written plan in place for the maintenance of turnout areas, which includes a schedule for cleaning, manure removal, and dragging
    A dedicated staff person(s) is responsible for the maintenance of turnout areas
    All turnout areas are fenced to prevent escape or injury
    Fencing checks, such as broken or missing planks, loose fence posts, exposed or loose nails, detached wires, etc., are done regularly


Clean, potable water is available at all times for all equines, or if not at all times, at least twice daily

Hoof care is provided for each horse: Every 4-8 weeks and when an issue arises

Dental care is provided for each horse: Annually and when an issue arises

Each horse is visually and physically checked by personnel at the facility: Every day or 6 days a week

Acquisition, Breeding, Intake & Training Policies

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The organization requires the following with respect to the health status of the equine prior to acceptance and arrival at the organization:
    If health records are not available or are out-of-date, our veterinarian will administer appropriate vaccinations

The organization has the following policies in place prior to an equine being accepted and/or arriving at the facility:
    The owner of a potential equine is interviewed over the phone or in person prior to seeing the equine
    The equine is evaluated at its place of residence
    The owner completes an application/contract which constitutes the agreement between the owner and our organization when the equine is acquired from the equine's owner other than by purchase from an auction or kill pen, or by seizure or by abandonment
    Equines are on trial for 60 or more days
    The trial period may be reduced based on the equine's progress
    During the trial period, the organization accepts total financial responsibility for the care of the equine, including board, feed, shoeing and any necessary veterinary care
    During the trial period, the organization accepts financial responsibility for the care of the equine, including board, feed, shoeing and any necessary veterinary care, up to a fixed amount agreed upon by the organization and the owner
    The trial period may be terminated by either the organization or the owner for any reason

The organization assesses equines for following skills and behaviors:
    Retrieval from a pasture/paddock
    Leading with a halter and lead rope
    Temperament, disposition and attitude, such as rated from very calm to very high spirited
    Saddling
    Bridling
    Lunging
    Loading onto and unloading off a trailer
    Mounting and dismounting
    Riding at the walk
    Riding at the trot
    Riding at the canter
    Riding by a beginner and/or unbalanced rider
    Jumping
    Driving (Pulling a carriage)
    Tolerance to unusual objects and loud noises
    Known vices, i.e., cribbing, biting, kicking, weaving, stall walking, etc
    Grooming
    Bathing
    Clipping
    Tolerance to multiple handlers at the same time

Following arrival at the facility, the following is performed:
    Physical examination to include temperature, pulse and respiration by a trained staff member upon arrival
    A Henneke Body Conditioning Score or other body conditioning score is assigned by a trained staff member upon arrival
    Physical examination by a farrier
    The equine is confined to a designated and separate area for isolation and quarantine at the facility for a prescribed period of time

Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to the ongoing assessment of horses in its care:
    The Henneke Body Condition score or other body conditioning score is updated at least annually by a trained staff member
    Photographs are taken of each equine annually and kept with the equine's health records
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine chiropractor
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine massage therapist
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine nutritionist
    Physical examination by a veterinarian at least annually

Horses provided formal training (groundwork or riding):   Weekly

Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to the weight-carrying or workload capabilities of horses/equines that are ridden in our care:
    Our organization evaluates at least annually and maintains a written record of the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine that is ridden


The following variables are considered in determining the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine that is ridden:
    Equine age, weight, breed, body condition, fitness, balance, health and soundness
    Equine conformation to include the top line, length of back, strength and width of loin, bone density (measured by the circumference of the cannon bone just below the knee)
    Size, shape, condition and angle of the hooves
    Participant weight, height, body proportions, balance, fitness and riding skills as well as behavioral issues and safety concerns
    Weight and proper fit of the saddle and other equipment
    Terrain and footing in the working environment
    Duration and frequency of working sessions, as the frequency with which an equine is subjected to maximum weight carrying and/or workload
    Nature and pace of work, repetitive or varied, radius of turns, degree of incline and regularity of footing when equine is subject to maximum weight-carrying capacity
    Temperature and/or weather conditions
    Seasonal impact on the equines' workload and weight-carrying capabilities and limitations


Additional information about intake, assessment & training policies and practices:
We have corrected the form to reflect our actual intake protocol. MARE follows a 7–21 day quarantine period based on the perceived risk level of the facility from which the equine is arriving. Since the EQUUS form does not offer a selectable range or the option to note “7–21 days based on risk level,” we selected the closest applicable category (“11 to 20 days”) to best represent our policy. We wanted to clarify that this does not reflect a one-size-fits-all approach but rather a protocol tailored to each intake situation. Additionally, if a health certificate dated within seven days of arrival is provided, quarantine may not be required. We appreciate your understanding of this nuanced practice. At MARE in 2024, our intake, assessment, and training policies are overseen by our Equine Manager, Shawna Baker, ensuring a structured and consistent process. We continue to use detailed assessment forms to evaluate horses for suitability in our programs. Our "Horse Training Evaluation" form captures essential details such as name, breed, age, gender, height, weight, intended program, and history. The form includes a checklist with a scoring system to assess the horse's response to various stimuli and activities, including: Loud noises Moving objects being thrown to/from the rider Flags/tarps/balloons Sidewalkers Unbalanced or backward riders Working close to other horses Walking, trotting, and cantering in both directions Accepting adaptive equipment, mounting platforms, and all mounting types Voice commands, lunging, and use of tack (English saddle, bareback riders, side reins) Each item is scored from 1 (cannot perform) to 3 (can perform), and a horse must score a minimum of 42 points to pass. Comments and explanations are also recorded to provide a deeper understanding of the horse’s temperament and abilities. Our "Horse Profile" form summarizes key information about the horse and is updated as needed to reflect changes in personality, preferences, stall etiquette, or mounting procedures. Horse Requirements for Donation Our ideal horse meets the following criteria: Soundness: Sound in all four limbs, capable of a rhythmic, cadenced, free-moving stride at the walk, trot, and canter. Horses limited to walking or light trotting may be suited for our stable skills program. Vision: Full and complete vision. Age: Preferably between 10 and 18 years old to ensure a long-term fit for the program, though exceptions are considered. Personality: Comfortable around a variety of people, as multiple volunteers, leaders, and sidewalkers handle the horses daily. We welcome any additional information about the horse, such as registration papers, health records, photos, x-rays, or videos, to assist in our evaluation process. Horse Welfare Considerations We prioritize the well-being of our equines by scheduling regular off-days for rest and grazing with their pasture companions. Holidays and breaks are also utilized to allow the horses time to reset. If a horse shows signs of agitation or stress, we provide additional time off from the program to ensure their mental and physical health, as well as the safety of our riders and staff. With Shawna Baker now overseeing all equine training and assessments, we have strengthened our ability to maintain a high standard of care and consistency across our programs. Additionally, the completion of our new offices, including the Equine Simulator, allows us to offer expanded opportunities for participants and reduce pressure on our herd.

The organization has the following policies related to breeding and stallions:
    Our organization does not conduct breeding of equines owned or under the care of our organization.
    Our main facility where our organization conducts its programs does NOT breed equines.

Re-homing Policies

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Rehoming
Our organization has the following re-homing (adoption/purchase) policies and procedures in place:
    All potential adopters/purchasers complete a written contract which constitutes the agreement between our organization and the new owner
    Our organization does NOT re-home an equine to first time equine owners
    Potential adopters/purchasers must visit our organization and be observed with the equine on site
    The distance of a potential adopter/purchaser's home from our facility is a consideration for when re-homing an equine
    Potential adopters/purchasers are encouraged to do a short-term, on-site foster with the equine
    The agreement reflects that any individual or organization in possession of the equine as of the date of the agreement and any time thereafter is bound to not sell the equine at auction for slaughter or allow the equine to be sold, transferred, released, or otherwise placed into possession of any person or organization that will cause or allow the equine to be sold at auction for slaughter.
    The agreement states that should the adopter decide to re-home the equine, the adopter must grant the organization first right of refusal prior to the equine being placed into the possession of any individual or organization intending to take possession of the equine for any reason.
    The agreement states that should the adopter decide to re-home the equine, our organization must be notified of the name, address, and telephone number of any individual or organization intending to take possession of the equine for any reason prior to the equine being placed into the possession of such individual or organization.
    The agreement states that should the adopter decide to re-home the equine, our organization must grant approval of any individual or organization intending to take possession of the equine for any reason prior to the equine being placed into the possession of such individual or organization, including being provided written notification of the name, address, and telephone number of any individual or organization intending to take possession of the equine for any reason.
    The agreement states that the terms of our organization's agreement will be binding on any future individual or organization taking and/or in possession of the equine for any reason.
    The agreement states that re-homed equines cannot be bred
    The agreement states that our organization reserves the right to make scheduled visits
    The agreement states that adopters/purchasers are required to provide updates (photos, vet records) for one year


The organization requires references from the following:
    Veterinarian
    Farrier
    Personal/Other

Transfer of ownership occurs:   Immediately (at the time of adoption/purchase) or less than one year

has the following policies and procedures related to horses that need to be retired, are no longer able to contribute to the mission of the organization, and/or are no longer manageable:
    Equines may remain at our organization for their lifetimes
    Equines may be found suitable homes by our organization
    Equines may be returned to their owners
    In the case an equine is unmanageable and demonstrates repeated dangerous behaviors, the equine may be euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian
    In the case an equine is unsound and/or unhealthy and cannot be treated to relieve suffering, the equine may be euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian


Additional information about rehoming policies and practices:
At MARE, our rehoming policies and practices remain consistent with our commitment to the well-being of our equines. On average, horses either return to their original owners or remain in MARE’s care for the rest of their lives. We maintain strong relationships with previous horse owners, and the agreement often includes a clause allowing the horse to be returned to them. If the original owner is unable to take the horse back, we diligently seek safe and thoroughly vetted individuals who can provide the same high level of care that MARE ensures.
     
     Regarding breeding, MARE does not permit the breeding of rehomed equines. This policy aligns with our mission to prioritize the welfare of the horses and ensure they are placed in environments focused solely on their care and well-being.

View Re-homing Agreement

Equine Retirement and Euthanasia Policies

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The organization has the following policies and procedures related to horses that need to be retired, are no longer able to contribute to the mission of the organization, and/or are no longer manageable:
    Equines may remain at our organization for their lifetimes
    Equines may be found suitable homes by our organization
    Equines may be returned to their owners
    In the case an equine is unmanageable and demonstrates repeated dangerous behaviors, the equine may be euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian
    In the case an equine is unsound and/or unhealthy and cannot be treated to relieve suffering, the equine may be euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian

The organization has the following policies related to euthanasia:
    Our organization will never have an equine euthanized for space
    Our organization will have an equine euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian if the equine is a threat to itself, other equines, or people
    Our organization will have an equine euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian after all reasonable treatment options have been explored
    Euthanasia is done on site when possible to decrease trauma from transport
    Disposal of the carcass is handled within 24 hours

The following are authorized to administer the procedure for the organization in accordance with state laws:
    Veterinarian

More About MARE Riding Center

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MARE Riding Center 18200 Johnson Rd Bakersfield CA 93314 661-589-1877 Last Updated 2025-07-31 Public Charity Mission/How we are involved with horses: Our mission is to enhance the lives of individuals with physical, cognitive, or emotional disabilities through therapeutic equine-assisted activities. By partnering with horses, we create opportunities for growth, healing, and empowerment in a safe and nurturing environment. Our programs include adaptive riding, groundwork, and equine-assisted therapies, all tailored to meet the unique needs of our participants. Through the bond between horse and human, we foster physical strength, emotional resilience, and a sense of community. Primary Focus involving horses (Horse Welfare, Public Service, Sport & Recreation):  Public Service The organization is directly responsible for the care and shelter of equines involved in the organization's programs. The organization conducts Equine Assisted Services (EAS) in accordance with the EQUUS Foundation Guidelines on Qualifications of Organizations Conducting Equine-Assisted Services (EAS)). The organization provides outreach and/or public education programs involving horses. 100% of our total programs and services are equine-related. The organization conducts its horse-related programs at one facility.

EIN: 77-0297678 Founded: 1990 2025

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