Donating a horse to a collegiate equestrian program can be a rewarding decision for horse owners who are looking to give back to the community, support education, and promote equine excellence. Such donations not only benefit the students and the program but can also provide valuable advantages for the donor. Here are some key benefits of donating your horse to a collegiate program.

Supporting Equine Education and Future Equestrian Professionals
Collegiate equestrian programs serve as one of many platforms developing the next generation of riders, trainers, and industry leaders. Donating your horse helps foster a hands-on learning environment and enables students to gain practical experience with a variety of horses. Your donation directly contributes to their education, skill development, and overall success in the equine industry. Within the collegiate equestrian space there are two different governing organizations which you can donate your horse to. These are the National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA) and the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA). There are key differences in these organizations including formatting and skill level differences.

Promoting Animal Welfare and Responsible Care
Many collegiate programs prioritize high standards of care and ethical treatment of animals. Donating your horse ensures that it will be well-cared-for and appreciated, often under the supervision of experienced trainers and veterinary staff. This can be a humane and responsible way to find a good home for your horse, especially if you are unable to keep or compete with it anymore. Your horse will inevitably reach a point where he can no longer be ridden by the university's students. What happens then? Consider asking for a "right of first refusal clause" if you want the option to reclaim your horse when it retires from the program.

Tax Benefits
In many cases, donating your horse to a qualified organization can provide significant tax advantages. The value of the donation may be deductible, depending on local tax laws and the appraised value of the horse. Consulting with a tax professional can help you understand potential deductions and ensure the donation aligns with your financial planning. It is important to have an Accredited Equine Appraiser conduct an appraisal to determine the value of your horse prior to donation.

Contributing to the Equine Community
Your donation can help sustain and grow collegiate programs, which often rely on such contributions to operate effectively. Supporting these programs bolsters the broader equine community by fostering education, competition, and research in horse care, riding biomechanics, and equine therapy. Many donors find great satisfaction in knowing their horse is helping develop future professionals and supporting educational initiatives. Donating your horse to a collegiate program is a meaningful way to support educational opportunities, promote high standards of animal care, and contribute to the growth of the equine community. It offers a chance to give back and create a lasting positive impact while potentially providing financial benefits. If you're considering such a donation, reach out to reputable programs to learn more about their needs and the process involved.

Erin Allison is an associate with The Equine Expert LLC and ValueMyHorse LLC, a multi-discipline equine expert witness and consulting firm offering legal expert witness, consulting, and valuation services in court cases, legal matters, estates and business affairs.  Erin provides equine appraisals and is also a researcher for both organizations.  For more information on Erin, visit www.theequineexpert.com, www.valuemyhorse.com or you may contact Erin at [email protected]