Introduction

Safe and reliable horses are the key to training future horsewomen and horsemen in the equine industry. Without dependable equine partners, beginners are unable to develop the courage, confidence, and foundational skills required to progress to more advanced mounts. Given the importance of these horses, they must be appropriately prepared and trained to ensure the safety and success of both the horses and the humans involved^[1].

Not every horse is suitable for a traditional horsemanship or equine-assisted services (EAS) program (herein referred to as “program” or “programs”). Some horses may lack the temperament, personality, or physical capacity to accommodate a variety of riders and experience levels safely. Because of this, programs must implement a method to identify horses that demonstrate the potential to succeed in a lesson environment. Additionally, following the initial assessment, continued evaluation of lesson horses should be conducted to ensure that they remain suitable and safe in their job.

Professional organizations, including the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl) and the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA), recommend that programs develop a structured process for evaluating the suitability of each horse, both before and throughout their participation in lesson activities^[2]. Specifically, PATH Intl. advises that horses be evaluated through an “unbiased,” objective process before they participate in EAS lessons. The organization also emphasizes the importance of assessing horses based on the specific skills they will be asked to perform and their general behavior.⁴ Similarly, CHA promotes thorough evaluation procedures to support both safety and instructional effectiveness^[3].

In addition to professional standards, the ethical and legal implications of horse selection and preparation must also be taken into account. The majority of states in the United States have enacted livestock and equine liability laws, many of which underscore the importance of ensuring horses and riders are properly prepared and appropriately matched. These laws are designed to reduce the risk of injury and mitigate negligence, as exemplified in the Utah Code: Equine and Livestock Activity Liability Limitation^[4].  Programs that take appropriate steps to prepare their horses while simultaneously documenting those steps are better positioned to manage the inherent risks associated with equine activities^[5].

This guide outlines the process for selecting beginner-appropriate horses for use in traditional horsemanship and equine-assisted services programs. It then presents a structured approach to assessing selected horses, followed by recommendations for overall evaluation decisions. Finally, strategies for continued training and end-of-work planning will be provided.