Invitation for Rescue Organization Participation

Horses may be entered by:

• A verified 501(c)(3) nonprofit rescue organization that provides a current IRS determination letter; or
• An Approved HoH Network Partner, including an approved farm, individual or organization without verified nonprofit status.

Applicants seeking approval as an HoH Network Partner must complete the required application and screening process before entering a horse. All horses must meet Heart of the Horse eligibility requirements and may not be entered primarily for commercial training, promotion or resale.

For these requirements, the Participating Owner is the rescue organization or Approved HoH Network Partner named in the Horse Entry Agreement as the horse’s legal owner.

Requirements for All Participating Owners

Ownership and Expenses

The Participating Owner will retain legal ownership and financial responsibility for the horse throughout the Challenge, including veterinary and farrier expenses.

Heart of the Horse will have no ownership interest in or financial responsibility for the horse unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Health Requirements

Before being accepted, each horse must:

• Pass a veterinary examination confirming its health, soundness and approximate age;
• Have a current negative Coggins; and
• Provide proof of EWT and West Nile vaccinations administered within the previous three months.

The Participating Owner is responsible for these expenses unless another arrangement is approved in writing.

Microchip and Freeze Brand

The Participating Owner agrees that the horse will be:

• Microchipped and registered with the Participating Owner as the primary contact and Heart of the Horse Trainers Challenge as the secondary contact; and
• Permanently freeze branded with the registered Heart of the Horse brand.

The freeze brand identifies the horse as a Heart of the Horse participant and member of the HoH safety network. It does not transfer legal ownership of the horse.

Adoption Requirements

The Participating Owner agrees to make the horse available for adoption through the Heart of the Horse Safe Horse Auction and to follow all HoH screening, bidding and adoption requirements.

All prospective adopters must be approved before bidding. The Participating Owner and trainer may recommend that a bidder be disqualified if they believe the person is not an appropriate match for the horse. The final decision will remain with the Heart of the Horse Trainers Committee.

All adoptions will be completed using the standard Heart of the Horse adoption contract.

Adoption Fees and Trainer Compensation

If the horse is adopted at the Heart of the Horse event or within 90 days following the event:

• The trainer will receive the compensation specified in the Challenge contract for the Professional or Amateur division; and
• The Participating Owner will receive the remaining adoption proceeds.

Horses Not Adopted

If the horse is not adopted, the Participating Owner must take the horse back at the conclusion of the event unless an alternative arrangement is approved in writing by the owner, trainer and Heart of the Horse.

Click here to complete Rescue Horse Application for HoH Challenge