Donate a Horse| Lake Erie College

Lake Erie College accepts horses ranging from walk-trot-canter through advanced dressage, hunters, jumpers, and western disciplines, including reiners. We are looking for horses that are fit, sound, well-trained in their discipline, and under 18 years old. Our school horses typically work 1–2 hours per day, 4–5 days per week. We do not accept “project” horses for donation.

Getting Started

Strong communication between the donor and the college is essential. We encourage both the trainer and owner to reach out by phone and email. Horses that are a good fit are invited for a three-week trial, during which they are evaluated by our veterinarian, farrier, faculty, and staff in a variety of classes and practices.

Part 1: Begin the Donation Process

Fill out the Donation Prospect Fact Sheet and send it via:

• Email: Kelsea Minks – kminks@lec.edu (Include videos of the horse under saddle.)

• Fax: 440-375-8004

• Mail: Kelsea Minks c/o Lake Erie College 391 W. Washington Street Painesville, OH 44077

The equine studies faculty and staff will review your submission. If the horse seems suitable, we’ll move forward to the trial phase.

Part 2: Donation Trial

Submit the signed Donation Trial Contract to Kelsea Minks at kminks@lec.edu, along with:

• Veterinary records (minimum of 3 years)

• Negative Coggins test (within one year and valid during trial)

• Vaccination/deworming documentation:

  • Influenza & Rhinopneumonitis (within 6 months)

  • Tetanus, EEE, WEE, WNV, Rabies (within 1 year)

  • Deworming with ivermectin (within 60 days)

Wendy Burtt will contact you to schedule the horse’s arrival once all documentation is approved.

Please also send:

• Current medications/supplements

• Any necessary tack, blankets, or special equipment

• A horse that is appropriately shod or trimmed (we do not trim/shoe horses on trial)

During the trial, the horse is evaluated in our riding program. You will be notified of acceptance within three weeks. If not accepted, the horse must be picked up within seven (7) days of notice.

Part 3: Finalizing the Donation

To complete the process, the donor must return:

• Application for Gift to Lake Erie College

• Transfer of Ownership Contract

• IRS Form 8283

• Professional appraisal (for horses valued at $5,000 or more)

• Registration papers with signed transfer (if applicable)

• USEF, USHJA, or USDF numbers (if applicable)

• Passport (if applicable)

Once all documents are received, Lake Erie College will provide:

• A thank-you letter (confirming no goods/services were exchanged)

• Signed IRS Form 8283

• Signed Gift Application

Be sure all paperwork is completed before the horse arrives or is officially accepted.

Questions? Contact Kelsea Minks at kminks@lec.edu or 440-375-8020.

Lake Erie College is a 501(c)3 non-profit institution, and the donation of horses may be of considerable benefit to donors. We suggest that donors seek the advice of their tax professional regarding the donation of horses to the college.