Montana State University has received donations of some incredible school horses over the years! Those generous donations have taught students from all majors and backgrounds. We pride our program for offering horsemanship classes that are open to everyone at the university, including students from any major and even employees. We want to share the joy horses can bring and the life lessons they can teach us.

We teach Horsemanship from the ground up in both English and Western disciplines. MSU offers students many opportunities for hands on learning and our horses are a big part of that. The university horses are also shared with our IHSA (Intercollegiate Horse Show Association).

What We Are Looking For in a School Horse:

  • Serviceably sound for intended purpose
  • Between the ages of 2 and 18
  • Compatible with herd living

What we offer you, the Donor:

  • Peace of mind: We do our best to keep each horse healthy and happy
    • Horses are kept current on vaccination, de-worming, hoof care and dental work.
    • General health maintenance as needed and budget allows
    • Pasture turnout nightly with most suitable social group
    • Most compatible placement in classes and with students
    • Our best efforts at saddle fit
  • First right of refusal if you choose
  • End of use policy for horse’s retirement

Donation Process:

  1. Fill out prospective horse donation application
  2. Equine staff will review your application and contact you.
  3. We will request a video of your horse being used for its intended purpose before accepting it into the program on a trial basis. (This helps to avoid unnecessary shipping costs or arrangements.)
  4. Horses acceptable for at least a 1 month trial period will be scheduled for arrival at the equine center.
    1. Horses coming for trial period will need to have the following paperwork
      1. Signed trial agreement
      2. Health records for the past year (de-worming, vaccination, coggins results, hoof care)
      3. Pertinent horse health records such as radiographs, surgery records, past illness and injury information
  1. Upon arrival, donors must fill out a trial contract. At the end of the trial period, if the horse is potentially a good fit, a pre-purchase exam may be performed.
  2. You will be notified if your horse has been accepted into our program and formal donation paperwork will be sent to you.

Donation Paperwork:

  1. A signed bill of sale and brand inspection (if from a state requiring a brand inspection)
  2. Registration papers signed over to Montana State University
  3. A copy of an appraisal you acquire for your horse should you wish to appraise the horse at $5000+. (an appraisal must be done by an equine professional)
  4. The IRS 8283 form signed by the donor AND the appraiser.
  5. A signed document of a gift and receipt of gift from the University (provided by us)

Other Donations accepted:

  • Equine facility Equipment
  • Tack
  • Financial support

If you have any questions regarding your donation please contact:

Kellen Marlow
kellen.marlow@montana.edu 
406-685-3301

Andi Shockley
(406) 539-3129
ashockley@montana.edu