A Second Career, A Lifetime of Love: Finding the Right Next Chapter for an Older Horse
Collaborated Piece by Krista Bushmaker, Executive Director, and Savannah Hippen, Assistant Director, Rainbow Riders Therapeutic Riding Center
Some horses have seen it all. They’ve made their way around the show ring, thundered down the racetrack, chased cattle across open fields, turned barrels, carried riders along winding trails, or traveled countless miles with someone they love. They’ve taught beginners, carried confident competitors, explored new places, and collected a lifetime of stories along the way.
And then, one day, their people begin to wonder: What comes next?
For some horses, the answer might be a well-earned retirement in a pasture. For others, there may be another chapter waiting—one that offers a slower pace, a different kind of work, and a whole new group of people to make smile.
That’s where therapeutic horseback riding centers may come in.
At Rainbow Riders Therapeutic Riding Center in Monmouth, Illinois, our horses are much more than the animals who carry our riders. Our 1,000+ pound therapists are partners, teachers, and family. We know firsthand how important the right horse is to a therapeutic riding program, and we also know that the qualities that make a great therapy horse often take years to develop. As our Executive Director, Krista Bushmaker, often says:
“We need those mature sweet brains, but with that sometimes comes mature bodies. We can learn so much from our older horses and they have so much to teach us, if we just listen.” -Krista
It’s a truth that every horse person understands. Experience is invaluable, but age and wear can change what a horse is comfortable doing. A horse who once spent hours on the trail or competed all weekend may no longer be suited for that same workload. That doesn’t mean they have nothing left to give. It may simply mean they need a different job.
A seasoned horse often brings a wealth of experience: patience, predictability, a steady presence, and an understanding of the world around them. Those qualities can be incredibly valuable in therapeutic riding, where riders may be learning to balance, building confidence, or navigating new experiences. A dependable horse helps create an environment where riders can feel safe, supported, and ready to grow.
Of course, being a good riding horse doesn’t automatically make a horse a good therapy horse. Each individual program and center requires thoughtful matching, suitable temperament, appropriate movement, soundness for the intended work, and a willingness to participate. Every horse is an individual, and the right fit matters—for the horse as much as for the people.
Sometimes, a horse’s next job doesn’t even involve carrying a rider.
Many therapeutic riding centers, including Rainbow Riders, offer unmounted equine-assisted services. These activities allow people to connect with horses from the ground through grooming, leading, observation, and other guided interactions.
For a horse who can no longer comfortably carry a rider but still enjoys human companionship and having a purpose, unmounted work may offer a wonderful alternative. There is something special about a horse who lowers their head for a familiar brush, follows a person around the arena, or quietly stands beside someone who needs a little extra time to feel comfortable. A horse doesn’t have to carry someone to make a difference.
We’ve been reminded of that through two recent additions to our Rainbow Riders family: Harvey and Shoney.
Mary Alice generously shares her horse Harvey with Rainbow Riders after years of trail rides, countless miles, and memories made together. She recognized that Harvey was ready for shorter rides and a new routine. This past summer, Harvey was already making lasting memories with his riders and settling into life as a new kind of therapy horse.
“Harvey and I have shared so many miles, trail rides, and wonderful memories over the years. I knew he was ready for shorter rides and a slower pace, and Rainbow Riders felt like a special place for his next chapter. It has been wonderful knowing he is still making memories and bringing joy to his riders.” –Mary Alice
Laura, a former Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, understands firsthand just how important a good therapy horse is to an equine-assisted services program. After 16 years together, she chose Rainbow Riders for Shoney’s next chapter. She knows he’s ready for a slower pace, but she also sees the wonderful therapy horse he can become—and all the smiles and rides he still has to share.
“After 16 years together, I wanted to find a place where Shoney could slow down while still enjoying a meaningful job. As a former Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, I know how special a good therapy horse can be. I believe Shoney still has so many smiles to share, and I’m excited for this next chapter for him at Rainbow Riders.” -Laura
We are grateful to Laura and Mary Alice for trusting us with horses who mean so much to them. We know that making the decision to change a beloved horse’s job is not always easy. It takes thought, love, and a willingness to imagine a different kind of future together.
For us, welcoming a horse is never just about filling a spot in the herd. It is about finding the right fit and making a commitment to that horse’s well-being. At Rainbow Riders, our horses are family, and we strive to provide them with a lifelong home. Their care and comfort remain part of every decision we make.
It is also important to know that every therapeutic riding center has its own approach to accepting horses. Programs have different requirements, herd capacities, facility limitations, and service needs. Some may be looking for a horse who can safely carry riders; others may have opportunities for horses suited to unmounted work. And sometimes, a center simply doesn’t have room. Our own herd at Rainbow Riders may be at capacity, but we still believe therapeutic riding centers are worth considering when you’re exploring options for an older horse who might enjoy a new purpose.
If you’re beginning to think about your horse’s next chapter, consider reaching out to a therapeutic riding center in your area. Ask about its horse requirements, current needs, and acceptance process. Be open about your horse’s history, health, strengths, and limitations. Even if that particular program isn’t the right fit, its team may be able to offer guidance or suggest another organization to contact. After all, the goal isn’t simply to find a horse another job. It’s to find a job that fits the horse.
The horses who come to us have already given so much. They’ve carried us through seasons of life, taught us lessons we didn’t know we needed, and become part of our families. Perhaps their next chapter can be a little slower, with fewer miles to travel and less pressure to perform—but still full of purpose, connection, and people who appreciate them.
Sometimes, the best next career isn’t a step down. It’s a chance to make a different kind of difference. And for a horse who still has a little more to give, that can be a pretty wonderful way to spend the next chapter.
At Rainbow Riders, we believe there can be a second, third, or even fourth job for the right horse—and a forever family waiting at the end of the journey.