Donate a horse to a Non-Profit in North Carolina
DONATE A HORSE TO OUR IEA TEAM
Donating your horse is more than just a transaction; it’s a thoughtful and powerful legacy. Your generous gift can transform the lives of young riders, give your horse a sense of purpose, and provide you with significant tax benefits. Our IEA (Interscholastic Equestrian Association) team is seeking exceptional horses to partner with dedicated youth, fostering a new generation of skilled equestrians.
We understand that you have invested a great deal into your horse, and that their next chapter is important. By donating to our 501(c)(3) organization, you are ensuring that your horse will be cherished and expertly cared for in a supervised, loving environment. They will play a crucial role in our mission of teaching young athletes the profound responsibility and emotional connection required to care for sport horses.
Your donation will not only ensure that your horse has a meaningful purpose, but may also offer you substantial tax advantages.
Please read our FAQ below for answers to questions that potential donators often ask.
faq about donating a horse to the macnair’s iea team
Read more about the process of donating a horse to the MacNair’s IEA Team, a 501(c)(3) organization.
What is the MacNair's IEA team, and how does my horse fit in?
The MacNair’s and the Triangle IEA team is part of the Interscholastic Equestrian Association, a national organization that allows middle and high school students to compete in hunt seat and western disciplines without owning a horse.
Horses used in IEA competitions are provided by the host barn, and riders are randomly assigned a mount for their class. Your horse would be an invaluable asset, providing an opportunity for young riders to compete and grow in the sport.
What kind of horses are you looking for?
We are primarily looking for horses that are sound, well-broke, and have experience in hunt seat or jumping. Horses should be capable of jumping 2′.
There are no restrictions based on breed, size, or color. We can accept mares and geldings, but not stallions. Horses must be at least 5 years old.
Horses should be calm and reliable, as they will be ridden by a variety of students. We are not looking for green horses or those with excessive maintenance needs for their age (some maintenance needs are expected and acceptable).
How Will My Horse Be Cared For?
Our IEA team works hard to spoil their horses!
Horses are stalled approximately 8 hours per day, and are turned out the rest of the time. Horses are on night turnout year round. Large group, small group, and individual turnout are available. We do not turn out IEA horses in mixed herds.
Donated horses will be ridden under Trainer supervision at all times.
We have standing weekly vet and farrier days, and additional vet and farrier services are scheduled in the event of medical needs.
If warranted, we provide routine chiropractic treatment to our IEA lesson horses.
Is My Donation of a Horse Tax Deductible?
Yes, the MacNair’s and the Triangle IEA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, which makes your horse donation tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
If we accept the donation of your horse, you will need to:
- Complete IRS Form 8283
- Provide an appraisal from a qualified appraiser (As defined by the IRS) for horses with a fair market valued in excess of $5,000. Appraisals are completed at owner’s expense.
- Complete transfer of ownership for any applicable breed registry or discipline organization where your horse is recorded.
We recommend consulting with your tax advisor to understand the specific benefits for your situation.
May I Visit my Horse?
Of course!
We hope that you will come see your horse after donation. We would especially love for you to come cheer them on at our IEA shows!
Is there a trial period?
Yes. We request a trial period of up to 30 days for all donated horses. We will assume full care responsibility for your horse during this time.
During this time, your horse will be ridden by our professional trainers as well as some of our more advanced IEA team riders. We will aim to show them our entire farm during this time. This includes five riding rings, miles of trails dotted with lakes and creeks, and expansive fields with cross country jumps set throughout.
Our barn is a large facility, set on over 200 acres, with many 100 horses on property. We understand that this environment may be a big change for horses used to smaller barns, or show horses who are familiar with more stall-time, etc. We want to be sure that your horse will thrive in our IEA program and at our farm, which is why we request up to 30 days to determine if your horse should call MacNair’s it’s new home!
What Will Happen when my horse needs to retire?
Ideally, we will consult with you about your wishes at the time of donation.
We are fortunate to have a longstanding relationship with the NCSU Veterinary Medicine Program. They frequently assume care for our horses who are ready for retirement. At the NCSU Vet School, our former horses spend their days grazing and teaching new Veterinary Medicine students how to care for equine patients.
If this is not an option, we additionally have relationships with several local retirement board providers, and will coordinate retirement care for your horse.
Will You Pick Up My Horse?
We will pick up horses that are located within a 2 hour drive of our farm. If you are located more than a 2 hour drive from MacNair’s, we will discuss during your screening call and determine the best transport option.
What Does My Horse Need before entering a trial period?
Horse must have a current Coggins and up-to-date vaccines.
Complete Horse Donation Interest Form

