Adopting A Horse


Banker's Jet from Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, New Jersey

Things to think about BEFORE you adopt a horse:

ADOPTION DOES NOT MEAN FREE!

If you can't financially afford a horse, then you shouldn't adopt one. Many people
want to adopt horses simply because they can't afford to buy one, but don't realize
they are still unprepared to pay for possibly expensive vet (shots, teeth floating,
worming), farrier (shoes, trimming), feed (hay, grain), board, and other bills that a
horse requires.

Adopting a horse means dedicating to care for this animal for the rest of his/her life,
not abandoning him/her because he/she can no longer jump a three foot fence.

Don't have too many expectations when adopting a horse. Far too many people
call rescues with a whole list of requirements that few horses could
possibly live up to.

What will the horse's general riding purpose be? Most rescues end up being adopted
out as trail or pleasure horses. Of course, some go on to make wonderful show
horses on all levels. Also, many horses are no longer rideable, but are looking for
homes as companion horses.

Some horses may not be 100% sound or completely childsafe. Try to play down
things like color and even breed or sex. The horse's temperament and your riding
ability is what is really important when looking at a horse that is going to be yours
for hopefully the rest of his/her life.

How to find adoptable rescue horses:

Go to http://horsewelfare.8k.com/rescues.html and locate the region/state page
nearest to you. Then browse the links and contact the rescues in your area
for information on adoption. There are links to pages for states in the US,
a page for rescues that work with ALL STATES, and a CANADA page.
If you live outside the US and Canada, please look at my OTHER
COUNTRIES
page to look for rescues in your country.

If you have any trouble locating a rescue, please feel free to email me at
lunar_aradia@yahoo.com. Good luck!