How to Adopt a Horse

Horses can be adopted from different situations. Whether it is a wild horse from the Bureau of Land Management, from a rescue organization or from a retired racehorse organization, you are helping the horse move on to a better life. Learn how to adopt a horse by following these steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Choose a horse adoption organization that you are interested in. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) adopts out wild horses. If you are interested in a retired racehorse, there are many organizations around racetrack areas with both Thoroughbred and Quarter horses. Rescue organizations care for horses rescued from poor conditions and are located all across the U.S.
2. Fill out an application for the organization that you choose. Almost every organization requires paperwork and records of what horse gets adopted and where the animal goes. Each organization may ask different questions and ask for certain requirements.
3. Show proof of adequate facilities to care for the adopted horse. Some organizations ask you to describe your facilities and sign an agreement verifying that you plan to keep the horse at that location. Others may send someone to your place to see that the facilities are adequate. You must provide a safe environment for the horse, including a pasture with horse-safe fence, a shelter from inclement weather and clean water and feed buckets.
4. Pick a horse to adopt once your application has been approved. Some organizations help you in this process or even offer a horse that seems to be a good fit for you. Others may have many horses to choose from so you can just pick the animal you want.
5. Pay the adoption fee for the horse. Some adoption agencies have a minimum requirement; others are based on the horse and may be low or high, depending on the condition of the horse. The Bureau of Land Management allows approved applicants to bid on the wild horses, but the fees are generally low.
6. Provide transportation to bring your adopted horse to your facilities. Allow the horse time to adjust to the new home.