How to Adopt a Horse from a Rescue

If you are looking for a new horse, look at your local horse rescue. Many rescues have horses of all breeds, training levels and ages just waiting for someone to give them a loving home. By working with a reputable rescue, you can find a horse to suit your needs - and help other horses get the help they deserve.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Proper place to keep a horse
• <br>Horse-keeping supplies
• <br>Time
• <br>Internet connection or phone

Decide What You Want

1. Before beginning your search for a horse to adopt, decide what you want. First, decide what you want to do with a horse: showing, pleasure riding, trail riding, other types of or competition. Or do you want a horse as a pet only?

2. Once you identify what you want to do with your horse, if he'll be a riding horse, decide what style of riding you want to do (engilsh, western, saddleseat, sidesaddle).

3. Identify your skill level. Are you a novice/beginner rider? Do you have some experience? Or have you trained horses professionally?

4. Finally, think about your ideal horse's characteristics: his age, sex, breed, and color (although color should never be the sole basis for picking a horse).

Find a Rescue

5. Now that you know what you are looking for, you need to find a good rescue. Call your veterinarian, farrier and horse-loving friends for recommendations.

6. If none of the above has recommendations, talk to the local small animal humane society and rescues.

7. If you still don't have a recommendation, look in the phone book and on the internet.

8. Once you find a rescue or rescues you might want to adopt from, check out their website. Look over their adoption policies to see if you can abide by their rules and regulations. Check over their requirements for adoption and adoption fees.

9. Call potential rescues and talk to them. Ask how many horses they take in a year and how many they adopt out. Ask how they evaluate horses before they place them in homes and what happens if the horse doesn't work out.

10. Ask for the rescue for references and call and check them.

Find the right horse

11. Now that you know what you want and have a rescue (or rescues) to work with, start looking for the right horse. Review the list of adoptable horses on the organization's website.

12. Talk to the rescue's adoption coordinator. Let her know what you are looking for and let her make suggestions.

13. Once you have found a horse who might work, fill out an adoption application, get approved for adoption and arrange a visit with the horse.

14. If the horse is broke to ride, take your saddle and bridle and give the horse a test ride. If you are a novice or are unsure of your skills, ask an experienced horse person or trainer to go along to help you evaluate the horse.

15. Once you've found the right horse, review the adoption contract carefully and ask any questions before you sign it. Once you sign it, you are bound by its terms.

16. Take your horse home and enjoy your new family member!

Tips & Warnings

• Don't rush into an adoption. Make sure you find the horse that's right for you. That may mean you look at several horses. Since adopting a horse is a long commitment, make sure you get the right one.
• <br>It's best to adopt from a rescue who will allow you to return the horse (sometimes for a partial refund of your adoption fees) if he does not work out.
• All rescues are not the same. Make sure you check the rescue, get recommendations or references and be sure you are working with a reputable group with a track record.
• <br>Carefully review the adoption contract to make sure you can agree to its terms.