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Step 1
The need for rescued horses to be adopted is enormous. There are horse rescues in many areas across the United States. The horses saved are everything from abuse cases to race horses (too often the same thing), to many other industries in which horses are exploited for use in this country and worldwide. Finding a rescue organization in your area is very easy. There are many organizations in most areas of the country, and many will be eager and happy to meet with you immediately. So many rescue horses need great homes and most ages are available for adoption from rescue agencies. Obviously, older horses are more in need because fewer people are willing to take them in. If age of a horse is not your primary concern, look first at older horses.
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Step 2
The horse rescue organizations themselves will be able to provide you a wealth of information about the particular horses available, breeds, habits, and safe practices when handling the horses. You'll want to decide where you will keep your horse, and make sure to take account the expenses of boarding (if you do not have your own ranch or place of enclosure), feeding your horse, time to care for it properly, and health expenses. Make sure you can account for all those before seriously speaking to an organization about adoption.
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Step 3
Rescue adoption agencies want to make sure that the animals that they have invested so much heart in rescuing go to the best homes possible. While they do not have impossibly high standards, they want to make sure that your animal will be taken the best care of when going home with you. Most will require that you have an enclosure, fencing and a place for your animal to go when it is cold, raining or too hot out. Make sure that you have a plan in place for optimal health care. Equines shall maintain a body condition of no less than a score 4 on the Henneke Condition Scoring Chart for most rescues. Providing the right amount of food and water to your rescue needs to be accurately decided, and they will help you with this information. Consideration for the age, breed/type, condition, size and activity level of the equine is necessary for those decisions. You should always ask, instead of assume, if you have any concerns or questions about what is best and most healthy for your new horse. The information is there for the taking. Rescues will need to receive proper vaccinations, and breeding of rescues is very rarely allowed.
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Step 4
Now that you have established that adopting a rescue is right for you and you know you have the tools in place to take great care of a rescue horse, the fun begins. Looking for a rescue horse is a lot of work, but it is work of the fun variety. Horses are gorgeous, and you will find many take your breath away when you look at the ones available for you. Dialogue with the rescue organizations and how you respond to the different horses will soon lead you to the rescue of your choice, but don't be surprised if it seems a certain horse picks you. Once you've found that horse, you simply apply. They inspect your property, exchange a dialogue with you so that all questions are answered in both directions, and give you the answer.
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Step 5
Taking your horse home is an exciting adventure. You want to make sure to have all provisions ready in advance and do everything possible to make sure that your horse is comforted and happy as he/she adjusts to a brand new home. Rescues have obviously overcome a lot in life, and need assurance as much as you can give. Before long, you will feel as though the rescue is a part of your family and heart. Rescues have an enormouos amount to give back to you.
