Adopting a Horse – Is it Right for You?

An important part of all equine rescues is finding the proper home for the horse. There are a lot of things to consider before adopting your new furry friend. The big question is whether you should adopt, or not? Here are some important facts and information that will help you decide whether or not adoption is the right choice for you along with some important information about the adoption process.

To Adopt or Not to Adopt?

There are a few questions to ask yourself before going out and looking at some rescues.

Do you currently own or have previous experience with horses?
Are you ready to be a long-term horse owner?
Have you ever cared for a horse that might have special needs?
Are you willing to constantly provide for their care and safety?

If you answered ‘yes’ to these questions, then adoption might be right for you.

We all know that horses cost money - even adopted horses. You should not adopt a horse if you cannot afford the care and upkeep of one. While you may think adoption is the inexpensive part, the care of an equine can be. You should always keep in mind that their needs are expensive. You need to consider the cost of boarding, if you are keeping it on someone else’s farm, or if you are going to be keeping it at your own home. You must consider the cost of feed and hay along. If you are going to keep the horse at your home, you must check with the county and state about their requirements for owning livestock. You must not also forget about the vet bills, shoeing, tack and equipment for both boarding and at home.

Once you have made the decision that adoption is right for you, you then want to consider what type of riding you will be doing. For example, are you going to be competing at some hunter or jumper shows or are you just looking for a trail horse to ride on the weekends? Knowing what you are looking for will help you to narrow down your choices.

When you do look to adopt a horse, you should be less concerned with the color or gender of the horse. You should, however, consider the size, temperament and how they match your riding ability. If you are a rider looking to do eventing, a small stocky 15 hand Quarter Horse would not be a good match for you, but a 16 hand Thoroughbred might fit your needs.

Once you have been approved, you can then set up an appointment to go and visit the horses you are interested in. If the adoption application does not ask you what style of riding you do or what type horse you are looking for, make sure you talk to the person in charge at the rescue to make sure they have a horse that is suitable to your needs and expectations. It is important that the horse you are considering is capable for your style of riding.