What Is Equine Adoption?
The decision to bring a new horse into the family can be both exciting and daunting. You’ve probably scoured horse sale ads, local horse sale listings and the riding barns in your area for the perfect horse, but have you considered adoption? Adoption is the act of acquiring a horse from a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Horses are available in every breed, age and ability. Whether you’re looking for your next show prospect, trail horse or a new companion, there’s an adoptable horse who’s right for you. Adoption has so many benefits, plus you’ll be helping a horse in need.
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The Benefits of Horse Adoption
- Horse adoption organizations strive to match the right horse and person and will work to ensure that your new horse is a good fit.
- Adoption groups provide a lifetime safety net for their horses and will provide any support you may need post-adoption.
- Horse adoption saves more lives. When you adopt a horse, you free up a stall to help another at-risk horse and your adoption fee will be put toward helping more animals. Adoption is a sustainable way to support horses in transition.
- ASPCA Right Horse Adoption Partners thoroughly vet their horses and share medical and husbandry records. Adopters are fully informed about their horse’s health and training history.
- ASPCA Right Horse Adoption Partners provide excellent customer service and simple, welcoming adoption processes.
What to Expect During Horse Adoption
Adoption Application
You’ve narrowed down your prospects and are ready to contact adoption organizations about the horses you’re interested in. First, you’ll complete an adoption application similar to what you’d fill out when adopting a cat or dog. The application helps the organization get to know you and ensure that they make a good placement. Expect to provide information about your horse facilities, planned care and your riding abilities. Be as truthful as possible when discussing your riding and horse handling experience and don’t be ashamed if you’re not an expert rider or handler. It’s important to let the agency know of your skills so they have the best chance of success in matching you with a new horse. Anticipate providing references and contacts for any equine professionals you plan to use for routine care, including your farrier and veterinarian. The organization will also want to know your plan for housing your new equine, whether on-site or with a professional boarder.
Meet-and-Greet
Most adoption organizations will offer you the opportunity to meet and try out their available horses. In the interest of making the best match and setting you up for success, the agency may sometimes suggest a different horse than the one you initially chose. Agencies know each horse’s skills, abilities, habits, and personalities very well. That’s why the whole adoption process is so important to a successful match. Of course, the final decision is yours.
Adoption Contract and Transfer of Ownership
Once you’ve agreed on the right horse for you, you’ll be asked to sign an adoption contract. The contract will vary between organizations andwill outline the process of legally transferring ownership of the equine.
Support for You and Your Horse
Before bringing your new horse home, it’s important to have a number of things in place to ensure their continued health, including:
- Proper housing and/or boarding facilities
- Established relationships with a variety of equine health professionals.
- Appropriate tools and equipment, including daily care, emergency care, horse clothing, horse tack, and horse husbandry
The process of adopting a horse can be extremely rewarding for new horse owners and seasoned professionals alike. Ultimately, it’s all about finding the right horse to fit your needs.
Ready to adopt? Browse available horses.
Vets and Farrier
So, you’ve decided to adopt your next horse. Congratulations! What’s next? After you find an agency and horse you’d like to adopt, the adopting agency will likely ask if you have a veterinarian and farrier (hoof care professional) in place. Don’t worry if you don’t, though. They’ll help you find one if needed. We know this may be an unfamiliar process, but it’s not a difficult one. The first step is understanding the type of needs you’ll have for your new horse so you can begin forming relationships with local equine professionals. Here are three equine professionals you should get to know:
Farrier
Like a human fingernail, horse’s hooves continually grow, which can impact their entire physiology. Proper hoof care is an essential part of keeping your adopted horse sound, happy and healthy, so it’s important to select a reputable farrier. Farriers, sometimes called blacksmiths, trim excess length, shape the hooves and apply shoes if necessary. In general, your horse will need farrier work every 6 to 8 weeks, but timing will depend on your horse’s needs. In the colder, drier months, your horse’s hooves will grow slower; in a wet climate, you may see rapid hoof growth. Some horses also require shoes or special shoeing. All of these details should be covered in discussions with the adopting organization.
Veterinarian
Medical care is critical to your horse’s health and wellbeing. Find a practitioner dedicated to the highest standard of equine medical care using the American Association of Equine Practitioners database. At a minimum, schedule an annual wellness exam and vaccinations. Some horses need to be vaccinated only once a year before vector season, which is the time of the year when flies, mosquitos and other bugs are likely to carry diseases between horses. Horses who travel, show, or live in an area at high risk of a vector born disease may need to be vaccinated twice a year. Your veterinarian will advise which vaccines are necessary. At your horse’s annual wellness exam, your veterinarian will also perform a dental evaluation. Because horses’s teeth grow and change throughout their lifetime, they can develop sharp edges and unevenness that your vet will smooth out by floating – filing the sharp edges down. Annual dentistry work is required for overall health, chewing and properly digesting food, and bit fit. In addition to providing regular health care for your horse, you’ll want a strong relationship with a nearby vet in case of injuries or emergencies.
Riding Instructor
Consider getting to know a local riding instructor. Whether you’ve been riding horses for decades or are brand new, it’s a good idea to get guidance and perspective on your riding and horsemanship. Additionally, you’ll have expert support should you encounter a roadblock in your riding or want to further develop your skills. Look for instructors who are members of the Certified Horsemanship Association, a professional association with a focus on safety and education. Above all, your adoption agency will be an excellent support system. They’re committed to your success with your new equine and will answer whatever questions you may have, or help locate reliable professionals. It’s an exciting time to be bringing your new horse home! With the proper team of professionals in place, you can relax and enjoy your new addition knowing that you have his care covered.
Our First Horse
Congratulations! You’ve decided to adopt your first horse. Here are the things you should consider before bringing home your new addition:
Where will you keep your horse?
Proper housing is crucial to setting yourself up for success with your new horse. Whether boarding or keeping your horse at home, you need to provide your horse with a place to escape the elements. A horse shed or similar will suffice if you don’t have access to a barn and stalls. Be sure you have safe and sturdy horse fencing.
Do you have the right equipment?
Caring for a horse requires having proper equipment on hand. Review these to ensure you have the right tools and materials to help keep your horse safe and comfortable.
What are your riding or horse handling abilities?
Are you a beginning rider who wants to learn to trail ride or are you an experienced horse trainer who can handle a bit more spirit? What are your riding goals? How often will you ride, and will you have support from an instructor or trainer? Set realistic expectations for yourself and your new horse and communicate these clearly with equine adoption organizations. These agencies will help match you with the right horse for your goals and abilities and help guide you to successful horse ownership.
Do you have a stable of professionals?
Research or work with the adopting agency to find health professionals you’ll rely on for routine equine care. Build a relationship with a farrier for your horse’s hoof care and a veterinarian for overall health and dental care. It can also be helpful to have a relationship with a riding instructor or trainer who can help build on existing skills or develop new ones.
Horse Supply Checklist
Congratulations, you’ve finally found your right horse. Before bringing your new horse home, you’ll have to prepare your barn and fill your tack room. Use this comprehensive equipment list to help you and your new horse get off on the right hoof.
Daily Equine Care
For day-to-day care you need an assortment of items to keep your horse healthy and feeling his best.
Basic grooming and first aid kit that includes:
- Curry comb
- Soft brush
- Hard brush
- Mane and tail comb
- Fly spray
- Shampoo
- Hoof pick
- Hoof oil or conditioner
An emergency first aid kit that includes:
- Gauze
- Self-adhesive wrap
- Antibiotic ointment
- Thermometer
- Epsom salts
- Clean stable wraps
- Antiseptic scrub
- List of emergency contacts
Consult with your veterinarian to assess any additional items your horse may need.
Horse Clothing
- Waterproof turnout sheet or blanket for harsh weather
- Stable blanket for indoors or mild conditions
Your horse’s coat will naturally help keep him warm, but he may need the extra warmth from a blanket in some conditions. A horse without access to shelter or an older horse may need to be blanketed more often than a horse who lives in the barn. It’s important to ensure proper fit of your horse’s blanket and be sure to remove it daily when you check for fitness and health. A stable blanket or sheet typically isn’t waterproof, but can be used to keep your horse warm when indoors. A turnout blanket or sheet should be waterproof. A turnout blanket with approximately 200 grams of fill is considered medium weight, and 400 grams of fill constitutes a heavyweight blanket.
Horse Tack
- A halter and lead rope are essential gear for any rider. If you plan to leave your horse haltered while unattended, make sure the halter has a leather breakaway strap or is made entirely of leather that will release should the horse become caught. Use nylon halters only when the horse is supervised.
- Saddles come in many shapes and sizes and are best purchased after bringing home your horse to ensure best fit and style match. For English-style riding, choose a close contact or all-purpose saddle. Western saddles are sold in a variety of styles depending on their intended use. A saddle fit professional or instructor can help you determine which are right for you.
- Saddle pads sit underneath your saddle and come in a variety of thicknesses. English pads are smaller and lighter than Western pads, but may be bolstered by a half-pad or fitted pad for extra cushion. Western saddle pads are thicker and designed for use without additional padding.
- Girths or cinches safely attach your saddle on the back of your horse. You’ll need a cinch with your Western saddle or a girth with your English saddle. The size of cinch or girth will be dependent on the size of your horse and is best purchased after you’ve adopted your new horse.
- Bridles are most often designed for use with a bit, the piece that the horse carries in his mouth and is used for guidance. Bitless bridles are available for horses who prefer them. Many bridles are sold as a set with reins.
- Horse leg protection comes in many shapes and sizes. Leg boots offer varying levels of protection and riders typically opt for only front boots. Your use of leg protection will depend on riding conditions and preference. You may elect to place boots or leg wraps on your horse if you’re riding in a situation or discipline where his legs may brush against sticks, trees or obstacles. Ask a professional if you need help determining your and your horse’s needs.
Horse Husbandry
For horses at your home or on your property, gather these items. Horses boarded at a professionally staffed facility will likely already have these on hand.
- Manure pick
- Wheelbarrow or muck bucket
- Several feed and water buckets
- Tub and hose
- Sturdy fencing
- Horse shelter
If your horse will spend much of their day in a stall or small paddock, you may also want to consider adding enrichment to his environment. Multiple feed stations, treat dispensing toys and grooming stations (for example, you can attach the brush from a broom to the wall to act as a modified scratching post) can add enrichment to your horse’s daily routine. Overall, the supplies you’ll need to care for your horse depend on where you keep him and his individual needs. Talk with your adoption agency and equine professionals to be prepared and set your new horse up for success.
Horse Illustrated Horse Owner Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
My Right Horse strives to be a trusted source to find your Right Horse and we understand you may have some questions. If you do not find your answer below we encourage you to reach out to us at any time
What is My Right Horse?
My Right Horse is a listing site for horses available for adoption nationwide. It is supported by the equine Right Horse, a program connecting good people with good horses.
Why adoption?
By seeking a horse through the sales market, prospective owners unknowingly pass over thousands of adoptable horses that are ready candidates and just the horse they are looking for. Consider adopting instead because:
- Good adoption organizations care about the right fit for you and the horse. It’s in their best interest to be fully transparent about a horse’s abilities, limitations, and personality because they want adoptions to be successful.
- Good adoption organizations will always take a horse back if it doesn’t work out. This a lifelong safety net for the horse and gives adopters more confidence in their decision.
- Adoption fees are typically significantly lower than sale prices in the traditional horse market for horses of comparable ability or value.
- Adopting creates sustainability in the horse market. There are thousands of good and valuable horses that simply need the right visibility to find a new home and career.
Most owners care most about finding their right horse that fits their needs. As horse owners, we understand the significance of finding the right match. If you’re looking for your Right Horse, consider adoption through My Right Horse. Whatever your wants and needs, your right horse is out there and we will help you find it.
What is the process to adopt?
Each organization listing horses on My Right Horse has their own adoption process. For any potential matches you are interested in, you may connect with the partner who listed the horse and they will walk you through the adoption process.
Do I need an account to view listings?
You do not need an account to view available horses. Only organizations who are listing horses in transition need one.
Is there a fee to view listings?
My Right Horse is free to everyone to view and browse listings.
FAQs for Shelter Professionals:
How can I post my adoptable horses on My Right Horse?
My Right Horse is for adoption agencies which are partners, or in the process of becoming partners, of the ASPCA’s Right Horse. To learn more and become an adoption partner,
For all other questions or help using My Right Horse, please
How do I report fraud?
All of the organizations listing on My Right Horse are registered nonprofits and we believe strongly in transparency and providing a trusted source of horses in transition. If you see any suspicious listings or activities please email us directly