Guide to Rescue Horse Adoption

One of the best places to find a free horse (or a very cheap one) is horse rescue associations. They take on a large number of horses each year but have only so much room (pasture, boxes), money (for food, bedding and other costs) and staff (to muck out and provide general care). Consequently, most of them are very happy to give a horse away to a good home, as this frees up room for other rescue horses and saves money. Usually they will provide a horse for free, although they may ask an administration fee (to help cover a portion of their direct costs).

Aside from getting a horse for free (almost), you are also helping out not only that horse but making room for the association to take on another rescue horse. So, you can save money and know that you are doing a good deed at the same time. Another advantage is that rescue organisations are non-profit and consequently looking at what is best for the horse and new owner, so are more likely to be honest about potential issues and the suitability of the horse to your requirements than businesses offering horses for sale.

The rescue association will want to know that any horse they pass on will be well taken care of, so expect an interview prior to the association agreeing to give you a horse. They will want to know that there are proper facilities (e.g. box, paddock, fields) for the horse. You will also need to demonstrate that you have the personal commitment, time and money to properly take care of the horse.

On your side, you need to make sure that the horse does not have any unacceptable faults, either health wise or in terms of behavior. One should discuss the horse’s current condition and its background. You should ask about the conclusions of any examinations (including veterinary) done for the association, as well as the general opinion of the staff who are taking care of the horse.

In particular, one should ask why the horse has been taken into care. If it was simply because the owner could no longer keep it (e.g. due to financial difficulties) or lost interest in it (a common situation with horses purchased for young children), then the horse is probably sound. However, if the horse was rescued because it was neglected or abused, then it may have longer term physical or behavioral issues that you need to be aware of. Likewise, if the owner gave up the horse because it was sick or no longer suitable for riding.

It is also important to be clear about your requirements. If you are looking for a companion horse, then age and riding ability are not that important. However, if you intend to ride the horse regularly, then it should be reasonably young and fit, preferably well trained as well. It may be that the rescue centre does not have a horse which meets your requirements. In this case, rather than compromise on your requirements, it is best to wait. Make sure that the staff know that you will provide a good home for the right horse, and provide in writing both your requirements and your contact information. Given the frequency with which horses are rescued, it is quite likely that the horse you are looking for will become available in a few weeks or months, unless your requirements are unusual.