Adopting A Horse

Each adoptable horse has a page on the website detailing information particular to that equine. Additional photos and information can be found on our blog, or on our facebook site, at www.facebook.com/HorsesWithHope For additional information, see the Contact Us link to send a message or give us a call.

Horses With Hope makes every effort to disclose all information about each one of our equines. However, due to the unpredictable and often unknown nature of the equine’s history, it may not be possible to determine any prior training, disease history, breeding, etc. Horses With Hope (HWH) makes no guarantee as to a horse’s training, age, background, use, etc. and advises all potential adopters to contract a veterinarian for a thorough pre-purchase exam prior to finalizing any adoption.

When a horse becomes available for adoption, we are typically processing a number of applicants for that horse at one time. Because our goal is always to chose the best home for each horse, we cannot operate solely on a first-come, first-served basis. We may be conducting site visits and meet-and-greets with multiple people before deciding which home is best for the horse.

Step 1. If you are interested in a horse, the first step is to fill out an adoption application. Even if the horse is still in training and not yet ready for adoption, we will keep all applications on file and can reach out once the horse is ready for visitors.

Step 2. Before a site visit is scheduled, the horse’s home rescue checks references, so please be sure that those are included on the application.

Step 3. A site visit is arranged after we have spoken to the applicant on the phone and determined that they could be a good match for the horse. Site visits are conducted by us and the horse’s home rescue, and may be either in-person or a ‘virtual’ visit. In some cases, pictures of the facility may suffice.

Step 4. If the site visit is approved, the applicant can then be scheduled to come meet and try a horse.We choose to take this step next-to-last because we want to make sure all requirements are met before an applicant comes to meet a horse and falls in love. 

Step 5. A decision is made and the horse is adopted! The final decision always rests with the horse’s home rescue. While the process can seem lengthy, it is put in place to help ensure that each rescue horse finds a great home and successful match with their new owner.

It depends upon the individual horse and what point they are at in their training. We usually have horses in training for 3 to 9 months. The point at which a horse can be tried will depend upon the experience level of the applicant. In general, the horses that join our program are either un-started or are still green under saddle. We try to make sure a horse can walk/trot/canter in the ring and has some experience on the trail before advertising them for adoption. Most will still be considered ‘green broke’ and will need an experienced rider or rider working closely with a trainer. It is unusual that we have rescues suitable for beginner riders. Our goal is to provide a thorough evaluation and training foundation for each horse, with the understanding that most will need continued training to progress in their careers.

Unfortunately no, we require that everyone first fill out an application. We operate out of a private farm and are not open to the public- for this reason we can’t have people visit unless they have been previously scheduled. If you would like more info before filling out an application, we are always happy to chat by phone to answer any questions.

Please bring a well-fitted, approved riding helmet, and wear appropriate riding attire including long pants and boots with at least a 1” heel. The trainer you spoke with will provide you with individual instructions regarding the horse you’ll be riding, but please feel free to email or call if you have other questions. Don’t worry, and relax! The riding interview is not a test of your skills. The right emotional match between a horse and rider is very different from the right mechanical match between a horse and rider, and it isn’t until the horse meets you that HWH trainers will know if a match has been made.

HWH is interested in placing every horse into an appropriate lifelong home—it does the horse no good to be returned time and time again. HWH has invested extensive time into retraining the equines offered for adoption, and each horse will have individual requirements for an appropriate home. These include proper shelter, free choice forage and water, a diet appropriate to the horse, regular veterinary, dentist and farrier care, and a safe environment for the horse to live. Applicants should pay special attention to fencing (HWH does not approve barbed wire fenced pastures for adoptive horses), the availability of water in winter, and regular removal of manure buildup.

The adoption fee is set by each individual horse’s home rescue, so we may not know what it is. Some rescues set a specific fee, while others simply request that a donation be made. If we don’t have the answer, we recommend contacting the horse’s home rescue for the most up to date info regarding adoption fees.

Absolutely, we especially encourage bringing along a trainer or other horsey partner!