If you have chosen to adopt a horse, it is important that you are aware of the various responsibilities and requirements that accompany adoption.

Many horses available for adoption are rescue horses that are no longer wanted by their owners or that have been mistreated.

This article will ensure that you are equipped with the essential information that must be considered before committing to adopting a horse.

Why do you want to adopt a horse?

Adopting a horse should be less about trying to find a horse that is the desired breed, colour, sex or size and more about adopting a horse who has the right temperament and is compatible with you in terms of riding ability and level of care needed.

You need to decide why you want the horse: for pleasure riding, showing or just companionship.

Consider the cost

Whilst adoption is a cheaper way of obtaining a horse, the cost of keeping a horse can be expensive.

You will need to pay for the horse’s food, medical bills, boarding, equipment and shoeing, so it is necessary to think about whether you can commit to the continuing costs of keeping a horse.

Do you have the experience?

Horses require a great deal of time and energy. When adopting a horse, there are a number of things to consider:

• Horses can live into their twenties and even thirties
• Rescue horses are likely to have (or have had) health or behavioural problems and you will need to be prepared for this
• Horses need ongoing attention and care, whether it is day or night, sunny or wet

Do you have the space?

Horses require a lot of space. It is important when considering adopting a horse that you can provide it with enough land for it to live comfortably. You will need to ensure that you provide secure fencing and adequate shelter for the horse also.

Many organisations and rescue centres will want to see proof that you can provide the necessary facilities, and may require you to sign an agreement saying that you plan on keeping the horse at that address.

Do your research

• Visit the shelter or organisation you wish to adopt a horse from
• Talk to the staff and get advice on the process of adopting a horse
• Take along an experienced horse person when viewing a horse
• Insist on a trial period and have the horse examined by a vet
• Check the organisation’s adoption policies and requirements as well as adoption fees
• Ask how the organisation evaluates horses before they adopt them out and find out what happens if it doesn’t work out

Horse adoption paperwork

Almost all organisations will require you to fill out some form of paperwork. Once you have found the right horse for you, check over any adoption contract thoroughly before you sign it.

Different organisations will ask different questions but all will want to see proof that you have the time, skills and money necessary to adopt a horse.