Senior Horse Care Resources - Horse Adoption Agencies and Rescues

Click on a title to jump to that section

How this Section Works    Looking for an Adoptable Horse in Arizona? Adoptable Horses in Arizona

How Horses, Especially Seniors, Become Advertised as Free to Good Home or Offered to Private Parties   Be Cautious Advertising Your Horse as Free    Working with an Agency   Setting an Adoption Fee

Placing Your Horse with a Rescue  Choosing an Adoption_Agency 

Links to Adoption Agencies

Thoroughbred Rescue, Rehabilitation, Adoption, Sanctuary, Protective Sales

Standardbred NEW! Arabian Appaloosas  Paso Finos NEW! (2009) Quarter Horses

Other Specialty Rescues  Curly Horses  Draft Breeds  Donkeys (Burros) and Mules  Icelandic Horses  Miniature Horses  Mustangs

Service Horse Retirement
NEW! Military Families Horse Assistance 

Pregnant Mare Urine Industry Mares and Foals  NEW! Nurse Mare Industry By Product Foals

National_Emergency_Contacts  Worldwide, National, and State/Province Lists

Alaska  Arizona Arkansas Alabama California  Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia

Hawaii Idaho Illinois  Indiana  Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana

Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota  Missouri Mississippi Montana Nebraska Nevada

New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota

Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota  Texas Tennessee Utah Vermont Virginia  Washington West Virginia Wyoming

Other Resources

Want to adopt a senior horse yourself?  We have a great tool for you, an e-book "How to Adopt a Horse".

As the baby boomers look forward to decades of "senior" living, so, too, do our horses.  Today's pony doesn't teach a generation to ride, but two generations.  An adult couple begin riding as their teenagers empty the nest, and are still caring for their horses two decades later.  The horses have replaced the children for many never married and divorced adults, just as dogs and cats do.

Except for one teensy, weensy, problem.  A horse doesn't fit in your "senior living" apartment.  A horse doesn't fit in your car.  A horse has big feed requirements.  You can't take him to the groomer, the groomer has to come to him.

Deserving, beautiful, if only in the eyes of the owner who has shared so many trails with them, our senior horses look to us.  It is our job to maintain their quality of life.  It is our job to learn what is, and is not, an acceptable quality of life.  Lastly, it is our job to ensure they do not suffer when that quality cannot be maintained.

One of the missions of Del Camino is to help horse owners find timely information that guides them through this journey.  We want to keep our seniors as fit, as active, as contented as possible, as long as possible.  It can be done.

We dedicate this page to a few of many beloved Del Camino horses:  Lubaria, Angel's Camp, and LMS Bravado. 

Thank you for having graced our lives, and taught so many people the joy of horsemanship.

How This Rescues Section Works                (Top of Page)

Please read the overviews of the topics before clicking on links.  We can't possibly list every reference available on the internet, and we do not accept any compensation for a listing.  None of these listings were solicited. 
This site is meant to distill information from a variety of sources, as well as our own experience, before sending you off on your own quest.  
The descriptive paragraphs at the start of a section are there because we believe they are important.

We update this section of our website fairly often, so we recommend you return regularly.  Why not add this page to your browser's Favorites list?  Doing so does not cause us to send you junk mail.

	Large sections acquire their own page, to keep it easy to read.
	As we find a broken link, we remove it if we cannot easily repair it.
	Visitors are encouraged to join discussions in the forum to share their knowledge or experiences.  There are no reviews on this page.
	Topics progress from those for people caring for their senior horse, to those wishing to place their senior horse in a new job, and finally, how to prepare for and make arrangements to euthanize a horse to prevent suffering.

How Horses, Especially Seniors, Become Advertised as "Free to Good Home" or Offered to Private Parties                                                                                     (Top of Page)

Many people wanted to give us their unsellable aged, lame, or special needs horse, to ensure it had loving attention, appropriate care and exercise.  In most cases, the owner was pressed by circumstances to discontinue care themselves as soon as possible, and afraid to just advertise their horse for "free" to the public.  If they had to give the horse up, they wanted it to be used appropriately by folks capable of providing proper care. 

Unexpected life changes, such as divorce, job loss, a very expensive and time consuming family illness, and relocation are typical reasons why people who love their horse must quickly find it a new home.  For these horse owners and their horses, giving the horse to a horseperson they trust, or to a qualified reputable horse sanctuary, adoption agency, or rescue is a safety net.

Occasionally, they had already purchased another horse to ride and show, or a young horse to train, and could not afford to keep two horses.  We never asked why these people didn't place the senior horse in a new home first, then buy the new horse, if they could not afford double the time and expense.  But we always wondered.

If a horse is relatively young and still performing in the primary discipline for which it is trained, such as jumping, the customary method for finding a new home is to have your trainer sell it to an appropriate client in his stable.  However, if you are not in training with a professional who maintains connections in the discipline and makes his living from horse sales, you may have to sell the horse yourself.  This can take months, even years.  For some people the money to support the horse simply runs out after six to nine months of advertising and maintaining the horse.  Again, love for the horse has not been used up, only the time and money his owner possessed to devote to this responsibility.  For these horse owners and their horses, giving the horse to a known horseperson, or a qualified, reputable horse rescue, sanctuary, or adoption agency is a welcome safety net.

If the horse is older and will not pass a veterinary pre-purchase examination as suitable for his past intended use, you must market the horse differently, and may even need to spend additional time and money to retrain the horse for a different job.  Do not expect to recover those expenses in the sales price of an older horse.  Depending on the horse's temperament, and the prior discipline, retraining may be a slow process, or even unrealistic.  A horse that has been employed almost exclusively in speed events, has never been ridden by beginners, and never been on a country or forest trail in his life is unlikely to find a home as a family trail horse within a month, at any price, even if advertised as "free to good home."  He may enjoy the slower pace, but be frustrated by confusing cues, and startled frequently by strange sights, sounds and smells.  Adjusting to gradual changes over time is not too difficult for most horses, but being bombarded with the signals of an entirely different world can be stressful.

Proceed with caution when marketing your horse, and be scrupulously forthright about what his best and worst features are and his health history.  If you are giving him away to people who you do not know personally, make certain they understand his background, have realistic expectations, and decent horsemanship skills, as well as the experience to know what long term responsibility they are undertaking. 

In your zeal to find him a good home, it is not enough that the new owners can afford him and want him - they must have the appropriate job for him and the skill to use him.  If they don't, they are very likely to want to sell or give him away soon.  An inappropriate home is almost never a "forever" home.

Be Cautious Advertising Your Horse as "Free"       (Top of Page)

Your best chances are with someone you know, rather than a stranger. We have often offered a horse for free to a known good home.  We might offer a horse for free to someone who had been willing to buy it, once we knew it was an excellent match and they could afford maintenance.  But when no one we knew personally was available for a horse that would be "free" we still did not advertise it as free to the general public.  Instead, we worked with a highly regarded professional non-profit adoption or rescue agency. 

Work with an Agency

Rather than send the horse to the rescue, we continued to care for it, exercise it, and show it to prospective homes that were screened and referred to us by the adoption group.  The adoption agency bore no expense, and did not have to figure the horse out.  We had the benefit of their screening expertise, and the emotional relief of not taking too many false lead calls. If you can keep your senior for a few more months at a high level of attention and care to do this, the horse will be spared an additional move before finding his new home.

Setting an Adoption Fee

To recoup some expenses and to weed out collectors, people who can't afford to care for the horse, and killer buyers, adoption agencies charge an adoption fee.  The typically 2007 fee was around $500 unless the horse had received expensive veterinary treatment as well.  If the average horse weighs 1,000 pounds and the buyers are paying approximately 20 cents per pound at auction (11/07 down from 60 cents in 2006)  $200 (the industry-average adoption fee for rescued dogs) or lower is too little.  A grade trail horse averaged $1,500 at the Midwest auctions in 2007.  If someone wants to take your senior for free off an advertisement, you should visit the place where they will keep the horse, and you should see it groomed, saddled and ridden by whoever is going to ride him.  Use the same process the better adoption groups do, and you have a chance of finding a decent home.  Expect it to take awhile.

Placing Your Horse with a Rescue                    (Top of Page)

One advantage a horse adoption agency usually has is the time to work with your horse to desensitize him to another lifestyle, and give him time to "just be a horse" - a mini-vacation, really, while the staff figure him out.  By the time they know him well enough to market him for adoption, they know if he is a candidate for a senior's retirement job as a trail, family, therapy, lesson, or child's horse. A good rescue will take as much time as your horse needs, because they, like you, want this home for a senior horse to be a good, "forever," permanent home. 

Adoption and rescue stables are few and far between.  Expect those with their own farm to be located the furthest from the major metropolitan areas, where land is less expensive, property taxes are lower, and clientele do not need to come several times per week to ride.  DO visit in person any rescue you have placed on your short list after reviewing their website or brochure, and talking to the operator on the phone.  You won't be making this trip regularly, so make it at least once before your horse sets hoof on the trailer ramp.

Many special needs aged horses cannot live at pasture.  Some cannot eat grass.  Some would get beat up and run off the hay by younger horses.  Some need daily medication.  Some cannot regulate their body temperature well enough to live outside all day in summer heat or in winter cold.  Ensure any rescue stable you consider has small group covered pens, individual covered pens, and inside stalls as options.  Have the routine for turning out and exercising these horses explained to your satisfaction.  Find out about the level of horsemanship training of the volunteers who care for the horses.

Find out how hoof care and veterinary care is handled.  Your loved one will no longer be trimmed and shod by his regular farrier, and no longer be examined and vaccinated by your trusted veterinarian.  Many rescued horses go barefoot, but they still need regular trimming, even if old hooves grow more slowly.  Others need shoes for support, in which case the farrier doesn't need any fancy techniques, but needs patience with oldsters who may not be able to stand for long periods with stress on a bad stifle, or arthritic hock, etc.  Especially in remote areas, ranchers and horsemen complain incessantly about not being able to keep a reliable experienced, humane blacksmith regularly trimming and shoeing their horses.  Rescues sometimes have the added problem of lack of funds for shoeing when donations are low.

If you like one or two adoption farms, at the end of your visit, ask for a couple of references from people who donated their horse to the farm, and people who adopted a horse from the farm.  Follow up.

For help evaluating a rescue or adoption facility, or retirement sanctuary, this checklist you can review is internationally recognized for its standards: 

Doris Day Animal League Guidelines for Operating an Equine Rescue or Retirement Facility

Choosing an Adoption Agency                    (Top of Page)

Sometimes an owner can no longer care for a horse, and cannot spend many months finding it a home.  If there is any chance that sudden adversity may catapult you and your horse into the adoption process someday, please learn something about horse adoption and rescue now.  It is not the most cheerful subject, but responsible horse owners owe it to themselves and their horses to get a little education.  Just as we don't dwell on accidents or disasters daily, we still have a first aid kit, a spare tire, and insurance.  Now is the time, when you are not in the throes of a crisis, and not emotional, to find out about the services in your area.  Then you will know where to turn, or where to refer a friend, if such a time ever comes.

Most horse rescue and adoption organizations are operated by incredibly generous, committed, knowledgeable horse lovers.  The service these non-profits provide is important, and strives to fill an overwhelming need.  The best are well-funded, well-staffed, and work closely with other humane organizations, local law enforcement, veterinary hospitals, and local horsemen's associations.  Even the best are struggling with the cost increases affecting all horse operations today, such as the doubling of hay prices. 

Some horse rescues transfer ownership when they place a horse.  Others do not. Some require people to demonstrate the ability to care for the horse, and to ride it, if it is a riding horse.  Some do not.  Almost all require you to make a donation when they take in your horse.  Almost all require the person adopting the horse to make a donation.  Both are reasonable, we all know a horse cannot be fed, trimmed, vaccinated, etc. for free. Be aware that the national average is that 30% of all horses placed by horse rescues are returned.  Ask the adoption agency what their adoption and return rates are.

Virtually all horse rehabilitation and rehoming groups are "non-profit".  However, do not presume that non-profit tax status as such means anything noble.  A few bad apples exist in every walk of life, and just as people operate other charities to prey upon the good intentions of the public, so do some horse "rescues.".  Watch out for:

Horse rescuers who are really animal collectors, called "hoarders."  Just as there are people who collect cats or dogs, there are people who feel sorry for horses, acquire them, but quickly have too many to care for properly.  These people are usually  in a state of denial, and the local sheriff or animal control agency usually has to step in.  Here in Arizona, in 2005 alone, the State Attorney General brought cases against 20 so-called horse rescue operations.  Hoarding results in some of the worst animal suffering, so it appears at the top of our warning list for horse owners who want what is best for their horses that they must rehome.  Be careful, because many hoarders do have non-profit corporations set up, and may even have started with an affiliation with a good humane organization.  There are clues, according to the Hoarding of Animals Research Consortium at the Tufts University Veterinary School: There are some general characteristics that should at least raise the suspicion of hoarding: Unwilling to let visitors see the facilities where animals are kept Unwilling to say how many animals are actually present Little effort made to adopt, and much effort focused on acquisition Continued acquisition in the face of declining care for existing animals Claims of being able to provide excellent lifetime care for animals with special needs (paralyzed, feline leukemia positive, extreme aggression) without verifiable resources Number and staff and / or volunteers inconsistent with the number of animals Desire to receive animals at a remote location rather than on-site

If you suspect that a person is a hoarder, you cannot trespass or intervene, and you could be mistaken.  Please contact the animal welfare authorities in your area so that they can investigate the facts. Many hoarders move around a state or even the country to resume their activities.  Pet-Abuse.com does an admirable job of tracking their cases.  Also, be vigilant, but be encouraged, rather than discouraged!  According to the Pet-Abuse.com national database statistics, abuse and neglect cases are on a downward trend.  Not all 2007 cases are reported yet, because they must come to trial and be resolved, but:

	2007 - 129 cases - 1227 horses
	2006 - 133 cases - 1387 horses
	2005 - 152 cases - 1780 horses

Here's an example of one we experienced in Arizona, with an official sounding name "Hooved Animal Humane Society of Arizona" convicted in Yavapai (2004) and Maricopa Counties (2006).

NOTE:  Great TV Story video of Angels Haven rescue of Richland, Ohio horses from a hoarder who claimed to be a "rescue" by Channel 19 Action News on December 17, 2007.

	Horse rescues that are start-ups or otherwise very shaky financially.  The rate at which these close due to lack of funding is quite high, and the horses in their care, obviously, must then be placed with other rescues.  Just as start-up for profit businesses fail at a high rate due to poor management, marketing, sales, or under-capitalization, so too, do non-profits dependent on donations, volunteers, and the skill sets of the founders.  Find out how long the rescue has been in operation, and how much core funding is dependable.
	Horse rescues that must use donated stalls scattered around a geographical area, called "foster homes" for lack of their own farm.  No matter how well intentioned, it is extremely difficult to supervise volunteers and the care of horses in multiple locations.  A few manage this very successfully, because they have access to really wonderful private and commercial stables that have no trouble contributing a stall instead of using it for a paying customer's horse and give great care, whether the volunteer shows up or not. However, a foster home can stop fostering at any time, whereupon the rescue must move the horse.  In this arrangement, a horse could be moved many times, reducing the possibility of finding a good "forever" home in a short time, since it must constantly adjust to new surroundings and routines.
	Horse rescuers who are really horse dealers.  They take in just about any horse.  Those that will make a great heart tugging adoption story they keep in the "main" location close to town.  These horses bring in donations as window dressing.  Those that are not going to be very adoptable are kept in a different, non-advertised location, and taken to auction, often in a different county.  The non-profit pays a handsome salary to the operators, besides other expenses for them, and is, indeed, non-profit - but not because donations are going to support the livestock.  This scam works just like other "charities" where very little of the donation goes to the intended recipient.  These agencies sometimes have expensive advertising, and quite a bit of it, so they might be very well known around town.  Usually their websites are extremely polished, high-end affairs, compared to self-maintained inexpensive ones made by staff and volunteers.  They often post tack and feed store flyers that are unsettling, if not shocking.  They definitely sell, rather than adopt out, their rescues or surrendered horses, and usually charge more, on average, to the new owners than other rescues.
	TIP:  All non-profits should be listed with their state's corporation commission, and have financial reports on file.  The officers and directors of the charity should be readily disclosed on their website or brochures, along with their official business address.  Non-profits can be members of the Better Business Bureau.  If you have difficulty tracking down these facts about a horse rescue or sanctuary, proceed more slowly and ask more questions.
	January 2008 NEWSFLASH - Equine rescues, shelters and sanctuaries in the state of ILLINOIS will now be LICENSED by the Illinois State Department of Agriculture.  To be licensed as an animal shelter under the Illinois Animal Welfare Act administered by the Bureau of Animal Welfare and the State Veterinarian, the farms must meet basic standards for barn space, cleanliness, feed, fencing, health care and other factors that will ensure they are run by people qualified to care for the animals. Two Equine Rescues are already licensed, and a third is in the process of obtaining its license.  This is a welcome development that may be emulated by other states.
	April 2008 NEWSFLASH - Equine rescues, shelters, and sanctuaries in ARIZONA are cooperating with the AZ Livestock Board to develop a licensing plan.  Licensed rescues will be able to contract with the livestock board to care for and rehome seized animals the courts do not return to their owners, and strays whose owners do not claim them.  Essentially, these rescues will operate according to standards that enable the government to do business with them.  This is the kind of cooperation that can be functional, practical, and produce a win-win for needy horses, understaffed under-budgeted livestock officers, and recognize professional, well-run horse rescues.
	Most of the well-established, well-run rescues and sanctuaries will be listed with charitable donation and/or "watchdog" groups such as Independent Charities of America, or Charity Navigator, GuideStar, or the Better Business Bureau.
	Most of the well-established, well-run rescues and sanctuaries will be able to accept donations through  Network for Good, JustGive.org, PayPal, iGive Shopping, and other easy, secure methods.
	Learn more about standards of care for rescues and sanctuaries so you know what to look for when you visit:

American Association of Equine Practitioners Guidelines for Equine Rescue and Retirement Facilities (.PDF)

U.K. National Equine Council Code of Practice for Welfare Organisations Involved in Keeping Horses Ponies and Donkeys (.PDF)

Doris Day Animal League Guidelines for Operating an Equine Rescue or Retirement Facility

Coming Soon:  Guidelines for Australia, New Zealand, Canada

Starting your own equine rescue or adoption agency?  Visit the Equine Non-Profit Resources Section for helpful pages and links.

Links to Adoption Agencies                                                          (Top of Page)

Our list is a sampling by specialty and state.  It is by no means comprehensive.

We start with the services for racing horses, since they represent the largest horse breed and discipline population, and are most visible to the general public.  Thus, well-established organizations have addressed the over breeding and short careers that produce so many early "retirees."  About 60,000 thoroughbreds are produced in the U.S. annually, and, until 2007, about 30,000 went to slaughter.  Few truly "senior" horses are purchased by slaughterhouse buyers.  Even famous retirees go to slaughter

You figure it out.  In search of another Secretariat, this industry makes disposable horses. In fairness, the majority of the businesses contribute to the Thoroughbred Charitable Trust, which distributes 1.5 million in grants to thoroughbred rehabilitation, retraining, and rehoming organizations annually. Also, to stave off further overproduction, the Thoroughbred registry does not permit the now common practice of embryo transfer, a significant contributor to the overbreeding problem.  If only the breeders of Quarterhorses, Arabians, Tennessee Walkers, Appaloosas, ponies, and so on would do the same!

Unfortunately USDA grant and loan policies, and I.R.S. tax incentives for individuals and businesses, favor producers and buyers of untrained horses, in a rapid write-off and depreciation cycle that heavily encourages breeding more horses, and discourages training mature animals or using trained animals productively in society.

Thoroughbred Rescue, Rehabilitation, Adoption, Sanctuary, Protective Sales                                                                                                    (Top of Page)

Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation 

Thoroughbred Adoption Network 

Tranquility Farm, Tehacapi, CA (thoroughbreds)

The Exceller Fund, Granada Hills, CA (thoroughbreds)  Note: The fund also offers a free listing service for trainers and owners of ex-racehorses who wish to sell their horse.

The Communication Alliance to Network Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorses (CANTER)  Note: CANTER also has some helpful pages for rehabilitating and caring for, then retraining, horses purchases off the track for trainers and owners.

Exracers.com  Note: Exracers also provides a forum and links for retraining and rehabilitating horses off the track for trainers and owners who purchase ex-racehorses.

ReRun

This innovative program enables Thoroughbred owners to ensure by a sticker on the horse's papers that if the horse is ever "unwanted", they will be contacted so they can arrange emergency shelter and begin a rehoming process. 

It would be so easy to incorporate such a program into any breed registration and re-registration system, it is hard to believe the quarterhorse, arabian, tennessee walker, national show horse, and other registries have not jumped on the opportunity.  Afterall, the customers of the breeders are amateurs who love and care about their horses, and this would be easy for any owner along the way to add, even if the breeder himself does not.  It would be excellent public relations on the part of the breeding industries.

 HOT NEWS UPDATE: The last paragraph was written in 2006.  In March, 2009, AQHA announced it's tracking program for quarterhorses, "Greener Pastures".

"If you are an owner or breeder of a Thoroughbred and worry about your horse’s future after they have left your hands, then you may be interested in our special "Safety Stickers".
A very simple sticker is placed on an existing set of Jockey Club papers that have the words “If this horse is ever in need of a home please contact:” The owner would then write in their contact information with the hopes that in the future, if the horse was ever in a situation of being unwanted, they could be contacted.  This can be reassuring as most racehorses will pass through multiple hands during their racing and breeding careers.
It also helps the future owner, who may no longer want to keep the horse and is having difficulty selling or placing it somewhere suitable, to be able to reach out for help from the animal’s previous connections.  This sticker will ultimately act as a safety net for your horse to be able to find you if ever needed.
The stickers are available at no cost and can be obtained by contacting ReRun at rerunnj@verizon.net or 732-521-1370."
 

California Equine Retirement Foundation, Winchester, CA Race & Show Horses

Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program, The Purple Haze Center, Farmington, NY

Colorado Thoroughbred Rescue, Larimer County, CO

Gray Dapple Thoroughbred Rescue, Gilbert, PA

Standardbred                                                          (Top of Page)

Standardbred Retirement Foundation   Even if your horse is not a Standardbred, you may find their site helpful, including their article "Finding Your Horse a Home"  This non-profit is substantially funded by the Standardbred racing industry.

Humane Organization for Un-Raceable Standardbred Equines (HOURSE), Jeffersonville, Vermont

Second Wind was specifically for Standardbred racehorses originally, but since merging with Crossed Sabers Stables in 2000 serves all breeds, with an emphasis on ex-race and ex-competition horses.  Note: This is one of the more established and older adoption centers that has kept data on the thousands of horses they have rehomed and how they entered the safety net.  They also keep demographic data on donors and adopters.  This is very helpful information for long-term planning as opposed to just shotgun intervention or reaction, and emotional guesswork about why people choose adoption for their horse or choose to adopt. Quote from their website, 3/10/08:

Arabian

NEW! We were thrilled to learn of a new private endeavor The Arabian Horse Rehoming Resource,  created by Brenda Laurel of Laurel Arabians, Ft. Worth, Texas and Janeene Williams in Central Texas.  This site matches Arabians and Half-Arabians that need rehoming with new appropriate homes and works on a national basis.  Though not yet a 501(c) Non-profit, this grassroots effort to rehome, rescue, and provide sanctuary to Arabian horses is a much-needed step in the right direction.  Horse owners who can provide temporary shelter and care (foster homes) are also encouraged to register with The Arabian Horse Rehoming Resource.  Horse Rescues that have adoptable Arabians and Half-Arabians are encouraged to list their horses, as well as private individuals seeking to rehome their horse.  Due to their start-up status, they are unable to provide assurances about specific participants.  They wisely expect owners and adopters to ask questions and check references thoroughly. As far as we know the only support they receive is from voluntary individual donations, ABlackHorse.com (horse forums and classifieds), and Addis Equine Auctions (an Arabian auction company that has a reserve above the killer agent price).  There is no fee to list your horse.

The Spotlite Foundation, Lacey, WA  combines Equine Assisted Therapy with Permanent Retirement of rescued horses, particularly Arabian show and breeding stock otherwise bound for slaughter or damaged by excessive or abusive showing or breeding.  Spotlite will accept horses from any state, is presently located in Lacey, WA on 100 acres, but needs a new Thurston County site due to the property being slated for development.

Appaloosas                                                            (Top of Page)

Wild Bird Appaloosa Horse Rescue, Burkeville, VA

Paso Finos

The Conquistador Equine Rescue and Advocacy Program, Phoenix, AZ

Quarter Horses     NEW!                                         (Top of Page)

In March, 2009, AQHA announced it's tracking program for quarterhorses, "Greener Pastures". 

"Through the free Greener Pastures program, AQHA members will be able to indicate on a horse’s registration certificate that if the horse ever becomes unwanted, unusable or simply ready for retirement that the member will – if possible – assist in providing or finding a suitable home.

The free, voluntary program does not guarantee that a buyback or exchange of money will occur nor that a horse is assured a home – situations can and do change. It allows members an opportunity to keep track of and provide for the long-term care of horses they’ve bred or owned. However, you must be an AQHA member to sign up for or enroll a horse in the program. Go to www.aqhamembers.com to sign in with your AQHA member ID and personal identification number."

Other Specialty Rescues                                  (Top of Page)

Other breed specialization, like the Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds, are a few rescues and sanctuaries that share a particular love of draft breeds, donkeys, Pregnant Mare Urine (PMU) mares and foals, wild horses and burros, and ponies and miniature horses.  Obviously, if your horse is of a type a rescue specializes in caring for and rehoming, and such a rescue is reasonably close to visit and trailer your horse to, it is a good idea to investigate.

Curly Horses

Curly Horse Rescue, Marshfield, VT

Draft Breeds

Gentle Giant Draft Horse Rescue, Mount Airey, Maryland

United in Light Draft Horse Sanctuary, Livingston, MT (permanent retirement)    You Tube Video PSA

Frog Pond Farm Draft Horse & Pony Rescue, Cambridge, Ohio

Saving a Draft Horse Rescue, Alliston, Ontario Canada

Donkeys (Burros) and Mules                                        (Top of Page)

Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue, Tehachapi, CA

Long Hopes Donkey Shelter, Bennett,CO

Icelandic Horses                                                                 (Top of Page)

NEW! 10/2009 IceHorse Rescue is essentially a matching service between owners of Icelandic Horses who urgently need to rehome their horses and people who would like to acquire an Icelandic Horse.  Information on the website does not give the location of the rescue, a telephone number, or for-profit versus non-profit status, or if it is incorporated in any state.  Proceed with due diligence.

Miniature Horses                                                                      (Top of Page)

Chances Mini Horse Rescue, Tucson, AZ

The Guide Horse Foundation, Kittrell, NC   Rescues miniature horses and has a program to train miniature horses as Guide Horses for persons with disabilities.  The Guide Horse Foundation relies on donations from large breeding farms and individual donations.  Less than 1% of miniature horses are suitable for the Guide Horse program, and all horses must have exceptional small size, physical health and above average intelligence.
The photo is from their website  If you are fascinated by the concept of Guide Horses for the Visually Impaired, please visit the Guide Horse  Foundation for more information, or better yet, support them by purchasing this inspiring and practical book by Janet Burleson.  While reading the book won't be enough for you to train a mini to be a Guide Horse, it provides a great deal of insight into how to make your horse more adaptable, family household friendly, and possibly, more adoptable.

Triple H Horse Rescue, Mandan, ND

Mustangs                                                                       (Top of Page)

Ever After Mustang Rescue, Biddeford, ME Licensed Maine Equine Rescue Facility   Assists BLM adopters of wild horses and rehomes previously adopted mustangs.

Service Horse Retirement

The Ranger Foundation, Reedysville, Maryland  is a non-profit retirement home for SERVICE horses from law enforcement, equine assisted therapy centers, boarding school and college equestrian programs, etc.

Wild Horses                                                                          (Top of Page)

Wild Horse Rescue, Livermore, CA

Military Families Horse Assistance

Military Companion Animals Rescue, Foster and Adoption subsidiary of Netpets.com  serves members of our armed forces with disaster rescue and fostering if their animal at home is at risk, whether or not they are deployed, or on leave or receiving military medical care, including rehoming when needed.

Photo: 10th Cavalry Mounted Color Guard, the famous Buffalo Soldiers circa 1928.

Guardian Angels, a subgroup of Soldiers' Angels, provides disaster rescue and fostering, and other assistance with the farm animals or companion animals of armed forces personnel.  Whether a service member is deployed on active duty, reserves, national guard, or a veteran, these Angels will locate and finance temporary feed and care at home, hauling, foster homes, veterinary care, humane euthanasia - in short, do whatever they can to ensure a troop's horse(s) receive what they need so the troop or the troop's family do not suffer hardship or worry about their livestock or companion animal.  

Pregnant Mare Urine Industry Mares and Foals                (Top of Page)

Dreamchaser PMU Rescue, New River, AZ

Alder Hill Farm, MO  (relocated from Oregon)

Nurse Mare Industry By Product Foals

Last Chance Corral, South Athens, OH        

Mountain View Rescue, Columbia, KY

Eagle Hill Equine Rescue, Culpepper, VA

White Bird Appaloosa Horse Rescue, Burkeville, VA

National Emergency Contacts                                                (Top of Page)

If you don't have time to locate an excellent adoption agency in your state, and need help right away, try posting a request for help in one of these forums/discussion groups, which maintain a database of resources.

http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/adoptahorse/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/save_a_senior_steed

http://forums.ablackhorse.com/index.php?showtopic=16571 Foster Homes for emergencies and temporary board and care.  These are individual horse owners, farmers, ranchers, trainers, and boarding facilities that are willing to help a horse in need, from Oregon to Florida, from Canada to New Mexico - horse people who understand that life happens and just want to help save a horse.

NEW!  10/2009 Food Stamps for Horses, West Palm Beach, FL is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit that receives public donations specifically to assist struggling horse owners and horse rescues with feed for their horses.  Founded by Christy Cotton, an experienced professional Appaloosa breeder, trainer, show competitor, riding instructor and stable operator, the concept and mission of Food Stamps for Horses is simple and straightforward.  You may be able to obtain feed for free or at a reduced cost during these difficult times.

See our Emergencies Page in the Senior Horse Care section of this website for other resources for emergency financial or horse care aid for horse owners.

Worldwide, National, and State/Province Lists    (Top of Page)

Probably the best comprehensive list of rescues in the U.S.A. and internationally is on the Sylvia Scott Virginia Natural Horsemanship
Training Center website.  It is extremely well done.

Another good list that tries to stay current and is a searchable database is available from the American Horse Defense Fund, Inc.

The Canadian Horse Defense Coalition

Sampling of Rescues by State                         (Top of Page)

There is at least one rescue or sanctuary in every state in the union.  Without duplicating the excellent efforts of the two websites already listed, we’re offering a small sampling to give you an idea of what the typical rescue has to offer.  We offer representative or well-established rescues from 24 of the 50 states. Rescues open and close every year.  In 2009 the poor economy has been particularly hard on horse rescues, with high expenses and reduced donations.  However, their volunteers and boards have devised creative fundraising efforts and are dedicated to helping horses.  Even if they are full, it is worth giving them a call.

Your beautiful registered purebred horse may be in surprisingly good company at one of these adoption agencies!  You might be surprised and relieved to know that there is a growing group of horse lovers who prefer to shop with the adoption groups first, when looking for a horse, rather than classified ads.  Not all horses that are looking for a new “forever” home are “unwanted” or previously neglected or abused.  Some adoption agencies take better care of their horses than some commercial boarding and training facilities.  Many adoptable horses, including the Pregnant Mare Urine (PMU) mares and their foals are registered well-bred stock. Check them out!

E-book "How to Adopt a Horse".

Alaska

Alaska Equine Rescue, Fairbanks, AK

Arizona

Arizona Equine Rescue Organization (AERO)  (Emergency only, usually horses from veterinary hospitals or legal seizures, also the lead for Equine Disaster Response in Arizona)

Care for the Horses, Sierra Vista, AZ  (Specializes in assisting horse owners facing hardships so they can keep their horses with feed and veterinary care.  Provides care to horses confiscated by AZ Agricultural Livestock Officers and rehabilitates them for rehoming by adoption. Also does courtesy listings for owners who need to rehome their horse but can keep it themselves until the home is found.)

The Conquistador Equine Rescue and Advocacy Program  (specializing in Paso Finos)

T.A.I.L.S. Rescue Ranch, Dewey, AZ

Triple R Ranch, Equine Rescue, Rehab and Retirement, Somerton (Yuma) Arizona

Whispers Sanctuary, Elgin, AZ   

We have a particular interest in the success of this relatively new rescue, since it is home to one of our personal horses, lost to us for 10 years. Now age 27 going on 28, this registered purebred Arabian mare has made an important contribution to many human lives.

Lubaria, aka Lubo aka Lulu at home at Whispers in Elgin, AZ. (photo of her at 16 here)

Adoptable Horses in Arizona                                                                                               (Top of Page)

California                                                                           (Top of Page)

GEVA Equine Rehabilitation Facility, Glen Ellen, CA

Heart of Horsemanship, Glendale, CA

California Equine Retirement Foundation (racehorses and performance horses)

True Innocents Equine Rescue (T.I.E.R.), Riverside, CA

Nor-Cal Equine Rescue, Oroville, CA Operates Low Cost GELDING CLINIC

According to a May, 2009 article in theHorse.com, "Equine groups across the country are attempting to reduce the number of unwanted horses at the source, through subsidized castration clinics aimed to reduce the number of foals hitting the ground."

Colorado   (Our Last Count Located 25 Established Non- Profit Rescues)

Ahimsa Ranch Horse Rescue, Fort Collins, CO

Black Forest Animal Sanctuary, Black Forest, CO

Colorado Horse Rescue, Longmont, CO

Fresh Start Horse Rescue, Delores, CO

Rocky Mountain Horse Rescue, Arvada, CO

Hawaii                                                                          (Top of Page)

The Sylvester Foundation, Waimanalo, Oahu, HI

Illinois

Hooved Animal Rescue and Protection Society (HARPS), Barrington IL   - state licensed animal shelter

Hooved Animal Humane Society, Woodstock, IL  - state licensed animal shelter

Indiana                                                                        (Top of Page)

Indiana Horse Rescue  presently has 5 locations in Frankfort (IHR Central) Lafayette (IHR Central West) Farmland (IHR East) New Salisbury (IHR South) and Owensville (IHR Southwest).  Founded in 1998, it became the Equine Division of Animal Protection Coalition in 2002.

Iowa

Iowa Equine Rescue, Cedar Rapids, IA

Iowa Equine Rescue and Awareness League, Cedar Rapids, IA

Kentucky

Mountain View Rescue  Columbia, KY  - Operates Emergency HAY BANK

Maine

Double B Equine Rescue, Industry, ME, a Maine State Certified Rescue

Open Gates Equine Rescue, New Gloucester, ME

Rockin' T Equine Rescue, Lisbon Falls, ME , since 1996

Maryland                                                                 (Top of Page)

HorseNet Horse Rescue, Mt Airy and New Windsor, MD

Days End Farm Horse Rescue, Woodbine, MD Established in 1989, Days End concentrates on horses seized by Animal Control authorities for neglect, and Large Animal Disaster Response.  However, as a 4-Star Charity Navigator non-profit that has successfully revived, rehabilitated and rehomed hundreds of horses over nearly two decades, they are an excellent starting point for referrals in Maryland.

The Ranger Foundation, Reedysville, MD is a non-profit retirement home for SERVICE horses from law enforcement, equine assisted therapy centers, boarding school and college equestrian programs, etc.

Massachusetts

Central New England Equine Rescue, Barre and West Warren, MA

Lucky Horse Equine Rescue, Bolton, MA

Minnesota                                                                      (Top of Page)

Minnesota Hooved Animal Rescue Foundation, Zimmerman, MN

Missouri

Alder Hill Farm

Nebraska

Epona Horse Rescue, Minden, NE

Heartland Horse Rescue, Wahoo, NE (closing to new arrivals, but active with referrals)

KT's Lone Cedar Rescues, SE NE

Nevada

Miracle Horse Rescue, Pahrump, NV

Ohio                                                                            (Top of Page)

Last Chance Corral, South Athens, OH

The Healing Barn, Toledo, OH

W.H.I.N.N.Y. Why Horses in Need Need You, Crooksville, OH

Heartfelt Stables, Fresno, OH

Another Chance Equine Rescue, Litchfield, OH

Angels Haven Horse Rescue, Grafton, OH

NOTE:  Great TV Story video of Angels Haven rescue of horses from a hoarder by Channel 19 Action News on December 17, 2007.

Oklahoma                                                                    (Top of Page)

Blaze's Tribute Equine Sanctuary, Jones, OK

Oregon

Equamore Foundation (at Eden Farm), Ashland, OR  founded in 1991

South Dakota

Helping Hands Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation

Tennessee

Mustang Alley Horse Rescue, Round Knob/Greystone area, TN

Texas                                                                        (Top of Page)

Blue Bonnet Equine Humane Society, College Station TX BEHS President Jennifer Williams, Ph.D. provides expert testimony nationally on equine welfare issues, is on the Arabian Rescue and Research Committee of the Arabian Horse Foundation, and is the author of the acclaimed book, "How to Start and Run a Rescue."

Habitat for Horses, Hitchcock, TX 

Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch, Murchison, TX    blossomed from saving a couple of Grand Canyon burros into a 1,300 acre sanctuary and The Fund for Animals.

Utah

Best Friends Animal Santuary, Horse Haven, Kanab, UT

Utah Animal Adoption Center Equine Facility, Salt Lake City, UT

Virginia

Traveller's Rest Equine Elders Sanctuary, Spotsylvania VA

Eagle Hill Equine Rescue, Culpepper, VA

http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/VirginiaEquineRescue

Washington

People Helping Horses, Arlington, WA

The Spotlite Foundation, Lacey, WA combines Equine Assisted Therapy with Permanent Retirement of rescued horses, particularly Arabian show and breeding stock otherwise bound for slaughter or damaged by excessive showing or breeding.

Second Chance Ranch, Elma, WA  specializing in Thoroughbreds and sport horses.

Serenity Equine Rescue, Maple Valley, WA

Other Resources                                          (Top of Page)

The Del Camino Products and Services catalog offers some horse products of interest to owners of senior horses.  We also have an e-book to help people who are considering adopting a horse, rather than purchasing one.

Includes the Latest Checklists, Worksheets,
and Reference Directories for 2008

Horse Welfare Statistics

Equinezone Horse Supply

Thanks for visiting and come back again soon!  Add us to your browser's Favorites list so you can find us easily.