Photo courtesy Horses’ Haven

Adoptable Horse: Kasuco, a 15-year-old, 16.0hh Andalusian gelding
Organization: Horses’ Haven, Howell, Mich.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Kasuco

KA Kasuco is a stunning double-registered Andalusian gelding with a handsome, dappled gray coat and a sweet, people-loving personality. At 15 years old, he is looking for a partner to continue his journey.

Kasuco was started under saddle as a 3-year-old but then spent many years out of work. Since being restarted, he has impressed Horses’ Haven with how quickly he is relearning his training. He is confidently working at the walk and trot, developing a balanced canter, and learning lateral work. His beautiful, floaty movement and willing attitude make him an exciting dressage prospect.

Kasuco is a sensitive horse who needs a confident and experienced rider who can be clear with what they are asking as he has the potential to become overwhelmed quickly when confused. As he continues his restart, he is developing a better understanding of the rider’s leg and is becoming more confident in carrying himself forward. He is intelligent, eager to learn, and has tremendous potential for someone who enjoys bringing along a talented horse.

He requires front shoes and light hock maintenance to stay comfortable in work and continues to build strength and fitness with regular riding.

Most of all, Kasuco is simply a lovely gelding to be around—kind, friendly, and always happy to spend time with his people. If you’re looking for a handsome Andalusian with expressive movement, a wonderful temperament, and lots of potential, Kasuco could be your perfect match.

Contact Horses’ Haven today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Kasuco!

Photo courtesy Horse and Hound Rescue Foundation

ASPCA Right Horse

ASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.

The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Kasuco appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo courtesy Longmeadow Rescue Ranch

Adoptable Horse: Ophelia, a 10-year-old, 14.1hh American Quarter Horse mare
Organization: Longmeadow Rescue Ranch, Union, Mo.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Ophelia

Ophelia came to Longmeadow with another horse when her previous owners moved and could not take their horses with them. She arrived blind in both eyes, but that didn’t stop her from being the sweetheart she is. Ophelia surprised the Longmeadow crew and settled quickly into life at the Ranch. It wasn’t long before she was ready to be evaluated by their trainers.

The first thing the trainers noted, besides Ophelia’s obvious blindness, was that this mare clearly had owners and trainers who did right by her in her past. She passed her groundwork tests with flying colors and had excellent ground manners. She was proficient in standing tied, loading in the trailer, and being bathed. The moment her evaluation began under saddle, she was perfectly comfortable putting all of her trust into our trainers. Since she is completely blind, she relied on her handler for guidance both on the ground and under saddle (due to this, she will require a strong and advanced intermediate rider at a minimum). When ridden in the arena at the walk and trot, she was a very good girl, responding well to neck reining and leg aids.

However, it’s important to note that due to Ophelia’s lack of vision, she is not suitable for a beginner rider or handler. Her trust in people can quickly diminish if she is mishandled or steered into obstacles, like a tree or wall. With her specific needs, Ophelia deserves a home with experienced individuals who can provide the proper care she needs.

Ophelia is an angel and a staff favorite. Her calm, kind demeanor and willingness to trust has softens hearts at the Ranch. She stands wonderfully for the farrier and the vet. She gets along with other horses and settles into new routines nicely. She truly is such a great mare.

Contact Longmeadow Rescue Ranch today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Ophelia!

Photo courtesy Longmeadow Rescue Ranch

ASPCA Right Horse

ASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.

The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Ophelia appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

You walk out to catch your horse and bring him in for morning feed, but he’s not at the gate. He’s standing a ways off, but as soon as he starts to move, it’s obvious something is very wrong.

He’s significantly lame, reluctant to even put weight on his left hind leg, which is so swollen it’s almost double the normal size. What’s going on?

He’s had some hard workouts this week. Could this just be “stocking up?”

Cell phone in hand, you call your veterinarian and then slowly lead your hobbling horse into the barn.

By the time the vet has come and gone, you have a diagnosis and a treatment plan.

Cellulitis.

Unlike stocking up, which usually occurs in both hind legs (or even all four legs) and goes away after exercise, cellulitis does not. Photo by Bob Langrish

What is Cellulitis?

A bacterial infection within the connective tissue beneath the skin, cellulitis is a serious and painful condition that must be addressed promptly so it doesn’t progress and cause complications.

Also referred to as septic cellulitis, the infection often occurs in one limb—frequently a hind leg—although it can develop anywhere on the body.

“Cellulitis is a soft tissue infection that is often due to a puncture wound. It can happen anywhere in the body, but most of the time, it’s in a leg,” says Sam Crosby, DVM, whose equine veterinary practice is based in Arcadia, Okla. “It can also be introduced by a systemic infection, such as an infection of the bloodstream.”

Because cellulitis can develop rapidly, at first glance, it may appear that the horse has a fracture—especially because the considerable swelling is usually accompanied by dramatic lameness.

“The horse often doesn’t want to put weight on the leg and can be a 3 to 5 [out of 5] on the lameness scale,” he adds, noting that horses with cellulitis may react painfully just to having the limb touched.

In addition to obvious lameness when cellulitis is in a leg, other clinical signs include:

◆ Marked swelling (“stovepipe” appearance if in leg)

◆ Heat in the swollen limb

◆ Very painful to the touch

◆ Pitting edema (when an indentation remains in the swollen spot after you press on the skin)

In addition to marked lameness, a swelling or “stovepipe” appearance, generally in one hind leg, is a common clue that cellulitis is the cause. Photo by Bob Langrish

Diagnosis

If your horse shows clinical signs of cellulitis, call your veterinarian promptly. While you’re waiting for the vet to arrive, take your horse’s temperature to see if he’s running a fever. You can also hose the swollen leg with cold water to offer some relief.

The veterinarian will conduct a physical exam and will generally pull blood to run a complete blood count (CBC). A high white blood cell count indicates infection.

“We can also do a quick stall-side blood test called an SAA,” says Crosby. “This can be done on site and checks for inflammatory conditions, including infections. Vets often use both CBC and SAA test kits.”

If cellulitis is suspected, your horse’s veterinarian will run a complete blood count (CBC). A high white blood cell count indicates infection. Photo by GRUBäRin/Adobe Stock

If there’s any question of a foreign body being involved, the veterinarian may also use radiography or ultrasound to take a deeper look at the affected area.

“It usually takes 12 hours or more to develop cellulitis, but it can also show up several days after an injury,” he adds.

Treating a Horse for Cellulitis

“Cellulitis is very painful for the horse, and you want to get the swelling down as quickly as possible because it can cause other problems if not treated,” says Crosby.

If allowed to progress without treatment, cellulitis can lead to skin ulceration, abscesses, tissue necrosis or even sepsis. Other complications can include inflammation of the lymph vessels (lymphangitis), which can cause permanent damage. Laminitis in the supporting limb has also occurred in severe cases of cellulitis.

If a wound is discovered while examining the horse, the veterinarian may take a sample to culture and determine specific bacteria. But the first step is usually putting the horse on a course of broad-spectrum antibiotics to get the infection under control. This can also help stave off any secondary infection.

Your veterinarian will also prescribe an anti-inflammatory like phenylbutazone (Bute) or flunixin (Banamine) to reduce inflammation and pain.

In some cases when the condition is due to an infected wound, the veterinarian may need to address drainage and debriding of tissue.

It’s crucial to address the swelling caused by accumulated fluid. Hosing with cold water will help. Your veterinarian may recommend the use of poultice or a similar product to help draw out fluid. In addition, you’ll likely be told to hand walk your horse multiple times a day, as movement helps reduce the swelling.

It’s crucial to address the swelling caused by accumulated fluid. Hosing with cold water will help. Photo by R. Andreas Klein/Adobe Stock

Don’t bandage the swollen limb unless specifically instructed by your veterinarian, or you may cause additional swelling.

What It’s Not

“True cellulitis is typically in one limb,” says Crosby. “If all four limbs are swollen, it’s more likely systemic, such as purpura hemorrhagica (PH). This happens when blood vessels become ‘leaky’ after a respiratory infection like strangles or influenza.” He adds that PH is a result of an improper immune response and isn’t contagious.

Cellulitis is also very different from “stocking up,” which occurs when fluid in the lower legs accumulates during a period of inactivity, such as being stalled overnight. This edema can involve both hind legs, both forelegs, or all four legs. The swelling is typically the same in all affected legs, which aren’t hot to the touch or painful. With stocking up, the swelling usually resolves quickly once the horse is exercised or turned out.

Your vet will likely advise hand-walking your horse multiple times per day to help reduce swelling. Photo by Oger Ashford/Adobe Stock

Cellulitis Prevention

Unfortunately, once some horses have had cellulitis, they can have recurrent cases if they end up in a situation where bacteria is introduced under the skin again.

To prevent cellulitis, it’s important to clean any wound or breaks in the skin promptly. Treat the area and keep it clean to avoid infection.

Even if you aren’t riding, don’t skip daily close observation of horses. Check legs and pick hooves every day. Run your hand up and down each leg to feel for any injuries that may not be immediately obvious. Beware of any small wounds, breaks in the skin, or hoof cracks that can allow entry for bacteria, and treat them accordingly.

Scratches, dew poisoning, cracked heels, hoof abscesses, et cetera can all allow bacteria to enter beneath the skin, potentially setting off infection.

“Don’t assume any cut is minor; it can become serious if it develops into cellulitis,” cautions Crosby, who recently treated a bad case of cellulitis after a horse developed a subsolar abscess in the foot.

Because cellulitis is caused by bacteria, stable management is important. This includes keeping stalls and turnout areas clean and dry, so horses aren’t routinely standing in moist, dirty, or muddy conditions.

This article about cellulitis in horses appeared in the May/June 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Cellulitis in Horses appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo courtesy Days End Farm Horse Rescue

Adoptable Horse: Ocean, a 27-year-old, 14.2hh American Quarter Horse mare
Organization: Days End Farm Horse Rescue, Woodbine, Md.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Ocean

Meet Ocean! At 27 years old, this beautiful buckskin mare is ready to spend her golden years as the perfect companion horse. Ocean is a large pony with a sweet presence and funny personality, making her a wonderful addition to any farm.

While she may be retired from riding, Ocean still enjoys staying active. A few days each week, she participates in basic groundwork with a volunteer trainer to keep her body moving and her mind engaged. She enjoys having a little job and spending extra time with people.

Ocean would make a wonderful companion for someone looking for a kind, easy horse to love, groom, and enjoy. Could Ocean be the perfect addition to your herd?

Contact Days End Farm Horse Rescue today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Ocean!

Photo courtesy Days End Farm Horse Rescue

ASPCA Right Horse

ASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.

The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Ocean appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo courtesy Wild at Heart Horse Rescue

Adoptable Horse: Pearl, a 13-year-old, 14.0hh pinto mare
Organization: Wild at Heart Horse Rescue, Lancaster, Calif.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Pearl

Say hello to Pearl, a stunning 2013 pinto mare with those unforgettable blue eyes that are sure to turn heads wherever she goes! She’s completed Wild at Heart’s groundwork training and is now stepping into her under-saddle journey.

Pearl has the brains, attitude, and willingness to make her next chapter exactly what you dream of. If you’re looking for a beautiful, smart, and eager mare to finish into your favorite discipline—whether that’s out on the trail or in the arena—Pearl is ready to shine.

Contact Wild at Heart Horse Rescue today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Pearl!

Photo courtesy Wild at Heart Horse Rescue

ASPCA Right Horse

ASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.

The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Pearl appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Summer brings its own set of challenges for extremely sensitive-skinned horses, as insects, sweat, humidity, and even insect repellent products can trigger skin irritation.

Photo by niku16/Adobe Stock

Prioritize Insect Control

Horses with insect allergies may develop equine eosinophilic collagenolytic granulomas—round, firm, raised nodules that are often covered by normal-looking hair. Consistent insect management, including fly sheets, masks, boots, fans, and topical insect repellent products like fly spray, may help reduce reactions in susceptible horses.

When sensitive–skinned horses are bitten by insects, the resulting itching and inflammation can lead to rubbing, scratching or biting. This trauma weakens the skin barrier, providing an entry point for bacteria and increasing the risk of secondary skin problems, including rain rot and staph infections.

Choose Fly Spray Carefully

For some sensitive–skinned horses, fly control presents a catch-22: Insect bites trigger irritation, but the fly spray used to prevent them may also cause a reaction. Certain horses may be sensitive to the active ingredients or carriers used in a particular formula, including the ingredients that distinguish water-based from oil-based fly sprays.

Water-based fly sprays are typically lighter, dry more quickly, and leave less residue, making them a useful option for horses that have skin reactions to oil-based products.

Oil-based formulas often last longer and resist sweat or light rain, but they can leave an oily buildup that traps dirt and sweat against the coat, which can lead to secondary skin conditions or allergic reactivity.

Regardless of the formula, patch-test every new fly spray on a small area for 24 to 48 hours before applying it all over the horse. This can prevent a localized sensitivity from becoming a widespread reaction.

Stop using any product that causes redness, swelling, hives, itching, or hair loss, secondary infections, and hose the horse’s skin down immediately if they do react. Because frequently rotating products can make skin triggers difficult to identify, introduce only one new product at a time.

Sweat, Humidity and Summer Skin Flare-Ups

Summer heat, humidity and frequent insect exposure can keep a sensitive horse’s skin damp and irritated for hours.

After riding or turnout, remove sweat and dirt from high-friction areas such as beneath the saddle, girth, mane and between the hind legs. Hose off, bathe, or wipe the coat as needed, then allow it to dry completely before applying fly sheets, fly boots, etc.

Check the skin regularly for early crusting, scabs, itching, swelling, or hair loss in the summer, especially during very hot and humid weather. Persistent moisture from humidity, insect bites, and rubbing can weaken the skin barrier and contribute to rain rot or secondary bacterial infections.

Clean grooming tools, tack, and saddle pads regularly to prevent sweat, dirt, product residue, and infectious organisms from building up and further irritating sensitive skin.

The post Summer Survival Guide for Horses with Extremely Sensitive Skin appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

A destructive parasitic fly, New World screwworm larvae burrow into and consume living tissue, causing deep, painful wounds and even death if not properly treated. All warm-blooded animals are susceptible to a New World screwworm infestation, including livestock, wildlife, companion animals and humans.  

New World screwworm larvae do not feed off dead or decaying surface tissue like other species of fly larvae; screwworm larvae feed on living tissue in an already-injured area of the body. Horses that have injuries like cuts or scrapes, those who have had surgery and have incision areas (such as castration or colic surgeries), and a foal’s umbilical stump can all be hospitable areas where the female fly may lay eggs. Also at-risk are sites where the horse has received vaccines, been microchipped or been branded, as well as areas like the nostrils, eyes and genitals, which are thin-skinned and moist. Tick and insect bites are also susceptible to New World screwworm larvae infestation. 

Native to warm, humid areas like Mexico, Central America, most of South America and the Caribbean, the warming climate in the United States has made it more-hospitable than in decades past. Thankfully, NWS larvae cannot live in soil temperatures below 46 degrees F, so many areas of the country cannot support the insect during fall and winter months.  

It’s not just the climate that has made the United States more welcoming to New World screwworm; the international movement of livestock allows once-contained pathogens, parasites and diseases the opportunity to spread beyond country borders.  

NWS was successfully eradicated from the United States in the 1966. The elimination efforts utilized a three-pronged approach that cost $32 million to complete. They included: 

1. Farmer education: the United States Department of Agriculture urged producers to examine their animals and showed them what to be on the lookout for.

2. The development of Smear 62, a pesticide targeted at New World screwworm. 

3. The laboratory creation of sterile male New World screwworm flies. The USDA mass-produced millions of male screwworm flies in laboratories and sterilized them using gamma radiation before releasing them into infested areas. Female screwworms mate only once in their lifetime, so the population plummeted rapidly when they did not become pregnant. 

The sterile-fly efforts have continued since the 60s, but the eradication from the United States was not permanent. There have been multiple breaches of the eradication zone, requiring continued diligence on the part of livestock owners as well as the USDA. 

Signs of a New World Screwworm Infestation 

Currently, only Texas and New Mexico have found New World screwworm larvae on animals in their state, and none of those cases have been in horses (as of August 19, 2026). They have been found in sheep, a goat and a livestock guardian dog protecting a flock of sheep.   

A screwworm infestation in horses looks like:  

◆ Severe pain that warrants veterinary intervention  

◆ Wounds that don’t heal 

◆ Maggots that are visible to the naked eye (the eggs are difficult to see) 

◆ Foul odor 

A female New World screwworm can lay 200 to 300 eggs in a wound and screwworm eggs hatch within about 12 to 24 hours, so a minor wound can escalate rapidly over a matter of days as larvae begin feeding on living tissue. “Left untreated, severe infestations can become life-threatening within about a week, particularly in young, debilitated or heavily infested animals,” says Dr. Katie Flynn, Senior Staff Veterinarian, Equine Health and Biosecurity at US Equestrian. “That’s why even a seemingly minor wound in an at-risk area should be taken seriously and checked promptly.” 

If you suspect your horse has a screwworm infestation, isolate your horse and call your veterinarian. You will need to tell him or her if the larvae are eating live or dead tissue as this will help them determine a diagnosis even before they come out to your horse. They may ask for photos before they come out to see you, so be prepared to take focused images in good lighting of the wound and area surrounding it. 

New World screwworm can only be confirmed by a laboratory; your vet will submit the larvae to the lab, and if it is confirmed as New World screwworm, the state animal health veterinarian and USDA officials will be alerted. They will draw a 12-mile radius around the positive case and call that area the “infested zone.” All animals inside that zone except the infested animal are able to move, but may have some restrictions on where and how they can travel placed on them. These restrictions vary by state. Equine activities within these infested zones may be prohibited by the state veterinarian.

Treatment 

A New World Screwworm infestation isn’t a death knell, but it does take diligent care to ensure that every last larvae is removed from the wound. In severe cases, debridement by a vet may be necessary to expose all the injured tissue.  

Examining your horse daily is good horsekeeping practice, but it’s especially imperative in infested zones, in areas bordering infested zones and whenever your horse is co-mingling in areas with horses from other regions, like at trail rides and competitions. “Just because a wound looks small does not mean the risk is small,” Dr. Flynn reiterates. Special care should be taken to look closely around wounds, surgical sites, insect bites, eyes, ears, nose and sheath or vulval areas. 

 Horse owners should also:  

◆ Clean wounds daily and apply protective barriers like bandages or creams to prevent fly access.

◆ Use fly spray liberally on horses and consider using fly masks and sheets as additional barriers.

◆ Follow veterinarian guidance. If you’re in an infested zone, your veterinarian may recommend proactively using drugs on a wound that have been issued Emergency Use Authorizations to prevent New World screwworm infestation, including injections, powders, ointments, tablet, liquids and solutions. Find those drugs here.

Photo by Terri Cage/Adobe Stock

Travel Information  

If you intend to travel with your horse from a state impacted by NWS (Texas and New Mexico as of August 19, 2026), your horse will need to be examined for screwworm by a veterinarian before leaving the state and a form must be completed indicating that the vet deems the horse free of New World screwworm. The horse may be required to be inspected by a veterinarian for wounds upon arrival at its destination (depending on the state into which it is shipping) and a report must be filed with the state vet of origin’s office. If any other animals made the journey, like a dog, they may also be inspected. 

The end goal of any additional inspections is to try to continue to keep as many livestock activities as close to normal as possible, including transportation, recreation and sales – but due diligence is imperative. The very best ways to combat New World screwworm, are to inspect your animal for wounds, report suspect larvae and protect wounds with topical treatments. 

It’s important to understand that New World screwworm isn’t just a threat to horses and other livestock that live in or near the infected zones. As livestock readily travel throughout the U.S. and around the globe, a localized infestation can quickly escalate into a multi-state issue. Owner diligence is the first and best line of defense in safeguarding horses and the entire equine industry.  

For up-to-date NWS outbreak information, visit screwworm.gov. 

For a list of approved drugs for NWS, check out this FDA list and this USDA list.

This article is a web exclusive for Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post New World Screwworm Has Breached U.S. Borders: What’s Next? appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo courtesy Second Stride

Adoptable Horse: SS Nice Nicole AKA Athena, a 13-year-old, 15.0hh Thoroughbred mare
Organization: Second Stride, Prospect, Ky.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse SS Nice Nicole AKA Athena

SS Nicole Nicole, AKA Athena, never worked or raced.

She was originally in Second Stride’s program in 2016 when she arrived from an abandonment situation. She was sound at then and still appears to be now; Second Stride does not know her past injury history if any. Athena was adopted in 2016 sound and well-mannered under saddle. They are not sure if she has any breeding history. In her last home, she was being used as a reliable trail horse and was being ridden bareback.

Athena is a very sweet, kind mare that enjoys people. She is well-mannered for her grooming and bathing sessions and stands politely for the vet and farrier. She walks politely on a lead rope and gets along well with her friends in the field. She remains quiet in her stall and settles down quickly to graze.

Athena should be suitable for any age discipline. She is available to an adopter who agrees to keep her for life or return her to Second Stride if no longer able to care for her.

Contact Second Stride today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, SS Nice Nicole AKA Athena!

Photo courtesy Second Stride

ASPCA Right Horse

ASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.

The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: SS Nice Nicole AKA Athena appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

“At the ASPCA, and for many of our partners across the country, collaborating with foster volunteers who help us support animals along their journey is a vital part of the work we do, and we couldn’t be more thankful for foster caregivers nationwide,” says Calin Caldwell, director of the ASPCA Right Horse Program.

How Fostering Helps

More than a way to say thank you, Animal Foster Appreciation Week is also a time to illuminate how the fostering process works and how fostering aids adoption efforts overall.

“Like dog and cat fosters, fostering a horse is similar in that equine foster caregivers get to be a temporary part of a horse’s life by housing and caring for them while they await their new adoptive home,” says Caldwell.

She says that by fostering, you allow your local shelter or rescue to keep an open stall for the next horse needing help. Further, she says that by fostering just one horse, you are helping multiple horses safely transition to new homes and receive needed care.

“It’s a fulfilling experience and further expands a system of support for horses in your community,” says Caldwell.

Nicky Walters, director of the West Virginia Horse Network (WVHN) in Elkview, W. Va., elaborates.

“The West Virginia Horse Network has a small barn and a small team of volunteers, most of whom work full-time or have family obligations,” she says. “Because of this, and because our facility is fairly small, fosters are a vital part of the work we do. Through working with fosters, we can house up to 20 or so horses at any given time. Without fosters, our capacity would be half that.”

Kenzie Lockard is a former member of West Virginia Horse Network’s Barn Buddy program for kids. She has fostered, trained, and rehomed numerous ponies and Minis for the WVHN, taking them to shows and helping market them to potential adopters. Photo courtesy Nicky Walters, West Virginia Horse Network

Walters explains that beyond space, fosters help the organization by providing one-on-one attention and training to individual horses.

“I cannot overstate the value of having fosters who can work with, observe, and get to know one or two horses very well,” she says. “They catch things that may not be seen in an environment where there are multiple horses. They can get to know horses intimately, which helps us market the horses with more accuracy. We can connect potential adopters with a horse’s foster to get to know that horse with more detail than we could provide otherwise.”

Walters shares that fostering not only increases the quantity of horses her organization can help, but also the quality of care and training the horse receives. She says that building the group’s team of fosters has further allowed the organization to grow over the last decade.

Fostering Options

If you’re considering taking part, Caldwell says that both short and long-term fostering options are available. Commitment requirements will vary by adoption organization, so the ASPCA encourages individuals considering fostering to visit myrighthorse.org to find local shelters and rescues.

The fostering program at the WVHN is a robust one and provides some good examples of available options. In their organization, fosters are categorized into different groups based on the individual foster home’s strengths, how much time they have available, what kind of facility they have, et cetera.

“We have ‘training fosters’ who we know have the skills and willingness to actively work with their foster horses,” says Walters. The WVHN tends to focus on senior horses, companion horses, ponies, and Minis.

“The ‘training’ that we are asking for is fine-tuning basic handling skills, getting a horse better socialized, or a riding refresher,” she adds. “Training fosters typically need to have an arena or similar space to work.”

Kadence Young is another former member of the Barn Buddy kids’ program at WVHN turned foster. Young has become a stellar and patient trainer and foster. Photo courtesy Nicky Walters, West Virginia Horse Network

A second category is “rehabbing fosters.” These fosters, Walters says, are those interested in working with medical challenges or horses who may need extra support to gain weight.

“This can be rewarding for those fosters who enjoy playing a hands-on role in the most critical aspects of a horse’s journey to better health,” explains Walters. “These fosters need to have time to monitor the horse closely and a willingness to work closely with us to discuss feed and medication adjustments.” She says they also typically need to have the ability to stall a horse as needed.

Finally, the organization has a group of fosters who can just allow a horse to “hang out” until he or she finds the right home.

“They still handle the horse for routine things like farrier care, grooming, and other maintenance,” says Walters. “For the most part, they provide basic care, help us with marketing, and talk to potential adopters until the horse is either placed or needs to be moved to another foster to fill a training gap we may have missed initially.”

She says that these spots are usually for the horses that are already “adoptable” who are simply waiting for their perfect person. The WVHN strives not to keep horses in the same foster home for an extended time.

“The goal is always to find the horses a home,” says Walters.

If you choose to foster, regardless of which organization you work with, Caldwell advises you to carefully assess them for trustworthiness.

“If you look outside myrighthorse.org, be sure the shelter or rescue is a non-profit or municipal organization and is transparent and supportive throughout the foster process,” she says.

“Trustworthy organizations will have guidelines on what fosters are expected to provide versus what the shelter covers, such as veterinary and farrier care, hay, grain, and other supplies, and will answer questions related to behavioral or medical needs.”

The Ideal Candidate

If these options sound like something you may be able to provide, Caldwell says that those with extra land or the ability to secure a stall can be great candidates to foster a horse.

“Adoption organizations are experts in matching the appropriate horse for your skill level, whether beginner or expert, and at providing education and guidance during the process.”

Cariana Christen joined the WVHN’s Barn Buddies program at the age of 5. She has fostered and even shown several horses to help them get adopted. Photo courtesy Nicky Walters, West Virginia Horse Network

Walters further explains that the ideal foster either has horse experience or is very willing to learn and absorb the direction and information her team is willing to share.

“We don’t expect every foster to be an expert,” she says. “We go out of our way to provide continuing education to our fosters to help them learn. We believe this will ultimately help educate the horse community, while also helping us grow our foster base.”

Other key characteristics, she adds, are cooperation and collaboration—needed for scheduling and executing farrier and veterinary appointments—and good communication, needed to help fosters find their perfect adoptable home.

Taking the Plunge

If you have a willingness to help and these options describe and fit you, Caldwell says that the first step is to find an organization in your community that is looking for equine foster homes.

“One of the easiest ways to become a foster is through the ASPCA’s website, myrighthorse.org,” she says. “When you look at available horses, you’ll notice some have an ‘inquire about fostering’ button on their profile. That indicates their organization is looking for foster homes and you should reach out if you are interested.”

Walters says although her organization is open to meeting new, potential fosters outside of their immediate area, fosters usually come to the WVHN through word of mouth. New this March, the organization will host a foster continuing education and recruitment event.

She says that those interested in fostering should be prepared to send pictures of their facility and allow their vet and farrier to chat with a representative of the organization. Fostering candidates should email the WVHN and include as many details about themselves and their situation as possible. You should also include the type of foster—training, rehab, or “hanging out”—that you would like to be.

Caldwell explains that all ASPCA Right Horse Adoption Partners want to ensure the foster experience is a good one for everyone involved.

“After you reach out, they’ll likely start a conservation to learn more about your facility, interest, and training experience,” she says. “Similar to the adoption process, they’ll use that information to find a good equine match for you. If you have extensive training experience, they may match you with a foster horse who needs a more experienced handler. Or, if you’re still learning the ropes of horse care, they may find you a more experienced equine. Once you’re settled and have your new foster horse, they’ll be in close contact to provide support and guidance as the horse settles in.”

Many times, she says, you’ll also be able to help find your foster horse his next home. This is a special and rewarding part of being a foster home.

If you’re still on the fence about fostering, Caldwell says that it can be a great way to bring a new equine into your life without the long-term commitment of horse ownership.

“It’s a fun and rewarding way to spend time with horses and make a lifesaving difference for at-risk horses in your community,” she says.

A Foster Success Story

Walters says that fosters aren’t the icing on the cake: they are the eggs, flour, and sugar.

“In other words, without them, what we do simply doesn’t work with the limited resources that we have available,” she says. While she has many foster success stories to choose from, Stewart’s story is one from her organization’s current group of horses.

“Stewart has been with the rescue off and on for close to three years,” Walters says. “He is a 20-year-old Paso Fino. We tried him at various foster homes. He struggled to find a place where he really thrived. He’s the horse version of an introvert being forced to socialize for the benefit of extroverted friends.”

Stewart, a 20-year-old Paso Fino, is living his best life with a “hang-out” foster, where he can have the 24/7 turnout he needs. Photo courtesy Nicky Walters, West Virginia Horse Network

She says that Stewart was adopted once around a year into his time at the rescue. Through no fault of Stewart’s, that adoption didn’t work out. He ended up coming back to the main facility, where they couldn’t offer him the 24/7 turnout he needed.

After some starts and stops, Stewart was able to find his perfect situation with one of the organization’s hang-out fosters, Ariel Kessler.

“Stewart is living in bliss, his very best life,” Walters says. “I frequently receive silly videos of Stewart running and playing with his much larger horse friend. He’s the happiest he’s ever been. Our fosters are willing to love these horses as their own, and we couldn’t ask for anything more.”

As for promoting Animal Foster Appreciation Week, Caldwell says that the ASPCA always likes celebrating the incredible work foster homes are doing on social media. She encourages joining the celebration by using the hashtag #RightHorse to join the conversation and share your foster story.

This article about ASPCA National Animal Foster Appreciation Week appeared in the July/August 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post ASPCA National Animal Foster Appreciation Week appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo courtesy Horses’ Haven

Adoptable Horse: Abby, a 19-year-old, 13.2hh grade mare
Organization: Horses’ Haven, Howell, Mich.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Abby

With her striking grulla coloring and kind expression, Abby is the type of mare who effortlessly captures attention. Recently returned after spending the past three years as a cherished companion horse, she is now looking for her next forever home.

Abby is a non-riding companion mare with a sweet, calm personality. One of her volunteer grooms, who was new to horse care, described her as “a sweet girl with a calm personality” who was patient and forgiving while they learned. Abby walks nicely on a lead, stands quietly for grooming, and is the kind of horse that helps build confidence in the people around her.

Though mildly neurologic in the hind end, this doesn’t prevent her from receiving routine care, including farrier work and handling. In fact, it simply adds a little extra swagger to her step and makes her even more memorable.

Overall, Abby is a sweet and gentle girl who enjoys attention, companionship, and being part of a herd. She has been pastured with mares, geldings and mules in the past. She would be an excellent match for someone looking for a beautiful pasture companion, a friend for another horse, or simply a mare to love and spend time with.

Contact Horses’ Haven today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Abby!

Photo courtesy Horses’ Haven

ASPCA Right Horse

ASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.

The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Abby appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.