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.

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.

Photo courtesy Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary

Adoptable Horse: Flying Comet, a 23-year-old, 15.1hh Standardbred gelding
Organization: Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary, Ravenna, Ohio

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Flying Comet

Meet Comet, a wonderfully behaved Standardbred who’s ready to squeeze his way into your family.

Comet is an absolute gem. He is kind and always eager to please. This sweet soul enjoys long, leisurely walks down grassy roads and a quiet plod around the trails once or twice a week. He’s patiently waiting to begin his next chapter and start a new career. He tacks up very quietly and has plenty of “old-man energy” under saddle.

He’s the kind of horse you can let sit for months and come back to just as you left him. He’s steady, dependable, and full of heart. Keeping him moving, but still respecting his aging body will be the perfect combo for this boy.

With his gentle eyes and genuine personality, Comet has already stolen the hearts of those at Happy Trails… And now he’s ready to steal yours, too.

Please note that Comet is currently getting 1 tab Equioxx daily to help with his arthritis

Contact Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Flying Comet!

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: Flying Comet appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo courtesy West Virginia Horse Network

Adoptable Horse: Dakota, a 20-year-old, 14.2hh grade mare
Organization: West Virginia Horse Network, Elkview, W.Va.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Dakota

Dakota is a 20-year-old grade mare who is broke to ride and is an amazing trail horse that is up for any level of trail.

She has a very big trot and a smooth canter that would look nice in the arena as well. She is a little forward and needs more miles, so Dakota is not suitable for a beginner but not hard to handle.

Dakota stands to be groomed, bathed and great for the farrier. She loads on the trailer without a fuss and backs off the trailer. She has been exposed to multiple obstacles and handled them like a dream.

West Virginia Horse Network can’t say enough nice things about Dakota. Once she bonds with you, she is an extremely sweet girl that loves attention.

Dakota is much happier in a pasture environment and is a little higher in the pecking order but not mean to other horses. She can be a challenge to catch, but once you have her, she relaxes and is easy for all necessary care and handling.

Dakota had to have an eye removed recently but she is adapting fine.

Again, Dakota isn’t for a beginner and will need at least an intermediate adopter. She is used to being ridden in a hackamore.

West Virginia Horse Network is able to allow potential adopters to speak to both Dakota’s current foster as well as her previous adopter to give additional perspective and answer any questions. Dakota is currently fostered in Maryland.

Contact West Virginia Horse Network today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Dakota!

Photo courtesy West Virginia Horse Network

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: Dakota appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo courtesy Wild at Heart Horse Rescue

Adoptable Horse: Jax, a 22-year-old, 14.1hh American Quarter Horse gelding
Organization: Wild at Heart Horse Rescue, Lancaster, Calif.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Jax

Meet Jax, a sweet gelding who is ready to find his soft landing. This handsome gentleman is looking for a companion home or a family who would love to welcome him as a cherished pet.

Jax has the kind, steady presence that makes him a wonderful barn buddy. He would thrive in a home where he can enjoy turnout time with other horses, soak up attention, and simply be loved for who he is. Whether he’s keeping another horse company or greeting you at the gate for scratches and treats, Jax is happiest when he’s part of the family.

At this stage of his life, Jax deserves a peaceful environment where he can relax and enjoy his days. He would be perfect for someone wanting a low-pressure horse to dote on, groom, and share quiet moments with.

If you have room in your heart and pasture for a deserving gelding who just wants to be someone’s special boy, Jax is waiting to meet you.

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

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: Jax appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo courtesy Houston Humane Society

Adoptable Horse: Raven, a 26-year-old, 14.0hh grade Standardbred-cross mare
Organization: Houston Humane Society, Houston, Texas

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Raven

This sweet, older black Standardbred-cross mare is a gentle soul with a quiet, steady personality. Raven came to the Houston Humane Society as part of a cruelty case but has shown remarkable resilience. She has been steadily gaining weight and improving in condition, proving that with proper care, she will thrive.

Raven is broke to ride and has a calm, sensible demeanor under saddle, making her an enjoyable partner for relaxed riding. She appreciates a quiet, confident handler and does best with a steady routine. She loves grooming and is beginner-friendly, making her a wonderful choice for someone looking for a kind and forgiving partner.

In the meantime, she enjoys calm handling, consistent routines, and quiet time in turnout.

Raven would do best in a safe, kind home that can continue supporting her recovery and provide a comfortable, consistent environment. With the right care, she promises to be a loving, reliable companion for someone looking for a calm, steady partner to share her golden years.

Contact Houston Humane Society today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Raven!

Photo courtesy Houston Humane Society

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: Raven appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo courtesy Lollypop Farm

Adoptable Horse: Stephan (Real Sly), a 20-year-old, 16.1hh Thoroughbred gelding
Organization: Lollypop Farm, Fairport, N.Y.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Stephan

Stephan (Jockey Club name Real Sly) came to Lollypop Farm with high praises. This sweet boy was loved on by his previous owner for most of his life, but due to unfortunate circumstances in the owner’s life, he is looking for another caring family to call home.

As a non-riding, companion only horse, Stephan gets to enjoy the rest of his life as a pasture pal. But he still deserves praise for how much he has done in his life — he raced, showed, trailered often, and has adjusted well to different homes. He is non-rideable due to conformational issues, including a club foot.

Stephan has been great for grooming, handling, vet, farrier, you name it! He is uitable for a beginner-intermediate handler.

His adoption fee is $300, or he is also eligible for the C.A.R.E Program.

Contact Lollypop Farm today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Stephan!

Photo courtesy Lollypop Farm

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: Stephan (Real Sly) appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo courtesy February Star Sanctuary

Adoptable Horse: Trip Sevens (Ace), a 5-year-old, 16.0hh Thoroughbred gelding
Organization: February Star Sanctuary, Knoxville, Md.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Trip Sevens (Ace)

Who doesn’t love a gorgeous gray? Trip Sevens, known around the barn as Ace, is a 5-year-old, off-track Thoroughbred that came to February Star Sanctuary from Aftercare Charles Town.

Ace is as sweet as he is handsome. He loves being around people, is a big fan of getting attention and affection, and is both calm and curious — he’ll probably be the first to greet you at the barn. Being the softy that he is, he can get spooked, so February Star thinks he’ll be best with an experienced, confident adopter who can help him learn groundwork and manners. He’s in the process of healing from an injury that will take about one year to properly heal, so at this time, he’s available as a companion horse. February Star does believe that with patience and correct management, he could eventually be a light trail rider.

Contact February Star Sanctuary today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Trip Sevens (Ace)!

Photo courtesy February Star Sanctuary

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: Trip Sevens (Ace) appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.