Photo courtesy Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary

Adoptable Horse: Lady, a 25-year-old, 15.0hh Standardbred mare
Organization: Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary, Ravenna, Ohio

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Lady

Meet Lady!

This cutie pie is still so full of life at 25, and enjoys having a job. While still respecting her aging body, but keeping her nimble and exercised, a home with some fun bareback riding is exactly what this mare is looking for.

Lady is an easy keeper with no maintenance, even staying barefoot. She picks up all of her feet like a champ and will do whatever you ask, as long as you explain it with confidence. Lady is very kind, but needs a little bit more work and some love before she’s ready to be called a kids’ horse. Happy Trails does believe that with the right people and time, she will make an excellent little packer!

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

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: Lady appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo courtesy Kentucky Equine Adoption Center

Adoptable Horse: Blame Bourbon, a 3-year-old, 16.0hh Thoroughbred gelding
Organization: Kentucky Equine Adoption Center, Lexington, Ky.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Blame Bourbon

Bourbon is a sweet yet spirited young gelding with plenty of potential for a future in lower-level riding disciplines. Due to a windpipe condition, he is not suited for high-speed activities such as jumping or barrel racing, but he is expected to thrive with the right partner in a variety of other pursuits.

This handsome gelding has built a solid foundation through groundwork and has now begun his under-saddle training. He has been successfully saddled and ridden in the round pen and will continue building confidence and experience as his training progresses. A quick learner with a willing attitude, Bourbon responds well to consistency and clear guidance, making him an exciting prospect for someone who enjoys developing a young horse. As his education advances, his adoption fee will increase accordingly (it is currently $1,000).

In the pasture, Bourbon’s friendly and social personality shines. He enjoys spending time with his herd mates and can often be found playing with his friends. As he continues to mature, he receives monthly chiropractic care to help manage occasional growing pains and currently wears front shoes to support his increasing workload.

If you’re looking for a kind, athletic young partner with a bright future, Bourbon could be the perfect match. With continued training, he’s well on his way to becoming a rewarding partner for years to come.

Contact Kentucky Equine Adoption Center today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Blame Bourbon!

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: Blame Bourbon appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

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.

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.

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.