adopt a horse month Archives - Horse Illustrated Magazine https://www.horseillustrated.com/tag/adopt-a-horse-month/ Wed, 21 May 2025 21:48:09 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 Adopt a Horse Month 2025: Finding Forever https://www.horseillustrated.com/adopt-a-horse-month-2025-finding-forever/ https://www.horseillustrated.com/adopt-a-horse-month-2025-finding-forever/#respond Thu, 22 May 2025 10:00:50 +0000 https://www.horseillustrated.com/?p=943063 Adopting a horse, regardless of when or how it occurs, is always a special occasion and a reason to celebrate. But since 2021, the entire month of May has been dedicated to placing special emphasis on promoting adoptable horses and, very likely, placing them in a perfectly matched new home. Will 2025 be the year […]

The post Adopt a Horse Month 2025: Finding Forever appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

]]>
Adopting a horse, regardless of when or how it occurs, is always a special occasion and a reason to celebrate. But since 2021, the entire month of May has been dedicated to placing special emphasis on promoting adoptable horses and, very likely, placing them in a perfectly matched new home. Will 2025 be the year that you take part in Adopt a Horse Month?

Cheyenne & Whisper

Alexa Atchison of West Farmington, Ohio, had always dreamed of owning a horse.

“When I was told that I was going to get one, I couldn’t keep my eyes off myrighthorse.org,” Atchison says.

While much needed to be done before she and her family were able to bring a new horse home, when she saw Cheyenne and her dam advertised, they immediately planned a visit for the following day to ASPCA Right Horse Partner Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary in nearby Raveena, Ohio. During the visit, while Atchison was busy meeting the horses, her father noticed the cute-faced Whisper in the stall across the aisle.

“Her fee happened to be waived for Adopt a Horse Month,” Atchison says. The family was smitten with her and signed the papers that evening. “I fell in love with Cheyenne, and Whisper was the perfect companion to help her leave her mother. I was thrilled, because not only did my dream come true with bringing Cheyenne home, but because of Adopt a Horse Month, we were able to bring Whisper home, too.”

Alexa Atchison and Cheyenne, who she adopted during Adopt A Horse Month.
Alexa Atchison adopted Cheyenne in May, and decided to take home Whisper as well, whose fee was waived for Adopt a Horse Month. Photo courtesy Alexa Atchison

Pony Hero

In 2024, Alina Bartlett of Springdale, Ark., adopted Hero. Bartlett had previously adopted other horses from the ASPCA Equine Transition and Adoption Center (ETAC) in El Reno, Okla., but unlike her other adoptions, Hero was not supposed to stay.

In the process of being relinquished by owners that could no longer care for him, Hero stayed with Bartlett overnight before she was to return him to the ETAC.

“He was coming to my house for only one night,” Bartlett recalls. She says that while she didn’t know Hero’s entire story, she did know that at some point he was mistreated. “In his younger years as he was growing, his halter had grown into his soft tissue and had to be surgically removed.”

Hero was also exhibiting some behavioral challenges while at Bartlett’s home. He was very nervous and untrusting around people. As such, Bartlett placed Hero in a stall and advised her boyfriend, David, to be watchful. Wanting to ease David’s mind, she also told him not to worry because the pony would be going back to the ASPCA in the morning.

A bit later, as Bartlett was feeding her other horses, she found David sitting in a lawn chair in the stall with Hero. Soon enough, Hero had taken to David and was allowing him to give pets and scratches, much to everyone’s surprise.

David bonding with the timid pony in a stall.
David spent hours bonding with the timid pony, who ended up staying as a permanent resident at Alina Bartlett’s farm. Photo courtesy Alina Bartlett

“I had no need for a pony, nor did I want this one,” Bartlett says. “I was taking this pony back and adopting another horse.” David, however, had another idea. He spent hours in the stall forming a bond with the timid little pony.

“David fell in love with this pony,” she says. The next morning, as she went to hook up her trailer and head out, David told her to call whoever she needed to and find out how to keep the pony.

Now, she says, on top of the many horses they already have, they also have a pony that is just around for David to love on.

“Hero is very spoiled and really only likes David,” Bartlett says. “He was meant to be here with David. They needed each other.”

Ella’s Story

“Adopt a Horse Month is such a great opportunity to promote our available equines,” says Allison Hungerford, director of communications for the Susquehanna SPCA in Cooperstown, N.Y., an ASPCA Right Horse Partner.

In 2024, the organization received a stipend from the ASPCA Right Horse program to spend on paid advertising for their horses, something that allowed them to expand their audience.

“The opportunity was one that I was grateful for because so many of our adoptable horses at the time were going to be happiest living out their days as companions only, which is something that can be an adoption hurdle,” she says. With the stipend, Hungerford was able to target groups looking for horses similar to the ones at the facility.

“While these promotions increased inquiries for all of our adoptable equines, there was one horse in particular that found her match through the campaign,” Hungerford says.

Ella had come to the Susquehanna SPCA through a suspected animal cruelty case.

“She was extremely emaciated upon arrival and had a foal at her side that she was caring for,” Hungerford recalls. “After the case was closed, Ella became ours. Ella’s foal was quickly adopted, and she was healthy and searching for a pasture where she could spend her days relaxing while munching on grass, maybe participating in some light riding now and then.”

A mare and foal rescued from a cruelty case.
BEFORE: Ella came in from a suspected animal cruelty case with a foal at her side. Though the youngster was quickly adopted, Ella took more time to find a home. Photo courtesy Allison Hungerford

Hungerford says that sadly, Ella kept getting overlooked and had been waiting for her person to come along for quite some time.

“With the help of paid and targeted advertising, I was able to reach folks who lived in areas we weren’t necessarily accessing with our regular organic outreach,” she says. “This did the trick for sweet Ella, and she found her match!”

Ella, a success story of Adopt a Horse Month.
AFTER: Ella found her forever home after some Adopt a Horse Month funds helped expand advertising to reach new horse lovers. Photo courtesy Allison Hungerford

Facilitating Adoption

When the Adopt a Horse Month initiative officially started, everyone involved dreamed about how it would evolve and what it would one day become.

“Adopt a Horse Month plays a critical role in raising awareness and excitement around equine adoption,” says Cailin Caldwell, director of the ASPCA Right Horse Program. “In 2024, thousands of horse lovers explored equine adoption for the first time by visiting myrighthorse.org and met adoptable horses online.”

Caldwell says that as a result, more than 200 horses, donkeys, and mules found homes during the month through ASPCA Right Horse Partners.

“We’re hoping to make this year’s Adopt a Horse Month even more impactful and encourage everyone to get involved,” she says. “If you know someone looking for a horse, encourage them to consider adoption by visiting myrighthorse.org or their local adoption group. Or share on your social media channels to raise awareness and interest in these amazing horses. Whether you’re looking to adopt or not, there are countless ways to get involved and support these amazing equines.”

Be part of something big during Adopt a Horse Month 2025. Join The Rescue Effort to see how one adoption creates space for more horses to be helped. Learn more at aspca.org.

This article about Adopt a Horse Month appeared in the May 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Adopt a Horse Month 2025: Finding Forever appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

]]>
https://www.horseillustrated.com/adopt-a-horse-month-2025-finding-forever/feed/ 0
ASPCA Virtual Adoption Event: Adopt a Horse Month 2024 https://www.horseillustrated.com/aspca-virtual-adoption-event-2024/ https://www.horseillustrated.com/aspca-virtual-adoption-event-2024/#respond Wed, 29 May 2024 12:00:18 +0000 https://www.horseillustrated.com/?p=929779 This May is the fourth annual Adopt a Horse Month, initiated by the ASPCA Right Horse Program. The month focuses on spreading awareness on equine adoption, and, of course, finding new homes for adoptable horses. In support of this, the ASPCA is hosting a virtual adoption event to help horses find homes. See below for […]

The post ASPCA Virtual Adoption Event: Adopt a Horse Month 2024 appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

]]>
This May is the fourth annual Adopt a Horse Month, initiated by the ASPCA Right Horse Program. The month focuses on spreading awareness on equine adoption, and, of course, finding new homes for adoptable horses. In support of this, the ASPCA is hosting a virtual adoption event to help horses find homes.

See below for the horses available during the ASPCA Virtual Adoption Event of May 2024!

Tristan

Tristan, a horse featured during the 2024 ASPCA Virtual Adoption Event
Photo courtesy Wild at Heart Horse Rescue

From Wild at Heart Horse Rescue in Lancaster, Calif.

Meet Tristan, the six-year-old pony who’s both safe for children and an absolute superstar in the making. With his gentle demeanor and unwavering reliability, Tristan is the perfect companion for young riders looking to embark on their equestrian adventures. Whether it’s walking, trotting, or cantering in the arena, Tristan excels with flying colors, making every ride a memorable experience. But his talents don’t stop there — Tristan is equally at home hitting the trails, whether it’s exploring independently or joining a group adventure. Plus, Tristan is a model citizen for the farrier and is up-to-date on all his care needs, ensuring a smooth transition into his forever home. Learn more about Tristan here.

Titan

Titan, a blaze-faced chestnut gelding
Photo courtesy Wild at Heart Horse Rescue

From Wild at Heart Horse Rescue in Lancaster, Calif.

Titan is the epitome of a sweetheart with a heart of gold. Each day in the arena, he continues to amaze Wild at Heart Horse Rescue with his progress, growing softer and more correct with every session. But it’s on the trails where Titan truly shines, showcasing his unparalleled confidence and contentment in the great outdoors. If you’re dreaming of endless adventures on the trails with a horse you can trust and rely on, Titan is the perfect match for you. Learn more about Titan here.

Dream

Dream, a horse featured in the ASPCA Virtual Adoption Event
Photo courtesy Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary

From Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary in Ravenna, Ohio

Looking for a horse that will make you LOL? Dream is your guy! This dark and bold gelding may not be able to be ridden, but he’s got a personality that’s pure gold. He loves to stick his tongue out and play the fool. Learn more about Dream here.

Keep an eye on our Instagram stories to keep up with this Virtual Adoption Event to celebrate Adopt a Horse Month!

The post ASPCA Virtual Adoption Event: Adopt a Horse Month 2024 appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

]]>
https://www.horseillustrated.com/aspca-virtual-adoption-event-2024/feed/ 0
Adopt a Horse Month Success Stories https://www.horseillustrated.com/adopt-a-horse-month-success-stories/ https://www.horseillustrated.com/adopt-a-horse-month-success-stories/#respond Wed, 01 May 2024 12:00:20 +0000 https://www.horseillustrated.com/?p=928836 Imagine an entire month dedicated to celebrating adoptable horses: For the past four years, the month of May has been just that. With help from the ASPCA, rescues and shelters across the country will take all of May to highlight the important work they do all year long. To celebrate, two ASPCA Right Horse Partners […]

The post Adopt a Horse Month Success Stories appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

]]>
Humane Society of North Texas head trainer Amanda Stevens connecting with Jake, an owner-surrendered feral stallion
Humane Society of North Texas head trainer Amanda Stevens connecting with Jake, an owner-surrendered feral stallion that had just arrived at the ranch. They prioritize building trust between the horse and the human first. Photo courtesy Humane Society of North Texas

Imagine an entire month dedicated to celebrating adoptable horses: For the past four years, the month of May has been just that. With help from the ASPCA, rescues and shelters across the country will take all of May to highlight the important work they do all year long. To celebrate, two ASPCA Right Horse Partners with somewhat different yet still key roles share their Adopt a Horse Month success stories.

Wild at Heart Horse Rescue

Over the past few years, Wild at Heart Horse Rescue in Lancaster, Calif., has undergone a growth spurt. Last year alone, they saw their biggest jump yet, bringing in 32 horses and adopting out 37.

“We are more like a transition facility,” says Executive Director Leslie Stewart. “We take 100 percent owner-surrendered horses.”

In situations where an owner has passed away or developed a terminal illness and their family doesn’t know what to do with their horses, Wild at Heart takes them in. This act helps keep horses out of auctions.

“We’re helping horses, but we’re helping people, too,” says Stewart. Surrendered horses undergo a health screening with the organization’s veterinarian and, if healthy, are placed into training with professional trainers that work with the rescue.

This year, with help from the ASPCA, the organization has its largest plans yet for Adopt a Horse Month.

“It’s going to be on social media everywhere,” says Stewart. “We’re going to be doing a couple of open houses where people can come meet the horses.”

Last year, the group also held a pancake breakfast and barbecue. Due to the success of these two events, they plan to repeat them this year. The public is invited to attend both events.

Success Stories

Having a special month dedicated entirely to shining a light on adoptable horses has its benefits. On average, Wild at Heart sees four to five adoptions per month.

But in May, thanks to special promotional efforts, that number has doubled. The additional exposure from Adopt a Horse Month has brought about some unanticipated adoption success stories.

For example, last year an aged horse, River, came in with moon blindness and was already blind in one eye. Stewart explains that due to his long-term prognosis, River was going to be difficult to adopt.

That’s when fate stepped in. Thanks to an Adopt a Horse Month social media post featuring him, River was discovered and then adopted by a son as a surprise for his father, who was River’s original owner!

But, Stewart emphasizes, even if you’re not ready for adoption, there are still ways that you can help.

“I always suggest the people come out and volunteer,” she says. She encourages volunteers to take photos during their visit and post them on social media. “Word of mouth is the best form of advertising.”

Stewart also advocates for other rescues not yet affiliated with the ASPCA to join in.

“It has been a godsend for us,” she says. The organization, she says, has helped with grants, promoting the rescue’s horses, and much more, allowing them to serve more horses and people.

Humane Society of North Texas

The Humane Society of North Texas, located in Joshua, Texas, takes a slightly different approach.

A trainer longes an Appaloosa
Amanda working with owner-surrendered horse Fiesta using HSNT’s groundwork foundation program. Fiesta has since been adopted into a therapeutic equine program helping veterans. Photo courtesy Humane Society of North Texas

“The ranch itself is part of the Humane Society of North Texas, but we are at a separate location [on 35 acres approximately 25 miles away] from the actual shelter in downtown Fort Worth,” says Director of Equine and Livestock Steve Stevens.

“We rescue horses and some livestock, and focus primarily on cruelty and owner surrenders,” he continues. “We have a director of cruelty and a cruelty team that works out of the shelter in Fort Worth.” This team, Stevens says, goes on calls to surrounding areas.

When the organization receives a call about an animal that is struggling, they go out and check on it. Typically, a conversation is started with the owner to determine if the concerns are legitimate, and, if so, the owner is first educated about reasons such as a lack of deworming or dental care, that may be the cause. From there, the owner receives a 30-day warning, after which they need to provide proof from a veterinarian that they are working to improve their horse’s health.

A "before" picture of an emaciated rescue mare
“Before” photo of Sierra, who was rescued from a cruelty case. Photo courtesy Humane Society of North Texas
An "after" picture of a rescue mare, an Adopt a Horse success story
“After” picture of Sierra, taken just before she was adopted. Photo courtesy Humane Society of North Texas

In extreme cases, the organization’s cruelty director works with the local judicial system on seizures or negotiated seizures. Stevens explains that negotiated seizures are preferable.

“It means that we are asking them to turn over their horses so we don’t have to seize them,” he says. Rather than going to court, which can take several weeks, negotiated seizure comes with the advantage of providing the organization with immediate ownership, something that can benefit certain aspects of the horse’s care.

Results in Texas

Last year, the organization took in 100 horses. Forty percent of those were cruelty cases, while an additional 40 percent were owner-surrendered horses—those coming from homes where the owner was struggling financially or experiencing some other type of life-altering event. The remaining 20 percent were horses that were transferred in from other organizations.

New horses are quarantined, undergo an exam, and receive any medical care they need. While some horses may require time to benefit from refeeding, others may be ready soon after settling in to begin the process of retraining needed to help remove obstacles to adoption.

“It’s a rehabilitation-based training, centered on connection work and building trust with the human,” says head trainer Amanda Stevens.

Many of the horses at the facility will be promoted as companion horses. Even so, trainers work to provide sustained support to those adopting these horses. It’s a successful formula with some individuals adopting multiple companion horses to be enjoyed by their families.

Adopt a Horse Month success
Adopter Suzanne and companion horse Trixie during last year’s Adopt A Horse Month. Suzanne later adopted two more companion horses from HSNT to join Trixie! Photo courtesy Humane Society of North Texas

Using grants available from the ASPCA, particularly around social media promotion, the organization has seen an increase in adoptions. Overall, 90 horses were adopted last year, with 10 horses finding homes during Adopt a Horse Month.

“We focus on telling their individual stories and celebrate these horses at whatever level they are at,” Stevens says, adding that it’s important for potential adopters to meet the horses and identify which ones they make a connection with.

“We want to support anyone that comes out,” he says. Stevens encourages the public to watch for adoptable horses on their social media pages.

Adopt a Horse Month Success Across the Country

“Last year, 400 horses were adopted during Adopt a Horse Month thanks to the tireless efforts of equine rescues and shelters across the country,” says Cailin Caldwell, ASPCA Right Horse Program Director. “We are thrilled to kick off the fourth annual Adopt a Horse Month this May to continue raising public enthusiasm and commitments to horse adoption.

“We encourage the public to not only adopt, but use this opportunity to raise awareness of equine adoption with their friends, family, barn mates, and social media networks,” she continues. “Visit myrighthorse.org to find an organization near you this May—and beyond—to support adoption, fostering or volunteering.”

If adopting a horse, volunteering at a rescue, or promoting an adoptable horse on social media sounds right for you, consider taking part during Adopt a Horse Month—and all year long.

Keep an eye out for featured adoptable horses this Adopt a Horse month during a virtual adoption event hosted by ASPCA and Horse Illustrated!

This article about Adopt a Horse Month success stories appeared in the May 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Adopt a Horse Month Success Stories appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

]]>
https://www.horseillustrated.com/adopt-a-horse-month-success-stories/feed/ 0
ASPCA’s Right Horse Adoptable Horse: Bo https://www.horseillustrated.com/aspcas-right-horse-adoptable-horse-bo/ https://www.horseillustrated.com/aspcas-right-horse-adoptable-horse-bo/#respond Fri, 12 May 2023 12:00:07 +0000 https://www.horseillustrated.com/?p=916253 Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the ASPCA’s Right Horse program. This week’s adoptable horse is Bo! Check back weekly for a new featured horse so you can find your Right Horse. Adoptable Horse: Bo, a 14-year-old 15.2hh American Paint Horse gelding […]

The post ASPCA’s Right Horse Adoptable Horse: Bo appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

]]>
Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the ASPCA’s Right Horse program. This week’s adoptable horse is Bo! Check back weekly for a new featured horse so you can find your Right Horse.

Adoptable horse Bo grazing
Photo courtesy Maryland Equine Transition Service

Adoptable Horse: Bo, a 14-year-old 15.2hh American Paint Horse gelding
Organization: Maryland Equine Transition Service, Woodbine, Md.

Get to Know Bo

Located in Maryland and seeking a home as a companion only, Bo is a strikingly handsome ~2009, 15.2hh palomino grade Paint gelding. He is seeking a home as a companion for other geldings. This beautiful boy is highly trained as an English/Western trail pleasure horse but due to significant arthritic changes in his right front fetlock, he can no longer be ridden. Due to life changes, his owner has made the heartbreaking decision to find him a new home where he will be just as loved and cared for as he is now.

When Maryland Equine Transition Service first met Bo, he was caught easily out of the field and brought to cross-ties for grooming. He stood quietly as he was brushed down from head-to-toe (his owner had just given him a bath that morning, so he was already pretty much squeaky clean!). He picked up all hooves easily except the left front, due to not wanting to bear weight on his right front. He led well as they took him out to a grassy field to get photos and videos. His biggest priority was the grass! It’s quite clear this tank of a guy has no trouble with eating!

Bo would make a great companion for other geldings and tends to fall in the middle to higher end of the herd hierarchy. He’d do best with an owner of intermediate level handling abilities. He doesn’t enjoy a stall, so he’d be best living outside 24/7, with mostly flat terrain to make it easier on his arthritis.

Bo’s been managed in front shoes until recently and is now completely barefoot. He’s an easy keeper and only requires blanketing during the coldest winter temperatures. He does have allergies, which are managed with Zyrtec year-round. He’s not currently on any joint supplements, but does get daily Previcox to help keep him comfortable. Due to recently pulling his shoes, Bo’s owner has started him on a hoof supplement. His owner states he stands well for the vet and farrier, and will even go un-sedated for a dental with manual tools.

Bo’s owner is willing to send him off with his halter, lead rope, heavy blanket and whatever meds/supplements he has leftover. If you’d like to add this handsome guy to your field and give him the home he deserves, inquire about him today!

Palomino Paint gelding up for adoption
Photo courtesy Maryland Equine Transition Service

Could this be your Right Horse? Click here for more information about Bo, the ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week.

My Right Horse

My Right HorseMy 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.therighthorse.org.

The post ASPCA’s Right Horse Adoptable Horse: Bo appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

]]>
https://www.horseillustrated.com/aspcas-right-horse-adoptable-horse-bo/feed/ 0
ASPCA Virtual Adoption Event – May 10, 2023 https://www.horseillustrated.com/aspca-virtual-adoption-event-may-10-2023/ https://www.horseillustrated.com/aspca-virtual-adoption-event-may-10-2023/#respond Wed, 10 May 2023 10:00:23 +0000 https://www.horseillustrated.com/?p=916166 This May marks the third annual Adopt a Horse Month, spearheaded by the ASPCA Right Horse Program. In celebration of the month, the ASPCA is hosting virtual adoption events throughout the month of May in an effort to find homes for adoptable horses. In 2021, during the second annual Adopt a Horse Month, more than […]

The post ASPCA Virtual Adoption Event – May 10, 2023 appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

]]>
This May marks the third annual Adopt a Horse Month, spearheaded by the ASPCA Right Horse Program. In celebration of the month, the ASPCA is hosting virtual adoption events throughout the month of May in an effort to find homes for adoptable horses.

ASPCA Virtual Adoption Event

In 2021, during the second annual Adopt a Horse Month, more than 44,000 people viewed adoptable horses on myrighthorse.org, and participating adoption partners reported an average increase in adoptions of 43 percent during that month.

While Adopt a Horse Month also raises public awareness and encourages conversations about adoption, adoption is, of course, the top priority. With these virtual adoption events, ASPCA hopes to place horses in loving homes.

See below for the horses available during the first ASPCA Virtual Adoption Event of May 2023!

Noelle

Noelle, an adoptable horse featured in the ASPCA Virtual Adoption Event
Photo courtesy West Virginia Horse Network

From West Virginia Horse Network in Elkview, W.Va.

Noelle is a sweet pony who has won the hearts of volunteers at West Virginia Horse Network! She would be great as a companion for another very laid-back docile horse. Noelle is 30 years old and is not rideable but she’d love to be groomed, walked and loved on by horse lovers of all ages! Learn more about Noelle here.

Cara

Adoptable horse Cara
Photo courtesy New Mexico Horse Rescue at Walkin N Circles Ranch

From New Mexico Horse Rescue at Walkin N Circles Ranch in Stanley, N.M.

Cara is a petite 9-year-old mare who is easy to halter and just loves attention! She was originally found wandering alone. No one has come to claim her but since she has been found, her rescuers have quickly become her family and are now searching for an adopter! Learn more about Cara here.

Tag

Adoptable horse Tag
Photo courtesy Wild at Heart Horse Rescue

From Wild at Heart Horse Rescue in Lancaster, Calif.

Tag, also known as Atlas of Taggart, is a chunky monkey-type with more “woah than go” smooth walk, trot and canter. This 15-year-old gelding has been primarily working in the arena but, now that he’s got the basics, he can enjoy himself on the trail more. He loves his treats and friends too! Learn more about Tag here.

Dakota

Adoptable horse Dakota, featured in the ASPCA Virtual Adoption Event
Photo courtesy MSPCA at Nevins Farm

From MSPCA at Nevins Farm in Methuen, Mass.

15-year-old Dakota is a pint-sized little peanut who is ready to snuggle his way right into your heart! Since his arrival, he has quickly become a staff and volunteer favorite. Dakota did not have a lot of formal training but has started to work on his ground manners and learns quickly. He aims to please! Learn more about Dakota here.

Orchid

Gray mare Orchid
Photo courtesy MSPCA at Nevins Farm

From MSPCA at Nevins Farm in Methuen, Mass.

Orchid is a 3-year-old petite mare with tons of potential! She will need a long build-up of groundwork and conditioning before she could carry an adult rider. While she is still learning the basics, this sweet girl is ready to find a person who she can learn and grow with together! Learn more about Orchid here.

Keep an eye on our Instagram stories to keep up with this Virtual Adoption Event and others to come during Adopt a Horse Month!

 

 

The post ASPCA Virtual Adoption Event – May 10, 2023 appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

]]>
https://www.horseillustrated.com/aspca-virtual-adoption-event-may-10-2023/feed/ 0
ASPCA’s Right Horse Adoptable Horse: Lillian https://www.horseillustrated.com/aspcas-right-horse-adoptable-horse-lillian/ https://www.horseillustrated.com/aspcas-right-horse-adoptable-horse-lillian/#respond Fri, 05 May 2023 14:17:08 +0000 https://www.horseillustrated.com/?p=915982 Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the ASPCA’s Right Horse program. This week’s adoptable horse is Lillian! Check back weekly for a new featured horse so you can find your Right Horse. Adoptable Horse: Lillian, a 17-year-old 15.0hh grade mare Organization: West […]

The post ASPCA’s Right Horse Adoptable Horse: Lillian appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

]]>
Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the ASPCA’s Right Horse program. This week’s adoptable horse is Lillian! Check back weekly for a new featured horse so you can find your Right Horse.

Adoptable horse Lillian
Photo courtesy West Virginia Horse Network

Adoptable Horse: Lillian, a 17-year-old 15.0hh grade mare
Organization: West Virgina Horse Network, Elkview, W.Va.

Get to Know Lillian

Now available for adoption, Lillian is a sweet-natured mare who needs an adopter with a soft and gentle approach to horsemanship. She gets along with other horses. She also stands great for the farrier and even to get a bath. She also loads amazing.

She is a Tennessee Walking Horse type and has a lovely gait. She recently attended a horsemanship clinic and Fun Show and did great with activities on the ground, including trail obstacles. Lillian had an eye removed, so she still needs a lot of reassurance but has a ton of try and a great attitude.

Lillian will need to be kept out of the direct sun and/or provided with sun protection.

While there is no physical reason why Lillian could not be ridden, West Virginia Horse Network believes her preference is to be a pretty pasture unicorn. She will do an absolutely amazing job at that because she is stunning with a luxurious mane and tail.

Lillian is currently being fostered in Mason County, W.Va.

Beautiful horse dressed as unicorn
Photo courtesy West Virginia Horse Network

Could Lillian be your Right Horse? Click here for more information about Lillian, the ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week.

My Right Horse

My Right HorseMy 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.therighthorse.org.

The post ASPCA’s Right Horse Adoptable Horse: Lillian appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

]]>
https://www.horseillustrated.com/aspcas-right-horse-adoptable-horse-lillian/feed/ 0
It’s Adopt a Horse Month! https://www.horseillustrated.com/aspca-adopt-a-horse-month-2023/ https://www.horseillustrated.com/aspca-adopt-a-horse-month-2023/#respond Wed, 03 May 2023 14:41:23 +0000 https://www.horseillustrated.com/?p=915823 This May marks the third annual Adopt a Horse Month, spearheaded by the ASPCA Right Horse Program. In 2020, Cosmo was a small colt who was part of an entire abandoned herd of horses discovered near the Continental Divide in northern New Mexico. The New Mexico Livestock Board took the colt in and delivered him, […]

The post It’s Adopt a Horse Month! appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

]]>
This May marks the third annual Adopt a Horse Month, spearheaded by the ASPCA Right Horse Program.

ASPCA Adopt a Horse Month
Even if you’re not ready to adopt, volunteer opportunities exist, and anyone can help spread the word to friends and family. Photo courtesy ASPCA Right Horse Program

In 2020, Cosmo was a small colt who was part of an entire abandoned herd of horses discovered near the Continental Divide in northern New Mexico. The New Mexico Livestock Board took the colt in and delivered him, along with his dam and two other fillies, to the New Mexico Horse Rescue at Walkin N Circles Ranch (WNCR) in Stanley, N.M.

Despite his rough beginning, Cosmo grew into a healthy gelding who, during his two years at WNCR, excelled at gaining trust in humans and learning to negotiate obstacles in-hand along with round pen exercises. As time passed, he became more respectful, attentive, and eager to learn, easily making him one of the most popular horses on the ranch.

Cosmo with his adopters
Cosmo with his adopters, Lori & Sarah. Photo courtesy Lauri Michael

His successes led him to be one of the featured horses during the May 2022 ASPCA Adopt a Horse Month, where he caught the eye of mother and daughter volunteers Lori and Sarah. Sarah, new to volunteering for WNCR, was looking for her first horse. WNCR was one of 90 ASPCA Right Horse Adoption Partners and other equine rescues that participated in last year’s nationwide campaign.

Lauri Michael, President of the New Mexico Horse Rescue at WNCR, shares that the pair fell in love with Cosmo’s spunky, can-do attitude. His personality matched Sarah’s perfectly. She officially adopted Cosmo in August 2022, and today, Sarah looks forward to learning together with Cosmo. She has already hopped on him bareback, and once he’s saddle trained, she hopes to participate in local shows with him, as well as riding the many mountain trails that surround her home.

Adoption stories such as this one surround Adopt a Horse Month, a yearly ASPCA campaign from to celebrate and promote equine adoption.

The Roots of Adopt a Horse Month

First implemented in 2021 by the ASPCA Right Horse program, Adopt a Horse Month continues to grow and gain momentum. From the beginning to the present day, one important goal of the program has always been to help horses find good homes with the right person.

Last year, during the second annual Adopt a Horse Month, more than 44,000 people viewed adoptable horses on myrighthorse.org, the ASPCA’s online adoption platform for equines. Participating shelters reported an average increase in adoptions of 43 percent during the month of May.

ASPCA Adopt a Horse Month
Participating shelters reported an average increase in adoptions of 43 percent during the month of May 2022 during the second annual Adopt a Horse Month from ASPCA. Photo courtesy ASPCA Right Horse Program

From the start, May was chosen as one of the best times to promote adoptable horses to those seeking to add another horse to their family. After months of being cooped up during the winter, equestrians begin focusing on shows, trail rides, and other activities, making the month an ideal time to promote available horses, according to Christie Schulte Kappert, senior director of the ASPCA Equine Welfare Department.

More Than Adoption

However, Adopt a Horse Month is much more than the act of adoption. In the case of those not quite ready to adopt, it works to raise public awareness and encourage conversations about adoption.

“It’s not just about the horses that are adopted that month, but everybody who wants to be a part of the adoption movement,” says Schulte Kappert. “Equine shelters and rescues, riding instructors, other professionals, and people who just love horses want to help more horses find homes. If someone doesn’t think they are ready to adopt a horse right now, or maybe ever, they can still be talking about it with their friends or family and posting about it on social media, or posting about a horse they used to know that was adopted.”

A girl riding a Paint with her instructor
Use the #adoptahorse hashtag on social media to spread the word about adoptable horse listings this May for ASPCA Adopt a Horse Month. Photo courtesy ASPCA Right Horse Program

Whether you are seeking to adopt, want to help spread the word, or both, increasing the number of adopted horses is a win-win for everyone. Adoption fees are a great value, and adopting a horse means becoming a part of an existing community that is always willing to help.

“I think that’s really what sets adoption, especially through an ASPCA Right Horse Adoption Partner, apart,” says Schulte Kappert. “It’s all about exactly what the [Right Horse] name says: matching the right horse with the right person.”

The Horse-Human Connection

Many potential adopters have a goal or a dream of adopting a horse.

“Sometimes they have a specific type of horse in mind, or they may not,” says Schulte Kappert. Potential adopters may walk onto a farm or ranch, and through working with skilled matchmakers, their goals and dreams can be matched with the right horse.

“Sometimes that horse looks pretty different than what they initially [wanted],” she continues. “But the connection between the horse and the person is what really matters.”

Schulte Kappert elaborates that beyond matchmakers, Adoption Partners have support systems in place to fill a variety of needs. For example, should a person want to adopt but they are not quite ready, volunteer opportunities exist, along with riding lessons on the horse they are considering adopting. These introductory steps can be taken while adoption preparations are being made.

Even after the horse is taken home, if something isn’t going quite as expected, trainers from the shelter can often go out to help the new owner over their hurdle.

“Our Adoption Partners build those positive relationships so that if anything unforeseen happens, they’ve got somebody they can lean on,” she says.

Though not the only option, Adoption Partners also offer a re-homing safety net should the adopter’s financial or life situation change, and they need to return the horse to the shelter.

The Bigger Picture

As feel-good as individual adoption stories may be, there is an even bigger picture to ASPCA’s Adopt a Horse Month and equine adoption as a whole.

“By adopting, you’re contributing to the overall picture of helping horses, because a stall opens up for the next horse in need,” says Schulte Kappert.

Beyond the act of adoption itself, when adopters talk or share about it, they’re spreading the word and encouraging their friends to do it.

“The more that grows, the next horse gets adopted … it’s a whole life-saving cycle,” she says. “Adopting is a really sustainable way to get a horse, and that’s what we want Adopt a Horse Month to celebrate.”

Getting Involved in Adopt a Horse Month

For shelters and rescues that want to participate, the ASPCA has plentiful resources to help get these organizations prepared and to market themselves to the community. There’s also assistance available on how to best showcase adoptable horses through photos and listings.

Anyone can search for an adoptable horse or share listings by visiting myrighthorse.org. Schulte Kappert says that this alone is a powerful way to get involved with ASPCA’s Adopt a Horse Month, and imagines the success that could be achieved if anyone who wanted to participate could share one horse per week to help increase visibility.

“We hope that folks will share adoptable horses using the #adoptahorse hashtag,” she says. “We would love for everyone who loves horses to feel like they have some ownership over the month, and even if they’re not ready to adopt or never adopt, that they use their voice to help promote adoption.”

This article about Adopt a Horse Month from ASPCA Right Horse appeared in the May 2023 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post It’s Adopt a Horse Month! appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

]]>
https://www.horseillustrated.com/aspca-adopt-a-horse-month-2023/feed/ 0