“The Adoption Affaire has become a special part of Equine Affaire over the years, and we are honored to continue partnering with the ASPCA Right Horse Program in Ohio and in Massachusetts,” says Allison Rehnborg, marketing coordinator for Equine Affaire. “Visiting the Adoption Affaire stalls in the Horse & Farm Exhibits is an incredibly heartwarming experience at both of our events because you can see horses and people connecting in some truly special ways. I’ve had the privilege of hearing about the horses adopted at Equine Affaire thriving in their new homes months and years after the fact. Sometimes we even get to see them again because their owners bring them back to participate in our clinics or demos.”

Finding the Fun

The Adoption Affaire was a huge success from the get-go, and it continues to grow.

“We’ve noticed, especially over the last couple of years at the Ohio event, that public support is increasing,” says Bailey Richards, ASPCA Right Horse Program manager. “We’ve seen more people seek out the adoption barn instead of stumbling upon it.”

These visitors have expressed that they wanted to get to the barn early before all of the horses were adopted. But even if you aren’t specifically seeking out the Adoption Barn, you won’t have any trouble finding it.

“Equine Affaire is a fantastic partner of ours,” says Richards. “They let us put up signs across the whole area.”

In addition, whenever they are out of their stalls, adoptable horses wear special bright orange saddle pads and coolers with the words “adopt me” in large letters. Anyone with questions can talk directly with the horses’ handlers or visit the ASPCA Right Horse booth.

Richards says that you might also become aware of the Adoption Affaire when you see horses strolling down an orange carpet accompanied by a ringing bell and an announcement that they have been adopted. Adopted horses and their owners are treated like celebrities with photos and cheering to celebrate the occasion.

Finally, during a showcase activity, adoptable horses are brought out to perform while information about them is shared.

Success Stories Abound

According to Richards, ASPCA Right Horse Partners brought 32 horses to the Equine Affaire this past April in Ohio. Twenty-eight of those were adopted on-site. As they were returning home, interest in adoption was expressed for the remaining four horses.

Some of the most memorable adoption stories include Brianne, who adopted her first horse, Tootsie, at the 2023 Equine Affaire Ohio. In 2024, she returned with her husband to volunteer at the adoption barn. During the event, Brianne, who is expecting a baby, became interested in adding a second adoptable equine to add to the family, Toledo. Her husband, Hunter, then arranged for a surprise adoption!

Another adoption success story is that of Noelle. Noelle, a 30-year-old pony, prefers children to adults and had strong preferences about who her adopter might be. Harper, Noelle’s eventual adopter, felt equally strong about finding her perfect match. During the Ohio Equine Affaire, the two formed an instant, mutual connection that led to an adoption and new partnership.

Planning for Massachusetts

Equine Affaire Massachusetts is set for November 6-9, 2025, and the Adoption Affaire will be featured within the Horse & Farm Exhibits area in C-Barn. The Adoption Affaire will include a variety of rescues and sanctuaries with healthy, trained, adoptable horses of a variety of breeds, backgrounds, and ages. Attendees can meet the horses in person and apply to adopt on the spot. Regardless of your specific reason for attending the event, a chance to meet, learn more, and potentially adopt a horse is a can’t-miss occasion.

This article about the Adoption Affaire at Equine Affaire appeared in the November/December 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post The Adoption Affaire at Equine Affaire appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

Need more convincing? Meet today’s featured horses below, and check out New Vocations’ website for other adoptable off-track Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds.

Jeremiah John

Located at New Vocations in Hummelstown, Pennsylvania

• Thoroughbred gelding
• 5 years old
• Bay, 16.2 hands

• Is this horse trained to ride or drive?
  Ride
• What level of rider/driver/handler is the horse best suited for?
  Not specified
• What discipline does the horse have training in or would be suited for?
  Hunter/jumper

First up in this thoroughbred adoption drive is Jeremiah John, a 5-year-old, 16.2 hh, super-handsome gelding. Jeremiah has a great build and an eye-catching marking on his beautiful face. Jeremiah enjoys attention; he can be a bit playful on the lunge line initially, but relaxes and settles quickly. He has a ground-covering step and smooth canter.

Jeremiah is looking for an approved adopter who is searching for their next show partner! We feel he will be suitable for most lower level disciplines, including jumping. He’s sure to catch the judge’s eye in the hunter ring!

Could Jeremiah be the #righthorse for you? See his full profile here.

Religious Ed

Located at New Vocations in Hummelstown, Pennsylvania

• Thoroughbred gelding
• 12 years old
• Bay, 16 hands

• Is this horse trained to ride or drive?
  Ride
• What level of rider/driver/handler is the horse best suited for?
  Intermediate
• What discipline does the horse have training in or would be suited for?
  Any

Religious Ed, also known as “Ed,” is a handsome and athletic guy. He’s been a barn favorite since he stepped off the trailer. His gentle, fun-loving personality, combined with his easy-going demeanor, makes him irresistible.

Under saddle, this 12-year-old, 16hh gelding has three lovely gaits. He’s good in the arena and outside. He’s a been-there, done-that kind of ride who is very willing and looks to please his rider. Ed is an amazing horse with a heart of gold! He’s looking for a solid intermediate to experienced amateur to become his new partner. He is suitable for most riding disciplines including jumping.

Is Ed the #righthorse for you? See his complete profile here.

Trouble with Girls

Located at New Vocations in Hummelstown, Pennsylvania

• Thoroughbred gelding
• 8 years old
• Chestnut, 16.1 hands

• Is this horse trained to ride or drive?
  Both
• What level of rider/driver/handler is the horse best suited for?
  Intermediate to advanced
• What discipline does the horse have training in or would be suited for?
  Trail riding and pleasure riding or driving

“Oh, darling, it’s true. Beautiful things have dents and scratches too.” As evidenced by his pictures, Trouble With Girls, known as “Kevin” around the barn, wears some “jewelry” in the form of enlarged ankles that befit his warhorse career. However, don’t let a cosmetic defect scare you away – this special gelding even raced with his jewelry and he’s completely sound!

Another adorable horse in this thoroughbred adoption drive is Kevin, a kind-natured gentleman, this 8-year-old, 16.1hh gelding enjoys grooming and being bathed. Under saddle Kevin has three nice gaits. He has a ground-covering trot and a rhythmic canter. As an added bonus, we were told by his donor that he’s broke to drive, which was part of his race conditioning. He retired sound from racing after 64 races, earning him the “War Horse” title. Kevin is user-friendly for an advanced or intermediate rider with a trainer. He is suitable for most riding disciplines, including pleasure, trail and an occasional jump.

Is Kevin the #righthorse for you? Read his whole profile here.

Tyndall

Located at New Vocations in Lexington, Kentucky

• Thoroughbred gelding
• 5 years old
• Chestnut, 16 hands

• Is this horse trained to ride or drive?
  Ride
• What level of rider/driver/handler is the horse best suited for?
  Any
• What discipline does the horse have training in or would be suited for?
  Trail riding and pleasure riding or driving

Looking for a horse with a great personality, a level-head, flashy looks and stellar breeding? Tyndall is your guy! Tyndall is very kind-hearted with a sweet eye and he loves attention from humans, other horses or even dogs! Speaking of dogs, Tyndall has that “puppy dog personality,” so he’d happily follow you around, and he’s happy to have someone love on him. Tyndall is also very attentive to handlers- he’ll stop when you stop walking, go when you go, etc. Tyndall is curious but brave. He loves to check out new situations and will thoroughly examine things if he is unsure.

He’s quite an easy fellow to handle on the ground, and patiently stands for the farrier, or for baths, grooming, crossties, mane-pulling, etc. Under saddle Tyndall is a very good boy. On trails he is incredibly brave (even more so than the older horses sometimes!). He has tackled every challenge without a spook and continues to “wow” us with his progress! Tyndall has shown us that he would be happiest in a low-level riding career. He would even be great as a “husband horse.” Is Tyndall the #righthorse for you? Check out his full profile here.

Dynamite Stick

Located at New Vocations in Lexington, Kentucky

• Thoroughbred gelding
• 8 years old
• Bay, 16 hands

• Is this horse trained to ride or drive?
  Ride
• What level of rider/driver/handler is the horse best suited for?
  Intermediate to advanced
• What discipline does the horse have training in or would be suited for?
  Any

If you’re looking for a true athlete to jump wholeheartedly into his next career, then Cruz is the horse for you. An 8-year-old, 16hh. seasoned War Horse with 54 starts, this gelding has an incredible work ethic and enjoys having a job.

Cruz is the final thoroughbred for this adoption drive. On the ground, he’s very well behaved, standing in crossties, bathing, clipping, and standing for the farrier like its nothing. Cruz greatly enjoys being loved on and getting cookies – he is very polite about being fed treats though – he doesn’t beg or get nippy.

Cruz has been in a slow, controlled exercise routine the last few month. Under saddle he is very brave. He is a forward ride and really enjoys having a job. His trot is nice and lofty with great suspension. He can be a little strong in the mouth right now but as he settles and works more he softens and relaxes through his back and neck. Cruz has been trail ridden and enjoys walking around in the country. He has been in work with other horses in the ring and had zero issues with distraction. Cruz would be best suited for an confident intermediate or advanced rider. Could Cruz be the #righthorse for you? Check out his profile here.

The post Horse Adoption Drive: Thoroughbred Thursday appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

O Perfect Love (Bebe)

Adoption facilitated by The American Saddlebred Legacy Foundation in Eminence, Kentucky

• American Saddlebred mare
• 12 years old
• Chestnut

• Is this horse trained to ride or drive?
  Ride
• What level of rider/driver/handler is the horse best suited for?
  Advanced
• What discipline does the horse have training in or would be suited for?
  Trail and dressage

Bebe is a 12-year-old American Saddlebred mare, whose registered name is O Perfect Love (The Pride of Kentucky x Garland’s Alexandra). She is currently in training with Olivia Dixon of Dixon Equine LLC in Salvisa, Kentucky. Bebe was untouched and unweaned for the first 11 years of her life. Over the last 8 months she has been learning how to acclimate into the domestic world, and she is taking it all in stride.

She is started under saddle, and due to a strong, patient foundation could be continued by an experienced handler and rider.

She would be best suited for pleasure, trail or one of the sport horse disciplines like dressage.

Bebe is so special because she is older in years, but young in knowledge, yet very kind and willing. Once she understands a task, she wants to be please her person.

Learn more about Bebe on The American Saddlebred Legacy Facebook page and send a message or email jennifer@saddlebredlegacy.com.

Born to Rage (Bubbles)

Located in Aiken, S.C.; adoption facilitated by The American Saddlebred Legacy Foundation

• American Saddlebred gelding
• 4 years old
• Bay, 15.3+ hands

• Is this horse trained to ride or drive?
  Ride
• What level of rider/driver/handler is the horse best suited for?
  Advanced
• What discipline does the horse have training in or would be suited for?
  Trail and dressage

Bubbles is a 4-year-old American Saddlebred gelding. His registered name is Born to Rage (Nutcracker’s Nirvana x The Lady Katherine).

Bubbles is currently in training in Aiken, South Carolina with Laura Jumpp of Jumpp Equestrian LLC. He is working well under saddle and we believe he would be suitable as an eventer. He will compete in this discipline for the first time very soon!

He is trained to ride and is a good thinking horse suitable for a confident rider.

We believe he is most suited for a sporthorse discipline, especially eventing.

He has a huge, kind and loving personality. He is very willing and wants to please.

If anyone is interested in adopting Bubbles they can visit The American Saddlebred Legacy Facebook page and send a message or email jennifer@saddlebredlegacy.com.

The post Take-Me-Home Tuesday: The Versatile Saddlebred appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Peaches in Regalia

Adoption facilitated by Maryland Equine Transition Service in Woodbine, Maryland

• Oldenburg/Thoroughbred mare
• 17 years old
• Chestnut, 16 hands

• Is this horse trained to ride or drive?
  Ride
• What level of rider/driver/handler is the horse best suited for?
  Intermediate to Advanced
• What discipline does the horse have training in or would be suited for?
  Dressage, low-level eventing

First horse up in this adoption drive is this pretty chestnut mare who has dressage training through Second Level and has done a bit of jumping as well in eventing and hunter paces. She will do best with a patient and confident rider as she does get a bit nervous when she’s away from home at shows. Tap here for Peaches’ full profile.

Sebastian

Located at Colorado Horse Rescue in Longmont, Colorado

• Hanoverian gelding
• 12 years old
• Chestnut, 17 hands

• Is this horse trained to ride or drive?
  Ride
• What level of rider/driver/handler is the horse best suited for?
  Advanced
• What discipline does the horse have training in or would be suited for?
  Dressage, pleasure riding

Sebastian is a talented horse with great movement for dressage. With his bright chestnut coat, flashy blaze, and his substantial height, he’ll stand out in any barn. He’s not able to jump but he has been ridden in English and western tack. He’ll be a fun dressage prospect for an experienced rider. Tap here for Sebastian’s full profile.

Repetitious

Located at New Vocations in Gansevoort, New York

• Thoroughbred gelding
• 6 years old
• Dark bay, 16 hands

• Is this horse trained to ride or drive?
  Ride
• What level of rider/driver/handler is the horse best suited for?
  Intermediate
• What discipline does the horse have training in or would be suited for?
  Dressage, pleasure riding

Known as Petey to his friends, this OTTB is ready to join a new human partner for his next career. He’s a forward-moving fellow, but is willing and has a good work ethic under saddle. He’s also good to handle on the ground. An added bonus for the horse-show inclined: Petey is eligible for the 2020 Retrained & Remarkable Challenge at the New Vocations All-Thoroughbred Show at the Kentucky Horse Park next year. Tap here for Petey’s full profile.

Miss Moppet

Located at Drifter’s Hearts of Hope in Franktown, Colorado

• Quarter Horse/Morgan mare
• 3 years old
• Chestnut, 15 hands

• Is this horse trained to ride or drive?
  Ride
• What level of rider/driver/handler is the horse best suited for?
  Not specified
• What discipline does the horse have training in or would be suited for?
  Dressage, any

Another horse in this adoption drive who can be perfect in western dressage is Miss Moppet, who is a young and energetic grade horse looking for a human to guide her training in the right direction. She’s been ridden both English and western and is showing talent for both. Perhaps this flashy chestnut with lots of chrome belongs in the western dressage arena? Tap here for Miss Moppet’s full profile.

Kenos Dream Boat

Located at Love This Horse Equine Rescue in Acton, California

• Arabian/Paint Gelding
• 13 years old
• Palomino pinto, 15 hands

• Is this horse trained to ride or drive?
  Ride
• What level of rider/driver/handler is the horse best suited for?
  Advanced
• What discipline does the horse have training in or would be suited for?
  Dressage, pleasure riding

Kenos Dream Boat is a registered half-Arabian who will stand out wherever he goes thanks to his flashy pinto coat. His training has been geared toward English riding and he’s currently in training and getting better all the time. For now, he will need an experienced rider. Tap here for Kenos Dream Boat’s full profile.

Iron Mane

Located at MMSC at The Ranch in Frankfort, Illinois

• Thoroughbred gelding
• 5 years old
• Gray, 16 hands

• Is this horse trained to ride or drive?
  Ride
• What level of rider/driver/handler is the horse best suited for?
  Advanced
• What discipline does the horse have training in or would be suited for?
  Dressage, pleasure riding

Iron Mane is known as Davos around the barn. He’s just recently started his post-racing training and has shown himself to be athletic and forward, but also forgiving and willing. He has the potential for just about anything but movement that would really shine in the dressage arena. Tap here for Davos’s full profile.

The post Take-Me-Home Tuesday: Adoption Drive Dressage appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Companion horses are typically—but not always—older and may have injuries or past training issues that prevent them from being riding or driving horses. But that doesn’t mean they can only be pets or pasture ornaments. They can provide companionship for foals or high-strung horses, or for other retirees. Some can still do groundwork and in some cases may even be suitable for some types of equine-assisted therapy.

Watch the video above, and if you’re moved to consider adding a non-ridden horse to your herd, take a look at some of the companion horses in need of homes through our adoption drive below, or head over to MyRightHorse.org to find even more adoptable equines across the country. H is #WaitingForYou.

Hoedown and Junebug

Located at Days End Farm Horse Rescue in Woodbine, Maryland

• Shetland Pony gelding and mare
• 24 and 22 years old
• Black and palomino, 10 hands

Our first pairing through this adoption drive for companion horses are these two adorable older ponies are a longtime pair and would love to find a home together. Both are easy keepers and would need a home with a dry lot for turnout and dutiful caretakers who will keep them on their low-starch, low-sugar diet. In return, you’ll get guaranteed Instagram likes every time you share a photo of these two besties. Tap here for Hoedown’s profile. Tap here for Junebug’s profile.

Herald

Located at Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society in College Station, Texas

• Grade gelding
• 22 years old
• Chestnut, 15.1 hands

Herald lost his home when his owner couldn’t keep him after Hurricane Harvey hit. He doesn’t seem to have a lot of training in his past, but has been working with a trainer and his current foster family and is learning good ground manners. He has proven himself useful as “Uncle Herald,” proving to be an excellent babysitter for a weanling filly. Tap here for Herald’s full profile.

Charlee

Located at Colorado Horse Rescue in Longmont, Colorado

• Thoroughbred mare
• 28 years old
• Chestnut, 16 hands

This lovely Thoroughbred spent several years as a recipient mare at Colorado State University, and now she’s ready to enjoy some quiet time in retirement. She’s said to have a sweet personality and she enjoys being a pasture companion to other horses. Her adopter will need to commit to maintaining Charlee’s diet and medication as she is a hard keeper and has been diagnosed with PPID (Cushing’s disease.) In return, Charlee’s person will get to see that kind face out in the pasture every day. Tap here for Charlee’s full profile.

Luke Bay Walker

Located at Central Virginia Horse Rescue in Kenbridge, Virginia

• Tennessee Walking Horse gelding
• 20 years old
• Bay, 15.2 hands

Due to some minor neurological symptoms, Luke Bay Walker can no longer be ridden, but he clearly had some show-horse history in his past and has the good nature and ground manners of a horse who has been handled extensively. He enjoys attention, so take this old campaigner home and you’ll have a horse to groom and love on for years to come. Tap here for Luke Bay Walker’s full profile.

Danny Boy

Located at Horse Haven of Tennessee in Lenoir City, Tennessee

• Shetland Pony gelding
• 35 years old
• Liver chestnut, 10 hands

Danny Boy has had a long life, but he’s got more to give. He does have some special dietary needs, but otherwise he’s said to be in great shape. He’s sweet and kind and just needs the right person to help him thrive through his golden years. Do you have a spot for him? Tap here for Danny Boy’s full profile.

Jesse and Barney

Located at Roanchar Ranch Draft Horse Rescue in Varysburg, New York.

• Belgian draft horse geldings
• 18 and 20 years old
• Chestnut, 17 and 16 hands

Jesse and Barney are both retired from the farm horse life. Both have had extensive training and handling as plow horses, and were ultimately retired due to health issues. Barney is blind from cataracts. Fortunately, he knows voice commands from his plow horse days, and he has Jesse. Jesse helps Barney navigate the pasture and enjoys taking walks. Jesse has PSSM which means he needs room to move around and a low-sugar diet. Barney needs a handler who has experience keeping blind horses and other horses who can help Barney learn his new home–or better yet, keep these two old friends together and adopt them both. Tap here for Jesse’s profile. Tap here for Barney’s profile.

Della Dream

Located at Nexus Equine, Inc., in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

• Appaloosa mare
• 24 years old
• Chestnut, 14 hands

Della is the ultimate companion horse. She gets along great with all types of horses, and enjoys attention from her human companions, too. She promises to keep your pasture well-mowed and look good doing it. Tap here for Della Dream’s full profile.

American Louve

Located at New Vocations in Medina, Ohio

• Thoroughbred mare
• 4 years old
• Bay, 15.1 hands

Our final horse in this adoption drive for companion horses is American Louve. She is dubbed “Love” at the barn for good reason-she would LOVE to have a forever home! At only 4 years old, Love looks to her rider and handler for direction. She may start off anxious under-saddle, but settles in well. She needs a patient rider who will take her training slowly and give her lots of praise-she loves to be loved on! While she can be ridden some, Love is best suited for a companion home or light work with an advanced rider. Tap here for American Louve’s full profile.

The post Horse Illustrated’s Horse Adoption Drive: Companion Horses are #WaitingForYou appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Located at New Vocations in Medina, Ohio

• Thoroughbred Gelding
• 9 years old
• Bay, 16.1 1/2 hands

• Is this horse trained to ride or drive?
  Ride
• What level of rider/driver/handler is the horse best suited for?
  Advanced
• What discipline does the horse have training in or would be suited for?
  Eventing

Hooping

Our first OTTB through this adoption drive is Hooping. Calling all eventers! Are you looking for your next partner? Henry (race name Hooping) is quite the dude and is full of presence! This big bay raced as a steeplechaser and a flat-track horse, so jumping is nothing new to him. Henry naturally carries himself and has a beautiful, floating trot and a balanced canter. Henry is incredibly smart and athletic-we can’t wait to see where he goes! Tap here for Henry’s full profile.

Sweet Heat

• Thoroughbred Mare
• 9 years old
• Bay, 15.3 hands

• Is this horse trained to ride or drive?
  Ride
• What level of rider/driver/handler is the horse best suited for?
  Intermediate
• What discipline does the horse have training in or would be suited for?
  Trail or pleasure riding

Sweet Heat, known around the barn as Summer, is a true joy to have around! Kind and big-bodied, this 9-year-old, dark bay mare is a very willing partner; she listens well and has a fantastic brain. Summer is looking for a pleasure or trail riding home with an intermediate rider with a trainer. Tap here for Summer’s full profile.

The post Take-Me-Home Tuesday: Two More OTTBs to Love appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Or, they can defy all those stereotypes and provide a challenging ride for an experienced rider. Whatever you’re looking for, chances are, you can find it in a senior horse.

Take a look at some of these adoptable older equines from MyRightHorse.org and see if you can open your heart and your barn to one.

Rover

Located at SPCA of Texas in McKinney, Texas

• Arabian Gelding
• 18 years old
• Bay, 14 hands

• Is this horse trained to ride or drive?
  Ride
• What level of rider/driver/handler is the horse best suited for?
  Intermediate
• What discipline does the horse have training in or would be suited for?
  Trail

Adorable Rover has reportedly been very successful in the SPCA of Texas’s training program. He has limited vision in one eye, and because of that can be a little spooky, but he’s proven himself to be an excellent trail horse and is ready for a loving person to take him home! Tap here for Rover’s full profile.

Crystal

Located at CC’s Equine Rescue in Bunnell, Florida

• Standardbred Mare
• 25 years old
• Bay, 17 hands

• Is this horse trained to ride or drive?
  Ride and drive
• What level of rider/driver/handler is the horse best suited for?
  Not stated
• What discipline does the horse have training in or would be suited for?
  Trail, driving, companion

Crystal spent her early years as a harness racer, and then as a broodmare. She is said to have been neglected for a long time, but has been brought back to health and is a kind and smart senior mare. Tap here for Crystal’s full profile.

Piccadilly

Located at Longmeadow Rescue Ranch in Union, Missouri

• Donkey jenny
• 16 years old
• Bay, 13.3 hands

• Is this horse trained to ride or drive?
  No
• What level of rider/driver/handler is the horse best suited for?
  Experienced
• What discipline does the horse have training in or would be suited for?
  Companion

Piccadilly was rescued with four other donkeys after being found with serious hoof neglect and in need of some groceries and handling. With some patience and practice, Piccadilly is now said to be good for her farrier visits. She will need to stay in a dry lot due to her previous hoof neglect, but she’ll make an adorable companion at the right home. Tap here for Piccadilly’s full profile.

The post Horse Adoption Drive: Take Home a Senior appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Munny Thief

Located at New Vocations in Lexington, Kentucky

• Thoroughbred Gelding
• 3 years old
• Chestnut, 15.3 hands

• Is this horse trained to ride or drive?
  Ride, but he is not yet restarted off the track
• What level of rider/driver/handler is the horse best suited for?
  Experienced
• What discipline does the horse have training in or would be suited for?
  Pleasure riding, Hunter

Our first off the track for this adoption drive is Munny Thief. An incredibly sweet, handsome red horse, Munny Thief has stolen all of the New Vocations’ Lexington team’s hearts! Super friendly and lovable from the day he arrived, he loves to be loved on. Best suited for a lower level career, Munny could be a stunning low-level hunter or pleasure mount. Munny last raced in December of 2018 and earned more than $11,000 in two starts.

As a special opportunity for qualified approved adopters, Munny is available for adoption ahead of the normal schedule. Ideal qualified homes would be experienced with at least basic rehab protocol, have a good working relationship with their equine vet (so that rehabilitation plans and checkups are kept up-to-date), and would be comfortable doing the re-starting under saddle once the horse is ready to start back into training. Based on our current rehab plan, he should be able to initiate training in May (2019).

Munny is located at the New Vocations’ Lexington, KY, facility. Adoption fee: $600. Tap here for Munny’s full profile.

Summation Time

Located at New Vocations in Lexington, Kentucky

• Thoroughbred Gelding
• 8 years old
• Bay, 16.2 hands

• Is this horse trained to ride or drive?
  Ride.
• What level of rider/driver/handler is the horse best suited for?
  Advanced
• What discipline does the horse have training in or would be suited for?
  Dressage

Our next off the track for this adoption drive is Summation Time. Sporty and solid, Summation Time is a true war horse, with over $315,000 in earnings in 21 starts. Called “Kai” at the farm, the 8-year-old bay gelding raced last in November of 2017. Kai has a lovely, athletic build; under saddle, he has three beautiful gaits. He has plenty of impulsion and loves a quiet-but-firm rider. He has lots of great suspension in his trot and his canter is very comfortable.

Kai is a bit of a worrier, and will keep to himself if he feels overwhelmed; he is quite intuitive, so nervous people make him nervous. Kai is suitable for an advanced rider experienced with bringing along young horses. We think we will see him rocking the dressage ring one day!

Kai is located at New Vocations’ Lexington, KY, facility. Adoption fee: $1,000. Tap here for Kai’s full profile.

Only One Wish

Located at New Vocations in Hummelstown, Pennsylvania

• Thoroughbred Mare
• 6 years old
• Bay, 15.1 hands

• Is this horse trained to ride or drive?
  Ride.
• What level of rider/driver/handler is the horse best suited for?
  Intermediate to advanced
• What discipline does the horse have training in or would be suited for?
  Any

Our next off the track for this adoption drive is Only One Wish. A sweet, kind bay mare, Only One Wish, or “Minnie” as she is known around the barn, is wishing for her very own person! A petite little mare, Minnie is very friendly and loves other animals (especially our barn cats!). Super easy to work with on the ground, she will follow you around like a dog and is always one of the first horses to meet you at the gate.

Under saddle, Minnie is light on her feet with three good gaits; she’s very balanced and elegant. Minnie is suitable for an advanced rider with experience or for an intermediate rider with a trainer and is suitable for all disciplines.

Minnie is eligible for the Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover and is located at the New Vocations’ Hummelstown, PA, location. Adoption fee: $500. Tap here for Minnie’s full profile.

Express Stride N

Located at New Vocations in Laurelville, Ohio

• Standardbred Gelding
• 8 years old
• Bay, 16.1 hands

• Is this horse trained to ride or drive?
  Both
• What level of rider/driver/handler is the horse best suited for?
  Any
• What discipline does the horse have training in or would be suited for?
  Endurance, trail, pleasure riding, fox hunting, driving

Imported from New Zealand, Express Stride N us a true world traveler. A pacing Standardbred, “Strider” prefers trotting under saddle. This classy, big gelding was trained in the United States by 2018 Breeders Crown winning trainer, Mark Harder.

Strider simply oozes class, and will be spectacular as an endurance horse, foxhunter, trail horse or show horse. He is a dream to work with and be around, and is always happy to see people.

Strider is located at the New Vocations’ Laurelville, Ohio, facility. Adoption fee: $500. Tap here for Strider’s full profile.

Nick and Zoe

Located at New Vocations in Lexington, Kentucky

• Thoroughbred Gelding
• 3 years old
• Bay, 15.3 hands

• Is this horse trained to ride or drive?
  Ride.
• What level of rider/driver/handler is the horse best suited for?
  Intermediate to advanced
• What discipline does the horse have training in or would be suited for?
  Dressage

A handsome dressage prospect, Nick and Zoe, known as “Nick” around the barn, offers a tough-guy attitude to his horsey friends, but is truly a big old softie who LOVES attention. Nick marches around the ring like he knows everyone there is to watch him; he’s a lovely uphill mover with natural balance and freedom in his gaits.

Nick has worked both under saddle in company and out on the trails; he’s always game and attentive to what is being asked of him. A rider with a quiet let, seat and hands would be his ideal riders, as Nick has a soft mouth and enjoys light contact.

Nick is best suited for an intermediate rider working with a trainer or an advanced rider. Nick is located at New Vocations’ Lexington, KY, facility. Adoption fee: $1,000 plus $200 donation. Tap here for Nick’s full profile.

The post Adoption Drive: Off The Track and Into Your Barn appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Sultan

Located at Horses Without Humans Rescue Organization in Bell, Florida
Grade Pony
Gelding
4 years old
Chocolate, 12 hands

• Is this horse trained to ride or drive?
  No, but started in a surcingle
• What level of rider/driver/handler is the horse best suited for?
  Experienced
• What discipline does the horse have training in or would be suited for?
  Dressage, Hunter/Jumper

The first pony from this adoption drive is Sultan. With his gorgeous chocolate coat, flaxen mane, and those adorable ears, Sultan is the pony you want to see in your pasture. At just 4 years old, he has not yet been trained to ride or drive but has had extensive groundwork. He is currently kept barefoot and can be turned out in a group, and has potential for any discipline under the direction of an experienced pony trainer. See Sultan’s listing here.

Captain Jack

Located at Kentucky Humane Society in Louisville, Kentucky
Welsh Pony
Gelding
20 years old
Gray, 12.2 hands

• Is this horse trained to ride or drive?
  Both
• What level of rider/driver/handler is the horse best suited for?
  Experienced
• What discipline does the horse have training in or would be suited for?
  Driving, Trail Riding, Dressage, Hunter/Jumper

Captain Jack is an older gentleman with wonderful ground manners and training in both driving and riding. He has done some jumping but would do best with an experienced rider. He’s sound and healthy and looking for a home where he can enjoy his active senior years. Tap here for Captain Jack’s listing.

Rahim

Located at Love This Horse Equine Rescue in Acton, California
Arabian
Gelding
10 years old
Chestnut, 13.2 hands

• Is this horse trained to ride or drive?
  Ride
• What level of rider/driver/handler is the horse best suited for?
  Not stated
• What discipline does the horse have training in or would be suited for?
  Trail Riding, Hunter/Jumper

The next pony from this adoption drive is Rahim. At 13.2 hands, this Arabian pony could be an ideal match for a growing young rider or a smaller adult. Rahim has been ridden western and English, has competed and won at horse shows, and jumps 2′. See Rahim’s profile here.

Rhett

Located in Pennsylvania, adoption facilitated by Heart of Phoenix Equine Rescue in Huntington, West Virginia
Quarter Horse cross
Gelding
7 years old
Sorrel pinto, 13.3 hands

• Is this horse trained to ride or drive?
  Ride
• What level of rider/driver/handler is the horse best suited for?
  Intermediate
• What discipline does the horse have training in or would be suited for?
  Trail Riding, Hunter/Jumper, Eventing, Lesson Horse

Looking for a flashy pinto to take you across the fields? Rhett’s your guy. This Quarter Pony cross isn’t a big fan of arena work, but he’s at home on the trail, going cross-country, or doing hunter paces. He would do best with a confident teenager or small adult. See Rhett’s full listing here.

Diva

Located at Hickory Hill Farm in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee
Pony
Mare
13 years old
Black and white pinto, 12 hands

• Is this horse trained to ride or drive?
  No
• What level of rider/driver/handler is the horse best suited for?
  Experienced
• What discipline does the horse have training in or would be suited for?
  Companion

The next pony in this adoption drive is Diva. Beautiful Diva is looking for a companion home because of some coffin bone rotation she’s had in the past. She is healthy and good with trailering, standing for the farrier, baths, and grooming, which is good because she’s got mane for days. She’ll do best with experienced handlers who can give her confidence in new situations and manage her diet because of her past founder. Tap here for Diva’s profile.

Chicocheese

Adoption facilitated by Maryland Equine Transition Service in Woodbine, Maryland
Chincoteague Pony
Gelding
16 years old
Chestnut, 13.2 hands

• Is this horse trained to ride or drive?
  Broke to ride, but needs restarting
• What level of rider/driver/handler is the horse best suited for?
  Experienced
• What discipline does the horse have training in or would be suited for?
  Trail Riding, Dressage, Companion

Our final pony from this adoption drive is Chicocheese. Here’s your chance to take home a Chincoteague Pony of your very own! Chicocheese (Chico) was sold at the Chincoteague pony penning and auction as a weanling in 2002. He’s had extensive handling and was started under saddle in the past, but he would need to be restarted as he hasn’t been worked consistently. He’s a sound and healthy pony with potential as a riding horse under the guidance of a trainer who can channel his intelligence. Tap here for Chico’s profile.

The post Adoption Drive: Pony Power appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.