Photo courtesy Horse and Hound Rescue Foundation

Adoptable Horse: Barn Shark, a 6-year-old, 15.2hh Thoroughbred gelding
Organization: Horse and Hound Rescue Foundation, Guthrie, Okla.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Barn Shark

Barn Shark has a name you won’t forget and a face that’s just as memorable! This sweet and sturdy boy was responsibly retired from racing and came to Horse and Hound sound and ready to start his second career.

After some time in training and an adoption, Barney (barn name) was returned through no fault of his own—he was just a bit more forward than his (wonderful!) adopter was looking for. He was well-loved and beautifully cared for, and Horse and Hound is so grateful for the time and training she gave him.

Now, Barney is back with Horse and Hound and looking for his perfect match. He’s continued to show us he’s smart, sweet, and willing. He has a good brain, handles windy days like a champ, and is settling back into Horse and Hound’s program with ease. While he has some energy under saddle, he’s not naughty—just a young guy who enjoys having a job.

Barney is suitable for an intermediate or confident rider looking to bring along a young, athletic partner. He has no limitations and could go in a variety of directions with the right person.

Contact Horse and Hound Rescue Foundation today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Barn Shark!

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: Barn Shark appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

“There were times where I, in the moment, I thought I was going to lose my life,” Dedera says.

She wasn’t sure if she and the gelding could successfully move forward, but she didn’t want to give up. Rojo needed her to help him find a home.

Rojo Rogue as a new arrival settling into his gentling pen before starting training with Dedera. Photo by Lydia Dedera’s Horse Training

Challenging Choice

Dedera never owned a horse as a child, but she grew up going to horse camp. At 15, she accepted a job as a stable hand. There, she discovered she enjoyed working with horses. If she found a one with a problem, she searched for an answer. She started helping friends and acquaintances with their horses, but she didn’t consider herself a trainer.

Dedera didn’t realize Mustangs existed until she stumbled across a video about them on social media. Intrigued by the video and encouraged by friends and family, she entered a local Mustang adoption challenge when she was 19. That’s where she met Rojo.

When her turn to choose a horse for the competition came, she remembers feeling called to select Rojo, so she did. But despite her initial confidence in the selection process, her first encounters with Rojo discouraged her.

After multiple close calls, Dedera desperately searched for a way to establish trust with him. This led her to a revelation: She realized she viewed herself as a stable hand who wanted to be a horse trainer but didn’t feel qualified. She felt out of her element and even awkward, and she wondered if Rojo felt the same about his current situation.

“I chose him when nobody else did; he wasn’t chosen for another competition, and he was one of four horses left,” Dedera recalls. “I truly felt like I was his last chance.”

She returned to Rojo with a renewed commitment, proceeding only as his comfort level allowed. As she gained his trust, his aggression stopped. Dedera continued his training by using positive reinforcement and approach-and-retreat methods. Eventually, Rojo’s fears faded away, and the two formed a relationship built on trust and respect.

The Four Wins

As of March 2024, a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) report estimates that there were around 5,154 wild horses and burros in Oregon, but the number of wild horses and burros the state can sustainably support is closer to 2,700.

BLM’s website explains, “Because wild horses and burros are federally protected and lack natural predators, the BLM must manage population growth to ensure healthy wild horses and burros thrive on healthy public rangelands.” Placing wild horses and burros in qualified homes through adoption is one of several management methods.

Erica FitzGerald is the president and founder of Teens and Oregon Mustangs, an organization that matches trainers with wild Mustangs to promote their adoption. It’s through this program that Dedera found Rojo.

For every competition Teens and Oregon Mustangs puts on, FitzGerald aims to accomplish what she calls “four wins.” Those are:

◆ Find the Mustangs entered in the competition good “forever homes.”

◆ Help the trainers develop better horsemanship.

◆ Reduce the number of Mustangs in BLM holding pens.

◆ Provide buyers with solid horses that have fantastic foundations.

FitzGerald says Dedera (who competed in the adult division) checks all of those boxes.

“All those wins are met with Lydia for sure, and that’s our mission,” she says.

By the competition date, Dedera and Rojo had formed a partnership that made it possible for them to compete in what became Dedera’s first horse show. They entered the ridden division of the challenge, where they placed 2nd in the Novice Trail class and 12th overall. But more importantly, Rojo sold for $9,000 to a home where Dedera continues to work with him.

Dedera and Rojo competing together at the Teens and Oregon Mustangs competition. Photo by Jenn Koenig Photography

When Rojo left the competition with his new owner, a flood of feelings rushed over Dedera.

“I remember loading him up in his new family’s horse trailer and fighting tears,” she says. “I handed his owner a bag of his favorite treats, and when I turned around, the whole stable was empty. I had a hard time knowing what to do with myself for the remainder of that day, but I also felt a strong sense of completion.”

Transforming Lives

Rojo’s adoption marked the beginning of what has become a yearly project for Dedera. Her second year competing with Teens and Oregon Mustangs introduced her to a South Steens Herd Management Area (HMA) Mustang, Firefly, that she kept after the competition.

Lydia Dedera and her personal Mustang, Firefly. Photo by Jenn Koenig Photography

In 2024, Dedera helped her entry, a Palomino Buttes HMA gelding named Simba, not only find a home, but also become one of the highest-selling horses in the program’s history, with a sale price of $34,000.

FitzGerald explains that Dedera’s work with the Mustangs she trains makes them into family horses, which helps them find forever homes.

“She puts a solid foundation on her horses and makes them really adoptable,” she says.

At home, Dedera works with all breeds of horses, but Mustangs are her favorite. She’s trained eight from the wild, and estimates that she has worked with more than 100 Mustangs in total. Her experience with Rojo taught her the value of instilling trust and respect in all of the horses she trains.

“If I can get a horse, a Mustang, to trust me as its friend, as its leader, and to want to be with me and to want to please me, then I can do anything with that horse,” Dedera says.

While it’s clear the Mustangs Dedera works with undergo transformations, those horses have transformed Dedera’s life, too. She explains that her faith encourages her to pursue qualities like patience, diligence, integrity and purposeful living in her daily life. Dedera says God has used Mustangs to grow her in those very areas.

“When you’re studying an animal and you’re helping him become his best, you can’t help but look on the inside as well,” she says.

Dedera isn’t certain what the future holds, but she thinks it will be exciting. She can see herself continuing to teach lessons, train horses and compete, but she would also love to start traveling and performing with Mustangs.

Wherever she goes and whatever she does, the uncertainties of yesterday are gone, and the promise of tomorrow looks bright. And today, in the present, Dedera confidently calls herself a horse trainer.

This article about Lydia Dedera appeared in the January/February 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Lydia Dedera: Changed by Mustangs appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo courtesy February Star Sanctuary

Adoptable Horse: Maggie, a 17-year-old, 15.1hh Missouri Fox Trotter mare
Organization: February Star Sanctuary, Knoxville, Md.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Maggie

Are you looking for a marvelous mare? Meet Maggie!

This sweet chestnut beauty is a 17-year-old Missouri Fox Trotter. She’s lots of fun and was quick to make friends with some of February Star’s other horses. Maggie has the potential to succeed in various disciplines and styles, but will be a true project. February Star believes she’ll do her best with an experienced, patient rider.

Contact February Star Sanctuary today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Maggie!

Photo courtesy February Star Sanctuary

ASPCA Right Horse

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

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

Photo courtesy Colorado Horse Rescue

Adoptable Horse: Callie, a 23-year-old, 16.3hh American Quarter Horse mare
Organization: Colorado Horse Rescue, Longmont, Colo.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Callie

Callie is looking for a quiet environment where she can feel at home. She does the best with other easy going, gentle horses — much like herself. She is blind in one of her eyes, so a consistent environment will serve her well. Callie loves being groomed and spending time with people. She is a lovely horse to spend time with, and will make a great buddy to both horses and people.

Contact Colorado Horse Rescue today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Callie!

Photo courtesy Colorado 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: Callie appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo courtesy Easy R Equine Rescue

Adoptable Horse: Moonshine, a 14-year-old, 14.2hh American Paint Horse mare
Organization: Easy R Equine Rescue, Lubbock, Texas

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Moonshine

Moonshine came to Easy R in May 2025 as an owner surrender. The owner was having a very intensive back operation and could no longer care for the horses. According to him, Moonshine came to his house when the neighbor who owned her took a job that required extensive worldwide travel. Other than what they have been told, Equine R has very little information about her previous life and training.

Moonshine is a bit standoffish and leery of people. She is not mean or aggressive; she just acts as if she has had limited exposure to ground training and realizing what people are expecting from her. At this point, Easy R is working with her on standing nicely for the farrier, being caught and haltered more easily, and cooperating with any type of veterinary treatment.

She has what looks to be some arthritis in one of her back legs, which does cause her to be “off” at a trot and lope. After discussion with the veterinarian about potential soundness under saddle, it has been decided that it would be best for Moonshine if she was adopted as a non-rideable, companion only horse. The veterinarian expressed concerns that if she is lame without a rider, that it would cause too much stress on her injured leg to train her under saddle.

Moonshine gets along well with other horses—in fact, she is incredibly bonded to a mare at her current foster home. She is a very cute little Paint Horse and would be an adorable pasture pet in a home with at least one other horse.

Contact Easy R Equine Rescue today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Moonshine!

Photo courtesy Easy R Equine 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: Moonshine appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo courtesy Hooved Animal Humane Society

Adoptable Horse: Byron, a 17-year-old, 15.2hh grade gelding
Organization: Hooved Animal Humane Society, Woodstock, Ill.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Byron

Byron is a 17-year-old gelding known for his friendly, outgoing, and playful demeanor. He enjoys human interaction, is well-versed in groundwork, and is excelling in join-up and liberty work, which highlights his willingness to connect and communicate with his handlers.

Byron has been diagnosed with kissing spines, which makes him unsuitable for riding. However, he would make an excellent pasture companion, offering companionship to other horses while continuing to engage in groundwork activities that stimulate him both mentally and physically.

Byron is currently available for adoption to a suitable home that understands his needs and can provide him with a comfortable, stress-free environment. If you are looking for a pasture pal with a strong personality and a love for human interaction, Byron may be the perfect fit.

Contact Hooved Animal Humane Society today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Byron!

Photo courtesy Hooved Animal Humane Society

ASPCA Right Horse

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

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

Photo courtesy Susquehanna SPCA

Adoptable Horse: Belle, a 26-year-old, 12.0hh grade pony mare
Organization: Susquehanna SPCA, Cooperstown, N.Y.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Belle

Belle is a charming senior pony (estimated 25+) who is ready for a fresh start with someone who will enjoy helping her shine. After spending years alone with limited hoof care, she’s now discovering the world with new confidence. She can be shy at first, but a nibble of grain and a calm presence help her relax—and once she feels safe, her sweet, gentle personality shines through.

Despite her age, Belle has the energy and curiosity of a much younger pony. She enjoys stretching her legs, exploring her surroundings, and taking in everything happening around her. Her bright, independent nature makes her especially rewarding to work with.

Belle is still learning that farrier visits are a normal part of life, so she’ll need a patient farrier and a veterinarian who can provide sedation as needed to ensure her trims remain positive and low-stress.

She is looking for an adopter with the experience, steadiness, and understanding needed to help continue her journey. With consistency, kindness, and thoughtful handling, Belle will blossom into a confident and engaging companion.

Contact Susquehanna SPCA today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Belle!

Photo courtesy Susquehanna SPCA

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: Belle appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo courtesy Humane Society of Ventura County

Adoptable Horse: Tundra, an 18-year-old, 14.3hh Arabian gelding
Organization: Humane Society of Ventura County, Ojai, Calif.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Tundra

Help the Humane Society of Ventura County find long-term resident Tundra his forever home! This 18-year-old gray Arabian gelding arrived at the HSVC on December 23, 2022, after being rescued by their Humane Officers in a case of abuse and neglect. Despite his past and medical issues of metabolic and thyroid problems, Tundra has a sweet personality and doesn’t let his setbacks stop him from trotting around. He would need time to acclimate to new horses, but Tundra would love to be someone’s pasture buddy.

Tundra has been saddled and is working with shelter staff to become more comfortable being ridden. He just needs a confident, patient owner who will move slowly with him until he’s relaxed. Due to his anxious nature, we don’t recommend he go to a home with a child rider. Tundra is also looking for an owner who will be mindful of his gut health and can supply his metabolic supplements and thyroid medications for the rest of his life.

Photo courtesy Humane Society of Ventura County

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: Tundra appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo courtesy Kentucky Humane Society

Adoptable Horse: Moxie, a 10-year-old, 14.2hh Mountain Horse-type mare
Organization: Kentucky Humane Society, Simpsonville, Ky.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Moxie

Moxie is a beautiful, sooty chestnut Mountain Horse cross-type mare who was collected by KHS as a feral free roaming horse in December 2023. She was pregnant at the time but her foal was born healthy at KHS and has since found placement.

Moxie is a sturdy mare, very attractive in person, and hasn’t shown any unsoundness during her time with KHS. She was a very sensitive, flighty mare when she arrived but she’s coming around in handling with patience and time. Moxie would be a rewarding project for someone with training experience or could be adopted to someone who will send her for consistent training to develop her into the nice mare KHS knows she is destined to be. Adopters who aren’t experienced trainers or who don’t plan to utilize a trainer will not be considered for Moxie at this time for her best interest.

Moxie is currently in training in Wilmore, Ky. with Metcalfe Equine LLC. She has been doing extensive groundwork and learning a lot of the basics for the first time, like having her hooves picked out and trimmed, being caught and led daily, round pen work, etc.

She is most likely of Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse, Rocky Mountain Horse, and Saddlebred genetics and may be gaited under saddle when the time comes. If you are interested in Moxie, please reach out to KKHS with any questions and check back for updates as she continues to learn the ways of life in domestication.

Contact Kentucky Humane Society today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Moxie!

Photo courtesy Kentucky Humane Society

ASPCA Right Horse

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

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

Photo courtesy Wild at Heart Horse Rescue

Adoptable Horse: Alma, a 17-year-old, 15.1hh Kentucky Mountain Horse mare
Organization: Wild at Heart Horse Rescue, Lancaster, Calif.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Alma

Meet Alma, a stunning Kentucky Mountain Horse mare with a story as remarkable as her spirit. Alma came from a wild herd roaming reclaimed Kentucky mine land. When toxic forage threatened the herd’s survival, the Kentucky Humane Society and ASPCA stepped in to bring them to safety—and that’s how Alma found her way to Wild at Heart Horse Rescue.

As one of the older mares in her group, Alma carried years of instinctive caution. Helping her learn trust again hasn’t been quick or simple—but it has been absolutely worth it. After three patient, dedicated years of gentle handling and relationship-building, Alma has blossomed.

Today, Alma is:
◆ Under saddle and confidently hitting the trails
◆ Standing calmly for the farrier, vet, and routine care
◆ Learning that humans can be safe and reliable partners

Alma is still a sensitive mare who will benefit from an adopter with patience, kindness, and a willingness to take things at her pace. But with the right person, she is ready to continue her transformation into a loyal and willing partner.

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

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: Alma appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.