Horses
leave
hoofprints
on your
heart.
The Horse Rescue Site
Everything you need to know
about adopting your own horse.
Why Adopt? >
There are many reasons why you should consider adopting a horse.  Here, you will
find out the benefits of adopting, if you are ready to own a horse, and what you can do
if you aren't ready yet for the responsibility of owning a horse.
So, Why Adopt a Horse?
Adopting a horse is a great way to find a companion horse, trail horse, or even a
show horse.  However, if you are look for a horse to ride, you need experience in the
saddle.  Many horses come from the racetrack, so you need to know how to handle a
horse in many different circumstances.  Horses are gentle and loving creatures, but
they still have prey instincts, and a perfectly quiet trail horse can suddenly be hard to
handle in "scary" situations.  If you are looking for a companion horse, adopting is
perfect.  Many horses that come from the racetrack or who are abused usually are
physically unable to be ridden.  They still have huge hearts, though, and make
excellent companions.

If you are on a tight budget, you may consider adopting a horse because it is usually
less expensive (between $200 and $1000) to buy.  However, it takes much more
money to maintain a horse throughout the year.  You need to pay for board (if you are
boarding your horse), feeding, de-worming, equipment, veterinarian visits, farrier
visits, and also emergency medical bills.  If you are on a tight budget, there are other
options for you, which are listed further down on this page.

Here's a list of reasons why it is a good idea to adopt a horse:
This article appeared in the newspaper in
December, 2004.  Unfortunately, the
slaughtering of horses is a reality, and it can
only be stopped if rescue organizations
receive more support, and if more horses get
adopted.
Are You Ready to Own a Horse?

Here is a general overview of what owning a
horse requires:
                If you are buying a horse just for companion, I suggest you at least get         
            comfortable with controlling horses on the ground.  Also, buy a few books,
            so you can use them as reference if you have any questions.  Two of my
            favorite reference books are
The Horse Owner's Veterinary Handbook and
            Horses for Dummies (don't laugh - this book gives really helpful and practical
            information about caring for horses.  I've been around horses for 8 years,
            and I still use it.)  Both of these books can be bought on
Amazon.
Not yet ready for a horse of your own?

If  you aren't yet ready to own your own horse, but you still want a special horse to
take care of and call "your own", leasing is a great idea.  I know many people,
including myself, that have had great success with leasing.  There are two types of
leasing:  share-boarding and full leasing.