Adoption Tips
There are many choices where to adopt/purchase a horse, including breeders, auctions, private sales, rescues, and equine community boards. We encourage the adoption of rescue horses, including adopting mustangs from the BLM, instead of supporting breeders.
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Mistakes To Avoid When Buying An Adoption Horse
Buying an untrained horse They may be cheaper, but training is hard work and takes months. It can also be dangerous if not done right, so please bare this in mind. Buying a young horse for their children to ‘grow up with’ Older horses are a far better option for younger children, because they won't bolt or flinch like a young horse often does. It's a nice idea, but stick with older horses for young children, in the pure interest of safety. |
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Impulse buying
Lots of people see one horse and then make irrational decisions because "they love it and just have to have that one." This is seldom a smart or sensible way to choose a horse, no matter how easy it is to fall into this way of thinking (we've all been there!) The problem is, there's many other aspects of that horse which you need to know about, otherwise you'll be wasting time and money for years to come.
Not Asking for a Trial Period
Rescue centers care where their horses end up, or who adopts them. Therefore, they should agree to let you have the horse on a trial period to see how you bond. This shows that you care, and shows that the rescue center cares too. With two caring parties, you can be sure that the horse has been/will be looked after. Plus, with a trial period, you can make sure you are not rushing into anything you might later regret.
Buying a Horse of a Particular Color
Color really isn’t important in the grand scheme of things. You will find that you will love your horse no matter what color, but you won’t love your horse if the only reason you picked that particular horse was based on its color alone. There are many aspects to a horse that you should consider, and color is probably the last on the list…if at all!
Not Considering Your Maintenance Budgets/Responsibilities
Horses are not cheap to own. They eat and drink a lot, they need exercise, they need training, they need regular grooming. These things cost money and take time. If you're sure that you are willing to give up both of those things to look after your new horse then you'll be fine.
Lots of people see one horse and then make irrational decisions because "they love it and just have to have that one." This is seldom a smart or sensible way to choose a horse, no matter how easy it is to fall into this way of thinking (we've all been there!) The problem is, there's many other aspects of that horse which you need to know about, otherwise you'll be wasting time and money for years to come.
Not Asking for a Trial Period
Rescue centers care where their horses end up, or who adopts them. Therefore, they should agree to let you have the horse on a trial period to see how you bond. This shows that you care, and shows that the rescue center cares too. With two caring parties, you can be sure that the horse has been/will be looked after. Plus, with a trial period, you can make sure you are not rushing into anything you might later regret.
Buying a Horse of a Particular Color
Color really isn’t important in the grand scheme of things. You will find that you will love your horse no matter what color, but you won’t love your horse if the only reason you picked that particular horse was based on its color alone. There are many aspects to a horse that you should consider, and color is probably the last on the list…if at all!
Not Considering Your Maintenance Budgets/Responsibilities
Horses are not cheap to own. They eat and drink a lot, they need exercise, they need training, they need regular grooming. These things cost money and take time. If you're sure that you are willing to give up both of those things to look after your new horse then you'll be fine.
