​MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN AN ADOPTING A HORSE 

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. No matter what avenue you choose, compatibility with a new equine partner and the lifetime care of the animal should be of upmost consideration. 

Buying an untrained horse
'Green' horses, including foals and BLM mustangs, may be less expensive, 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.

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. 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 and 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 inexpensive to own. They eat and drink a lot, they need exercise, they need training, veterinary care, and 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 you'll be laying a foundation to assure your new equine partner is provided for and has lifelong care. 

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A NEW EQUINE PARTNER?

ADOPT DON'T SHOP!