Providing a safe haven for neglected, unwanted
or abused horses, ponies and other equines.

We are delighted that you are thinking about adopting a horse. We just want to make sure you have considered your financial commitment, as well as the physical and emotional commitment you will make.

 Your adoption fee is only one small part of the financial commitment you will be making. In addition to adequate feeding, our adoption policy mandates regular visits from a farrier, a routine worming schedule and at least one visit per year from your veterinarian for annual vaccinations. Horses require equipment including halters, bridles, leads, saddles, brushes, buckets, blankets, salt licks, and of course shelter from the elements. Some of the horses that come through FLFES may require additional medications, special feeds or supplements.

You will be responsible for your horse's daily care. Even if you board him or her at a stable, you will need to visit regularly to groom, attend to him and check on his well being. If you are planning to keep your horse at your own place, remember, it gets COLD in the winter, and mornings come early! There are no "days off" from feeding, grooming and cleaning stalls and paddocks.

You will be making an emotional commitment to your horse as well. Your horse is completely dependent upon you for his well being. There is not much "wild" left in domestic horses, they do not know how to "fend for themselves." Your horse will depend on you to make decisions that put his needs first. Your daily schedule will revolve around his care. Your family vacations will need to include arrangements for his care. When the time comes that his quality of life is compromised due to age or a chronic, debilitating health issue, he again will depend on you to make the decisions. Most of the time, that kind of decision is extremely difficult to make. But you must make that decision based on what is best for the animal.

GUIDELINES

1. All adoptions will include a signed contract, no exceptions.

2. Contracts will vary based on the individual needs of the horse. All contracts will require (not all inclusive):

• Adequate feed including good quality hay (and grain if necessary) to maintain optimum health

•  A minimum of a three-sided, permanent shelter which will adequately protect the horse from the elements

• Proper fencing (which may be electric, board and rail, corral panels, etc)

• Adequate turn out space (minimum half-acre per animal)

• Regular visits (at no more than eight-week intervals) from a professional farrier

• Annual vaccines

• Routine worming

• Routine dentistry
   

3. Most adoptions require an adoption fee. This fee will vary depending upon a number of variables including the horse's age, physical abilities or challenges, and the amount of money that has gone into its rehabilitation.

4. Adopted horses may not be resold without consent of FLFES.

5. Adoption contracts will include specific details regarding the horse's care. If the agreed upon care and management directives are not followed, FLFES has the right to reclaim the animal, based on breach of contract.

If you can meet these guidelines and are interested in adopting a horse PLEASE CLICK HERE for an application. PLEASE CLICK HERE for adoption TERMS AND CONDITIONS