In the market for a new horse? Consider a senior horse at an adoption drive. Older horses can bring experience and confidence to young or timid riders. They can be a calming presence for rambunctious younger horses in the herd. They can stand for pony games during summer camp or be a faithful pasture pet.
Take a look at some of these adoptable older equines from MyRightHorse.org and see if you can open your heart and your barn to one.
Rover
Located at SPCA of Texas in McKinney, Texas
- Arabian Gelding
- 18 years old
- Bay, 14 hands
- Is this horse trained to ride or drive?
Ride - What level of rider/driver/handler is the horse best suited for?
Intermediate - What discipline does the horse have training in or would be suited for?
Trail
Adorable Rover has reportedly been very successful in the SPCA of Texas’s training program. He has limited vision in one eye, and because of that can be a little spooky, but he’s proven himself to be an excellent trail horse and is ready for a loving person to take him home! Tap here for Rover’s full profile.
Crystal
Located at CC’s Equine Rescue in Bunnell, Florida
- Standardbred Mare
- 25 years old
- Bay, 17 hands
- Is this horse trained to ride or drive?
Ride and drive - What level of rider/driver/handler is the horse best suited for?
Not stated - What discipline does the horse have training in or would be suited for?
Trail, driving, companion
Crystal spent her early years as a harness racer, and then as a broodmare. She is said to have been neglected for a long time, but has been brought back to health and is a kind and smart senior mare. Tap here for Crystal’s full profile.
Piccadilly
Located at Longmeadow Rescue Ranch in Union, Missouri
- Donkey jenny
- 16 years old
- Bay, 13.3 hands
- Is this horse trained to ride or drive?
No - What level of rider/driver/handler is the horse best suited for?
Experienced - What discipline does the horse have training in or would be suited for?
Companion
Piccadilly was rescued with four other donkeys after being found with serious hoof neglect and in need of some groceries and handling. With some patience and practice, Piccadilly is now said to be good for her farrier visits. She will need to stay in a dry lot due to her previous hoof neglect, but she’ll make an adorable companion at the right home. Tap here for Piccadilly’s full profile.
It is regrettable that the horses seeking homes are primarily located on the east coast. Homes exist on the west coast for horses, but shipping costs to move them are prohibitive. Frequently horses in kill pens are featured on facebook, again far from west coast homes.
It would be wonderful if some organizations dedicated to homing needy animals could set up a volunteer transport network willing and able to deliver them at prices potential homes could afford.