SubscribeGift a Sub
Enable cache 100
Check Out Our Coverage of the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event!
Horse Adoption, Welfare, and Charities

ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Xanthus

Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the ASPCA’s Right Horse program. This week’s adoptable horse is Xanthus! Check back weekly for a new featured horse so you can find your Right Horse.

Adoptable horse XanthusAdoptable horse Xanthus
Photo courtesy Longmeadow Rescue Ranch



Adoptable Horse: Xanthus, a 17-year-old 13.2hh grade gelding
Organization: Longmeadow Rescue Ranch, Union, Mo.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Xanthus



Xanthus caught the eyes of many when he arrived as a surrender back in 2022. This adorable, 13.2hh buckskin was full of spunk and personality from the beginning. He loved attention from humans and was very intelligent, two qualities that still hold true today. It didn’t take long for him to become a favorite amongst the staff and volunteers at Longmeadow. After some time at the ranch, he was evaluated by their trainers under saddle.

Upon evaluation, Longmeadow’s trainers found that Xanthus had a hyper-sensitivity to poor saddle fit. They believe he has a history of ill-fitting equipment, which has now led to this sensitivity. After some training and a lot of patience from both their trainers and Xanthus alike, Longmeadow found that this pony does best in English saddles with a seat size of 15” and under. When being ridden under a saddle that fits him comfortably, Xanthus shows his true potential. He has gone on multiple trail rides at the ranch and does best with confident, balanced riders. His maximum carrying weight (including both tack and rider) is 165 pounds.

Xanthus is a mighty little pony and tends to be at the top of the pecking order in his herd. With our staff members and trainers, he is extremely personable and sweet. Since he has been known to test new people and handlers, he will require an adopter confident enough to be his leader. Xanthus has a “wants to please” attitude and would make the perfect pony for that perfect person.

Contact Longmeadow Rescue Ranch today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Xanthus!

Photo courtesy Longmeadow Rescue Ranch

Could this week’s adoptable horse be the Right Horse you have been waiting for? Click here for more information about Xanthus, the ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week.

ASPCA Right Horse

ASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.

Horse Illustrated

Horse Illustrated is the magazine for people who are passionate about horses. Each issue offers advice on horse health and care, plus user-friendly training tips for both English and western riders and engaging lifestyle features for horse lovers.

Recent Posts

How We Speak to Animals

Emotions play a crucial role in social species, helping regulate interactions. In animals, emotions can be assessed based on physiological,…

16 hours ago

Therapy Horses: Equine Miracle Workers

Without therapy horses, there would be no equine-assisted activities for helping humans. They’ve been referred to as “angels with four…

2 days ago

How the Vet Direct Safety Net Program is Helping Horse Owners

Through the Vet Direct Safety Net Program, a Kentucky horse lover helped her veterinarian get funds to help during her…

3 days ago

Santa Anita Park Officially Announced as LA28 Olympics Equestrian Venue

After a long wait, accompanied by much speculation and a final dramatic turn, the official equestrian sports venue for the…

3 days ago

ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Camp Hope

Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the…

4 days ago

2025 FEI Basel World Cup Finals Hands Reins to Fort Worth 2026

As U.S. athletes look back on valuable experience gained at the 2025 FEI World Cup Finals in Switzerland, the next…

1 week ago