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Horse Adoption Drive: Take Home a Senior

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.

30-year-old Snoopy is here for display purposes only and is not available for adoption (but will accept cookie donations.)

Or, they can defy all those stereotypes and provide a challenging ride for an experienced rider. Whatever you’re looking for, chances are, you can find it in a senior horse.

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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.

6 years ago

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View Comments

Karen Fortier says:
May 18, 2019 at 7:11 pm
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.