Horse Illustrated Magazine

Unrideable horses are often a challenge for equine rescue organizations. These horses typically can’t be ridden due to old injuries or chronic lameness, but they’re still comfortable turned out in the pasture and can have a good quality of life in the right home. If they get along with other equines, these horses are often adopted as companion animals to keep retired senior horses company, help babysit weanlings, or simply fill out a small herd.

For obvious reasons, there is less of a demand for companion-only horses than riding horses. One Massachusetts-based equine rescue organization is striving to find good homes for its unrideable residents by waiving the adoption fee—which is normally $200—for companion horses.

The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) will run an equine Adoptathon from November 15-30. The MSPCA currently has 13 companion horses at its Nevins Farm in the town of Methuen, and some have been there for years awaiting a forever home.

To ensure that the horses end up in a good home, prospective adopters must provide three references, including at least one veterinary reference. The MSPCA will schedule a home visit to see adopters’ facilities in person before they are allowed to bring a horse home.

The Adoptathon kicks off with an Equine Open House on Tuesday, Nov. 15, from 5-8:00 p.m. Outside of that time, visitors can meet the horses by contacting the Nevins Farm staff and scheduling an appointment.

Find out more at mspca.org.

Leslie Potter is a writer and editor based in Lexington, Kentucky. www.lesliepotterphoto.com