“The Adoption Affaire has become a special part of Equine Affaire over the years, and we are honored to continue partnering with the ASPCA Right Horse Program in Ohio and in Massachusetts,” says Allison Rehnborg, marketing coordinator for Equine Affaire. “Visiting the Adoption Affaire stalls in the Horse & Farm Exhibits is an incredibly heartwarming experience at both of our events because you can see horses and people connecting in some truly special ways. I’ve had the privilege of hearing about the horses adopted at Equine Affaire thriving in their new homes months and years after the fact. Sometimes we even get to see them again because their owners bring them back to participate in our clinics or demos.”

Finding the Fun

The Adoption Affaire was a huge success from the get-go, and it continues to grow.

“We’ve noticed, especially over the last couple of years at the Ohio event, that public support is increasing,” says Bailey Richards, ASPCA Right Horse Program manager. “We’ve seen more people seek out the adoption barn instead of stumbling upon it.”

These visitors have expressed that they wanted to get to the barn early before all of the horses were adopted. But even if you aren’t specifically seeking out the Adoption Barn, you won’t have any trouble finding it.

“Equine Affaire is a fantastic partner of ours,” says Richards. “They let us put up signs across the whole area.”

In addition, whenever they are out of their stalls, adoptable horses wear special bright orange saddle pads and coolers with the words “adopt me” in large letters. Anyone with questions can talk directly with the horses’ handlers or visit the ASPCA Right Horse booth.

Richards says that you might also become aware of the Adoption Affaire when you see horses strolling down an orange carpet accompanied by a ringing bell and an announcement that they have been adopted. Adopted horses and their owners are treated like celebrities with photos and cheering to celebrate the occasion.

Finally, during a showcase activity, adoptable horses are brought out to perform while information about them is shared.

Success Stories Abound

According to Richards, ASPCA Right Horse Partners brought 32 horses to the Equine Affaire this past April in Ohio. Twenty-eight of those were adopted on-site. As they were returning home, interest in adoption was expressed for the remaining four horses.

Some of the most memorable adoption stories include Brianne, who adopted her first horse, Tootsie, at the 2023 Equine Affaire Ohio. In 2024, she returned with her husband to volunteer at the adoption barn. During the event, Brianne, who is expecting a baby, became interested in adding a second adoptable equine to add to the family, Toledo. Her husband, Hunter, then arranged for a surprise adoption!

Another adoption success story is that of Noelle. Noelle, a 30-year-old pony, prefers children to adults and had strong preferences about who her adopter might be. Harper, Noelle’s eventual adopter, felt equally strong about finding her perfect match. During the Ohio Equine Affaire, the two formed an instant, mutual connection that led to an adoption and new partnership.

Planning for Massachusetts

Equine Affaire Massachusetts is set for November 6-9, 2025, and the Adoption Affaire will be featured within the Horse & Farm Exhibits area in C-Barn. The Adoption Affaire will include a variety of rescues and sanctuaries with healthy, trained, adoptable horses of a variety of breeds, backgrounds, and ages. Attendees can meet the horses in person and apply to adopt on the spot. Regardless of your specific reason for attending the event, a chance to meet, learn more, and potentially adopt a horse is a can’t-miss occasion.

This article about the Adoption Affaire at Equine Affaire appeared in the November/December 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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Adoptable Horse: Rolo, a 23-year-old, 15.0hh Tennessee Walking Horse (Grade) mare
Organization: Houston Humane Society, Houston, Texas

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Rolo

Rolo is the wise, gentle elder of the barn. With her striking pinto coat and calm demeanor, she exudes a sense of serenity that puts everyone at ease. Although she’s no longer interested in riding, Rolo still loves to spend her days grazing in the pasture, enjoying the simple pleasures of life. She’s a patient and nurturing soul, often seen quietly observing the younger horses and offering them a calming presence. Rolo enjoys her daily grooming sessions, where she stands still and appreciates the gentle attention, as well as the occasional treat—especially Nickerdoodles, which she happily accepts with a soft nudge. She’s the type of horse who loves quiet companionship, and while she may move slower these days, she’s still full of grace and charm. Rolo is the heart of the herd, and her loving nature makes her a cherished companion for all who know her.

Please note that Rolo has squamous cell carcinoma on the left eye, and possible osteoarthritis in pelvis/hind limbs.

A few fun facts about Rolo:

Favorite Activity: Grazing peacefully in the pasture and soaking up the sun

Likes: Quiet moments, gentle brushing, snacks, and spending time with her favorite human

Dislikes: Loud noises, abrupt changes, and being rushed

Contact Houston Humane Society today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Rolo!

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.

The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Rolo appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Like dating, finding the right horse can be an extensive search to find The One. The quest will most likely involve endless scrolling and comparing online listings to find your potential match. If you’re looking into adopting a horse, you just might find some extra information in that profile to make the hunt a little easier.

For example, your search to adopt a Steady Eddy could lead you to a listing for a horse named ARH Banana for Breakfast. While the palomino pinto gelding may have a silly sounding name for a senior gentleman, according to his online profile, he’s steady as they come, up to date on his vetting, an experienced trail horse, and a been-there, done-that kind of guy.

Checking Off the Boxes

How do you know? Anyone wanting further evidence can see he checks off a lot of boxes in the solid equine citizen department through the Basic Behaviors Profile (BBP) posted with his listing on myrighthorse.org.

Thanks to this handy tool, potential adopters of this seasoned steed know that he has demonstrated that he can be approached in turnout, calmly haltered and led through a gate, allows his feet to be picked up, stands calmly tied and to be brushed, fly sprayed and blanketed, and various other behaviors on the 14-point checklist of common groundwork skills.

While it’s just one part of the information on a horse’s resume, and there will be more questions, conversations, and hopefully a meet-and-greet to assess a match, the BBP has proven helpful to streamline the evaluation process on both sides.

“The Basic Behaviors Profile has helped create a standardized evaluation process for adopters,” says Cailin Caldwell, ASPCA Right Horse Program Director. “When they visit myrighthorse.org, they can quickly see the skills each horse has and which ones they still need to work on, helping them better find their right horse. Many adopters appreciate the information and transparency the tool lends to the adoption experience.

“On the other side, the Basic Behaviors Profile helps adoption organizations more efficiently identify training opportunities and then leverage that information to make happy, adoptive matches for their horses. Many of our partners now use the tool regularly when bringing a new horse into their facility, which has made the training and evaluation process smoother for both their staff and adopters.”

Origins of the Basic Behaviors Profile

The BBP was created, designed and field-tested by a team of equine experts and behaviorists to help improve the adoption process for the ASPCA Right Horse Program. Since its introduction in 2018, it has been used by ASPCA Right Horse partner organizations and is available free online for anyone to use, including equine adoption organizations, trainers, and individual horse owners.

Knowing what a horse knows is useful information. No matter what type of horse you’re looking for, ground-handling skills are essential for all horses, and the BBP provides a standardized way to assess how a horse responds to these requests.

“The Basic Behaviors profile is a series of 14 tasks that are ideal for any equine to be able to complete throughout their life,” explains Kylie Solís-McGarity, equine behavior and training specialist at the ASPCA Equine Transition and Adoption Center (ETAC) in El Reno, Okla. “They’re things that are going to be able to support [the horse’s] health in the long term and his ability to be seen by a vet and farrier. In an adoption space, it’s a way for us to be able to look at his skillset and assess the training state on all of our equines.”

A Good Starting Point

The BBP isn’t a training method, nor does it promote any specific training technique. Instead, it’s an evaluation tool that helps assess ground manners and handling. For trainers, it serves as a useful starting point to form a training plan.

“A lot of horses come in with what I call ‘swiss cheese’ training,” says Solís-McGarity. “They know some things and they’ve got some holes in other places. This is a really great way to know where they need additional support in their training.”

Solís-McGarity holds a bachelor’s degree in equine science as well as a master’s in animal behavior and welfare from Colorado State University. She applies those skills at ETAC, where services reach over 100 horses annually; of those, about half will go through some sort of behavior or training work before rehoming.

By no means do these skills need to be completed before a horse can be adopted. Instead, Solís-McGarity notes that it’s a useful way to communicate clearly with an adopter and pass on information about a horse’s skills and knowledge.

The BBP is one of the first steps for horses coming into ETAC.

“We do this before a medical exam because we’re going to be looking at things like, can they be haltered?” she says. “Can they be led, can they stand tied, can they pick up their feet, are they able to receive oral medications? What are their reactions to these very common and low-type stressors? Once we do the behavioral profile, we can much more easily inform our vet as to expectations with medical handling as well.”

Solís-McGarity is very specific about not doing any training while she is doing the profile.

“It’s not a time to train a horse, but to take in information on whether he knows it or not and what his reactions are,” she says. “And then if he can’t complete a task, we just move on and will focus training efforts during a different time.”

Tracking Basic Behaviors Profile Score During Training

Once a horse starts full-time training, Solís-McGarity likes to complete the profile every two weeks to track his progress, and again when the horse is adopted, right before he leaves.

The BBP offers a numerical score of completed items on the list. It’s not pass/fail; items are simply noted as complete or incomplete. Solís-McGarity explains that a low BBP score isn’t a reflection of a horse’s trainability. Instead, it’s a helpful way to get the conversation started, gather more information, and get to know the horse.

“It’s a great way to start getting to know the challenges, good and bad, of each horse, because no horse is going to be perfect,” says Solís-McGarity. “Since it’s a complete/incomplete, the range of reasons why it’s incomplete could be very minimal, or it could be something that’s going to require a lot of work in the future.”

For example, if someone is looking for a great trail horse, the fact that he’s fussy about deworming may not be a big deal, while a skill like tying well is of higher importance.

Useful for Any Horse Owner

The BBP is also useful to try at home with your own horse for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, it creates a safety net.

“More than anything, all of us want our horses to have a secure and safe future,” says Solís-McGarity. “And if there ever comes a point where you have to rehome your horse, if you have gone through some of these skills and given the horse a really good foundation so he knows how to be a good citizen, it really helps him find wonderful, loving homes in the future.”

It’s also good to keep skills current to avoid getting into a tough spot, such as trailer loading for a vet emergency or evacuation during a natural disaster.

Especially with young horses, or if you have a lot of horses and it’s hard to get to them all, Solis-McGarity recommends adding the BBP to expand your tool kit outside of the normal “go out to the barn and ride” routine.

Reducing Time to Adoption

At ETAC, the proof is in the numbers, with a reduced length of stay—the time a horse spends at the facility from intake to adoption.

“It has significantly reduced length of stay for us because we have a goal of getting it completed, and we get tons of information on a horse from doing the profile right off the bat,” says Solís-McGarity. “And the more info we have, the more we can pass to adopters, and the faster we can get them into their right homes.”

It worked for Banana for Breakfast, who was quickly adopted.

The BBP is available at aspcarighthorse.org/basic-behaviors-profile. To browse listings of adoptable horses, including many with the Basic Behaviors Profile, visit myrighthorse.org, the ASPCA’s online adoption platform for equines.

This article about the Basic Behaviors Profile appeared in the September 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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Imagine finding the horse of your dreams online, only to discover that he was thousands of miles away. While that may not be an unusual traditional horse shopping experience, for a potential adoptive family, it can seem like an insurmountable obstacle. The good news is that doesn’t need to be the case.

Geographic Barrier

No story about long-distance horse adoption would be complete without at least mentioning sisters Ava and Ilana of West Virginia. Ilana, 12, had already adopted a local horse, but Ava, 11, while reading an article titled “Reimagining Racers” in the March 2023 issue of Horse Illustrated, wanted to adopt a second one.

The story led her to the myrighthorse.org website, the ASPCA’s online adoption platform for equines, where she discovered Little Man, the horse she wanted to call her own.

The catch? He was located more than 1,000 miles away at the ASPCA Equine Transition and Adoption Center (ETAC) near Oklahoma City, Okla. Undeterred, Ava worked together with her family to facilitate the long-distance adoption and bring her new horse home.

Raising Awareness

While the tenacity of youth can almost always be counted on to overcome obstacles, long-distance horse adoption can also be easy for the rest of us.

Libby Hanon, equine adoption and marketing specialist with the ASPCA, has some great advice to anyone in this situation. One of the first barriers she faces in placing horses in long-distance adoptable homes is awareness.

“We strive to make people aware that there are adoptable horses nationwide,” she says. “The ASPCA has tried to eliminate that barrier via myrighthorse.org. It’s a powerful tool that brings awareness to adoptable horses. It showcases adoptable horses from 40-plus ASPCA Right Horse Partners.”

She says that these partners are the best of the best, putting horses through a comprehensive intake process, including veterinary and training evaluations, so that they can provide the information that potential adopters seek when searching the website.

Not Sight Unseen

Another potential long-distance barrier for horse adoption is that, for a variety of reasons, the prospective adopter may not be able to physically see the horse before they decide to adopt him. Here again, the ASPCA and Right Horse Adoption Partners work to reduce or eliminate the barrier.

“We pride ourselves on transparency,” says Hanon. “We do everything possible to make the adopter feel as if they are having that in-person experience.”

She says that her organization works with potential adopters through Zoom, FaceTime, or videos to facilitate a similar experience. Using technology, adopters can see the horse being caught in the pasture, groomed, ridden, loaded onto a trailer, and more.

Horse Adoption Express

Getting the horse to his adoptive home thousands of miles away may, at first, seem like a major complication. This is where the ASPCA’s Horse Adoption Express (HAE) program comes in.

“The HAE was instituted because we saw a need on different levels,” says Hanon. “One of those needs was to transport horses between Adoption Partners. Different breeds can have their popularity regionally.”

She describes HAE as a network of followers and transporters that can get horses to other Partners, where they can be adopted more easily.

Another aspect of HAE is to get horses to adopters more simply and economically.

“Getting a horse to an adopter is another way we are lowering those barriers to long-distance adoptions with the HAE program,” says Hanon.

The HAE transport-to-adopter stipend program is offered at any distance to companion or non-riding horses, and if ridable horses are located 250 miles or more away from their adopter, then they are also eligible for a stipend equal to half the cost of transport up to $500. Hanon says that on myrighthorse.org, around 70 percent of the inquiries and adoptions are happening long-distance.

That figure is echoed at the ASPCA, where 75 percent of the adoptions from ETAC in 2023 were long-distance.

Safety Net

Whether you buy or adopt a horse, sometimes things just don’t work out. One of the many positive aspects of horse adoption through an ASPCA Right Horse Partner is that no matter the distance, there are Partners nationwide that provide a safety net and will take these horses back.

Hanon says that successfully placing horses into adoptable homes is her passion.

“My mindset is that every inquiry I get, whether it be local or long-distance, is an opportunity to bring that person into our adoption family,” she says. “We make this doable. We make it fun.”

She explains that she wants adopters and potential adopters alike to feel like a community. The ASPCA encourages potential adopters to visit myrighthorse.org and inquire about their Right Horse with confidence, no matter the distance.

This article about ASPCA Right Horse’s solution to long-distance horse adoption appeared in the August 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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“Without our volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to do all that we do today,” says Brittney Vallot, Operations Director at Days End Farm Horse Rescue (Days End Farm or DEFHR) in Woodbine, Md.

A Critical Contribution

Established in 1989, Days End Farm shelters an average of 130 equines a year in need of rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming. Volunteers contribute an estimated 55,000 hours of time each year caring for the horses, as well as helping with administrative tasks, facility maintenance, and assisting with the community outreach and education that is part of the organization’s mission.

“Our volunteers enable us to provide hands-on interaction with each horse every single day, providing them with important care, handling and socialization that absolutely gives them a better shot at adoption,” says Vallot. “Not a day goes by that a horse goes untouched or unseen at our facility, and that’s all thanks to the help of our volunteers.”

In Methuen, Mass., the Massachusetts Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) at Nevins Farm houses not only horses, but a barn full of creatures great and small. The multi-species facility relies on over 300 volunteers, with 49 of them being barn volunteers. A summer intern program brings in additional assistance in caring for the organization’s annual intake of just over 3,000 animals.

“I always say we could not do what we do without our volunteers, and I really mean that,” says Shyre Lancia, senior volunteer coordinator for the MSPCA at Nevins Farm. “Our volunteers are essential with day-to-day operations, as well as with assistance during adoption events and some vet visits. From a financial perspective, they allow more funds to be used directly for the animals, but it’s more than that. It’s the range of people and skills that contributes to flexibility: the experienced volunteers guiding the new volunteers, the community that is built in pursuit of a common goal. I think the community that is built among our volunteers and staff is beautiful.”

Time and Talent

When it comes to equine adoption organization volunteers, there’s no such thing as typical. While volunteers come in all ages, skill sets, and experience levels, the one thing they have in common is that they want to help and make a difference, says Vallot.

“Everyone is unique and brings something to the table,” she says. “We take volunteers of all ages, some as young as 5 years old. We are also an entry-level organization, taking in absolute beginners with open arms and giving them the education and opportunity to grow as horse advocates. Our minimal requirements for being able to volunteer means that we get a wide variety of individuals from all walks of life who share one ‘typical’ trait: they want to help the horses.”

Kristin Showalter and her 12-year-old daughter, Ava Smith, were not equestrians when they began volunteering at Days End Farm. Today, they are known as the dynamic duo around DEFHR, where they have been regular volunteers for two years and now often lead the orientation for new volunteers.

“We love coming out to help in whatever ways we can, but our personal favorite aspects of volunteering include community education and outreach opportunities and, always, one-on-one horse time and hands-on horse care,” says Showalter.

For daughter Ava, Days End Farm has become a huge part of her life, bringing both horse and human friendships. She met one of her best friends while volunteering at the farm and loves being part of the “Equidopting” program that Days End Farm offers.

“I sponsor Rodgers Regent, my best horse friend at the farm, and I love the special time I get to spend with him every week,” she says. “I am so thankful that DEFHR was able to rehabilitate him and give him the life he has now! I also love the chance to learn from the trainers and staff at DEFHR, which has helped me learn everything I know about horse handling, care, and rescue.”

Dick Heiger is a longtime farm operations team volunteer at Days End Farm who has found his own way to contribute his time and talents to the organization.

“He is now in his 80s and continues to amaze us all with all that he does for us,” says Vallot. “He’s our trusty, weekly front lawn mower every spring through fall. He’s a master gardener and has planted one of the most beautiful gardens along our front driveway. He’s also painter-extraordinaire when the colder months make indoor tasks more appealing. He’s never been one to want to work in the barn, but his love of our mission and the horses is just as strong as any other volunteer.”

Finding the Why

Lancia sees a fair number of people who had some horse or farm experience in their youth circling back to reconnect when they find themselves with time to volunteer. Others volunteer to gain experience, whether they want to prepare for future animal ownership, or are looking to acquire skills and knowledge that will be helpful in applying to veterinary school.

“Farm animal interaction is something of a novelty around here,” says Lancia of their location, some 30 miles from downtown Boston. “Riding lessons are quite expensive in this part of the country, so unless someone had a family farming connection or the financial means, they may never have had the opportunity to interact with a horse.”

For MSPCA volunteer Kristen Oleson, watching people connect with these animals for the first time is what stands out the most.

“I grew up around horses in a family who knew their way around a farm,” she says. “The MSPCA is in a far more urban area than you will find most horse stables. In my time volunteering, I have seen countless children, and more than a few adults, experience their first interaction with a horse or goat, chicken, emu—the list goes on. I was too young to remember the first time I touched a horse or had one blow in my face. Having had the opportunity to share that with so many people has been an absolute pleasure.”

The opportunity to volunteer is a two-way street, says Showalter.

“We love volunteering, and we choose to come out each weekend—sometimes a weekday here and there, too—to help with the variety of jobs needed for the horses in Days End’s care,” she says. “But also important is the fact that the experience of caring for horses is therapeutic for us, as well as for them. Learning each of our horses’ individual stories and backgrounds provides a window into who they are and what challenges they may be working through in their equine rehabilitation process. Being a small part of that process, helping them to regain their health, confidence, and trust in humans, is a very powerful thing to be a part of.”

Getting Started with Volunteering

There are hundreds of equine rehoming, shelter, and rescue organizations across the country, many of which rely daily on volunteer assistance to get essential jobs done. Here are some tips for anyone wanting to volunteer with an equine rescue group to get started.

1. Research Nearby Organizations

A good first step for those interested in volunteering is to identify what facilities are within a convenient distance and visit their website for volunteer information, says Lancia.

“The priority is to meet the need of that rescue, but of course it should be in a way that is achievable for the person,” she says.

2. Understand the Volunteer Requirements

Most facilities have information on their websites that will make it clear what they need help with, including any requirements applicants should meet, and Lancia encourages people to pay attention to the required skills and experience, if any are listed.

“Trust that the organization is looking for specific skills or experience for good reason,” says Lancia. “For barns especially, some of the tasks are very physically demanding, and you’ll be outdoors no matter the weather. This is obvious to equestrians, but I get a fair number of applications from new-to-barn people who don’t realize they’ll be outside in the snow!”

3. Get to Know the Organization

Most will have some sort of orientation, which is a great way to get to know their organization a bit more and decide if you want to commit, says Vallot.

Lancia also advises making sure the role is a good fit and being honest with yourself about that.

“There’s so many ways people can volunteer, and different facilities may have different roles available—don’t be discouraged if the first one you look at isn’t a good match,” she says. “Keeping an eye on the websites over time may result in something opening up that wasn’t there when you originally looked, too.”

4. Get Involved

Once you get started at a place, Vallot encourages getting involved.

“The more you do, the more you seek out ways to participate, the more you will learn and grow as a horse person.”

Lancia advises thinking outside the box and being open to helping organizations in different ways.

“We get a lot of applications for dog and barn volunteers, but very needed and helpful positions such as those handling phones and email are often bypassed,” she says.

Don’t assume you have nothing to offer, adds Vallot. Many times, obstacles can be overcome.

“Have limited time or lack of transportation? Ask the organization if there’s a way you could help them remotely. Have a physical limitation that keeps you from working in the barn? Maybe you can help them in the office or man a booth at an event. There’s always a way you can get involved and help.”

To find an organization in your area to support, please visit myrighthorse.org, the ASPCA’s online adoption platform for equines.

Further Reading
◆ Getting Started with Volunteering at Horse Rescues
◆ The State of Equine Nonprofits
◆ Ways to Volunteer in the Equestrian World

This article about horse rescue volunteers appeared in the July 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post The Importance of Horse Rescue Volunteers appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

The beginning of Goobie’s adoption story is unfortunately not unusual. But for Goobie’s sake, thankfully it has a happy ending.

In a story, “Donkeys on Duty! Albert and Yankee Get New Jobs and Second Chances” posted on the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ (ASPCA) website, when a horse or donkey is being rehomed, it is often due to a change in their owner’s life circumstances. In Goobie’s case, he and his equine companion found themselves alone in the world when their elderly owner passed away.

Further complicating matters, there were no family or friends to step in and take over their care, illustrating the importance of an often-ignored area of equine ownership: having an emergency plan in place.

It was not until well-meaning neighbors intervened that local law enforcement officials collected Goobie and the horse, delivering them to River Edge Farm Horse Rescue near Lyles, Tenn., for care and adoption.

Although safe, Goobie’s story took another sad turn. While his partner soon found a good home, Goobie’s adoption proved a bit more challenging. One reason, perhaps, is that his beauty is found more in his personality than his physical appearance.

Companion Donkeys

Meanwhile, some 150 miles away, my journey toward adopting Goobie was unfolding.

In September 2021, I purchased a young American Warmblood gelding named Bucky. My herd already consisted of a Half-Arabian mare, Sally, and her companion donkey, Harmony.

Sally, who has metabolic issues, lives on a dry lot year-round, making it an easy management choice for the donkey, who flourishes (despite not facing similar issues) within her living arrangement.

Although I made it possible for Bucky to both see and hear his companions, it was important that they not be able to touch. Sally, extremely mareish, made plain her intention to injure him.

It quickly became clear that he needed a companion of his own. Even a system I developed to share Harmony’s companionship ultimately failed, expediting my need to find Bucky a new friend.

A Link to Goobie

A few months later, I had still not found a suitable companion equine. But by February 2022, Bucky and I were ready for the next step in our story, one that would ultimately lead us to Goobie.

My schedule as a teacher, writer, and farmer can be extremely full. I decided that for Bucky to be better prepared for the fun I had mapped out for us that spring, I would need to send him to a trainer, Brittany Malinoski in Lebanon, Tenn.

It was an enjoyable time in both our lives as Bucky progressed and my friendship with Brittany grew. Through our talks, I learned that in addition to client horses, Brittany also trains rescue horses for River Edge, a kind act that often makes them more adoptable. It was through her relationship with the farm that she became acquainted with Goobie.

During updates and riding lessons, we talked about my need for a donkey companion for Bucky. It was during one of these conversations that Brittany told me about Goobie and his plight. Based solely on her description, by the time Bucky’s 90 days of training ended, I had agreed to adopt him, sight unseen.

Meet and Greet

Because Bucky’s vacant training spot was being filled by a horse from River Edge, they kindly agreed to deliver Goobie when they brought the new horse to the facility where Brittany trains. The first time I met him, when my husband and I brought the truck and trailer to bring Bucky home, the two of them had already had an opportunity to become familiar with one another.

Even though he was about to catch the best break he’d had since his owner’s passing, in Goobie’s eyes, our arrival was an unwelcome surprise.

Despite being well-informed, I was a little taken aback by his appearance. Then, nervous and mostly unskilled at trailer loading, he refused to be caught so that he could be loaded.

Still, once he was caught, he willingly followed Bucky as he was brought onto our spacious stock trailer. I decided to press forward, and the pair quietly traveled home.

Opposites Attract

Over the last year and a half, Goobie has proven that beauty is much more than in the eye of the beholder, and he is doing well with his new companion.

He is as knowing as his ancient appearance suggests he would be, and he is a perfect partner for his young pasture mate. Spinning, trotting, galloping, and bucking at a moment’s notice, Bucky can be playful and unpredictable in the pasture.

Goobie, his polar opposite, offsets Bucky’s antics with his calming presence. Sometimes Bucky also enjoys a good play fight—biting, rearing, striking, and more. While Goobie is not always willing to join in, he is accepting of Bucky’s antics rather than fighting back, and he has become a wonderful instructor of manners to his young friend!

Donkey Differences

Despite his quiet inner beauty and good relationship with Bucky, their relatively new partnership does have its imperfections. While I considered myself somewhat knowledgeable about donkeys, since I had already owned a donkey for several years, Goobie has presented me with his own unique set of learning opportunities that differ from those of Harmony.

Far from halter broke, Goobie still adamantly refuses to be haltered. On the few times I have been able to manage it and experiment with the various styles and padding options of breakaway pasture halters, each has rubbed his sensitive skin. So for now, he remains halter-free. Instead, I have discovered that he will quietly allow himself to be wedged between a panel and a wall for routine farrier and veterinary care, something I hope to improve on in the future.

Goobie and I have arranged an understanding. Because I frequently bring Bucky and Goobie in from the pasture together, he willingly trots ahead on the way to the barn. Much like my other donkey, he lets me know when he wants attention and when he doesn’t, further narrowing down his preferences from a pat or scratch to a more extensive grooming session.

Basic Training

In their website story, “6 Tips for Getting Donkeys Adopted,” the ASPCA advocates for training donkeys to be haltered, led, groomed, loaded onto a trailer, and have their feet picked up. I believe these basics are important for all equids to ensure a safe landing in the event the unexpected happens.

Though I never intend for Goobie to find himself in an uncertain situation again, he is still very much a work in progress. In spite of the work still to come, I plan to provide him with a home for the rest of his life where he knows nothing but love and good care.

Though the adoption story that Goobie and I share is somewhat unusual, I strongly encourage anyone considering adopting a donkey to do their research and, if it seems like a good fit, begin the process of searching for your perfect match. You, too, may find an unusual but happy pairing.

This article about adopting a companion donkey appeared in the June 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post An Unlikely Friend: Adopting a Companion Donkey appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Cheyenne & Whisper

Alexa Atchison of West Farmington, Ohio, had always dreamed of owning a horse.

“When I was told that I was going to get one, I couldn’t keep my eyes off myrighthorse.org,” Atchison says.

While much needed to be done before she and her family were able to bring a new horse home, when she saw Cheyenne and her dam advertised, they immediately planned a visit for the following day to ASPCA Right Horse Partner Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary in nearby Raveena, Ohio. During the visit, while Atchison was busy meeting the horses, her father noticed the cute-faced Whisper in the stall across the aisle.

“Her fee happened to be waived for Adopt a Horse Month,” Atchison says. The family was smitten with her and signed the papers that evening. “I fell in love with Cheyenne, and Whisper was the perfect companion to help her leave her mother. I was thrilled, because not only did my dream come true with bringing Cheyenne home, but because of Adopt a Horse Month, we were able to bring Whisper home, too.”

Pony Hero

In 2024, Alina Bartlett of Springdale, Ark., adopted Hero. Bartlett had previously adopted other horses from the ASPCA Equine Transition and Adoption Center (ETAC) in El Reno, Okla., but unlike her other adoptions, Hero was not supposed to stay.

In the process of being relinquished by owners that could no longer care for him, Hero stayed with Bartlett overnight before she was to return him to the ETAC.

“He was coming to my house for only one night,” Bartlett recalls. She says that while she didn’t know Hero’s entire story, she did know that at some point he was mistreated. “In his younger years as he was growing, his halter had grown into his soft tissue and had to be surgically removed.”

Hero was also exhibiting some behavioral challenges while at Bartlett’s home. He was very nervous and untrusting around people. As such, Bartlett placed Hero in a stall and advised her boyfriend, David, to be watchful. Wanting to ease David’s mind, she also told him not to worry because the pony would be going back to the ASPCA in the morning.

A bit later, as Bartlett was feeding her other horses, she found David sitting in a lawn chair in the stall with Hero. Soon enough, Hero had taken to David and was allowing him to give pets and scratches, much to everyone’s surprise.

“I had no need for a pony, nor did I want this one,” Bartlett says. “I was taking this pony back and adopting another horse.” David, however, had another idea. He spent hours in the stall forming a bond with the timid little pony.

“David fell in love with this pony,” she says. The next morning, as she went to hook up her trailer and head out, David told her to call whoever she needed to and find out how to keep the pony.

Now, she says, on top of the many horses they already have, they also have a pony that is just around for David to love on.

“Hero is very spoiled and really only likes David,” Bartlett says. “He was meant to be here with David. They needed each other.”

Ella’s Story

“Adopt a Horse Month is such a great opportunity to promote our available equines,” says Allison Hungerford, director of communications for the Susquehanna SPCA in Cooperstown, N.Y., an ASPCA Right Horse Partner.

In 2024, the organization received a stipend from the ASPCA Right Horse program to spend on paid advertising for their horses, something that allowed them to expand their audience.

“The opportunity was one that I was grateful for because so many of our adoptable horses at the time were going to be happiest living out their days as companions only, which is something that can be an adoption hurdle,” she says. With the stipend, Hungerford was able to target groups looking for horses similar to the ones at the facility.

“While these promotions increased inquiries for all of our adoptable equines, there was one horse in particular that found her match through the campaign,” Hungerford says.

Ella had come to the Susquehanna SPCA through a suspected animal cruelty case.

“She was extremely emaciated upon arrival and had a foal at her side that she was caring for,” Hungerford recalls. “After the case was closed, Ella became ours. Ella’s foal was quickly adopted, and she was healthy and searching for a pasture where she could spend her days relaxing while munching on grass, maybe participating in some light riding now and then.”

Hungerford says that sadly, Ella kept getting overlooked and had been waiting for her person to come along for quite some time.

“With the help of paid and targeted advertising, I was able to reach folks who lived in areas we weren’t necessarily accessing with our regular organic outreach,” she says. “This did the trick for sweet Ella, and she found her match!”

Facilitating Adoption

When the Adopt a Horse Month initiative officially started, everyone involved dreamed about how it would evolve and what it would one day become.

“Adopt a Horse Month plays a critical role in raising awareness and excitement around equine adoption,” says Cailin Caldwell, director of the ASPCA Right Horse Program. “In 2024, thousands of horse lovers explored equine adoption for the first time by visiting myrighthorse.org and met adoptable horses online.”

Caldwell says that as a result, more than 200 horses, donkeys, and mules found homes during the month through ASPCA Right Horse Partners.

“We’re hoping to make this year’s Adopt a Horse Month even more impactful and encourage everyone to get involved,” she says. “If you know someone looking for a horse, encourage them to consider adoption by visiting myrighthorse.org or their local adoption group. Or share on your social media channels to raise awareness and interest in these amazing horses. Whether you’re looking to adopt or not, there are countless ways to get involved and support these amazing equines.”

Be part of something big during Adopt a Horse Month 2025. Join The Rescue Effort to see how one adoption creates space for more horses to be helped. Learn more at aspca.org.

This article about Adopt a Horse Month appeared in the May 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Adopt a Horse Month 2025: Finding Forever appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Adoptable Horse: Stella, a 18-year-old, 14.2hh grade Appaloosa mare
Organization: Susquehanna SPCA, Cooperstown, N.Y.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Stella

Stella is an 18-year-old mare that came into Susquehanna SPCA’s care after her previous owner fell upon hard times. Stella is short, sweet, and very food-motivated. She is completely blind, but it doesn’t slow her down. This pint-sized lady confidently navigates the world around her and adapts to change in stride. For instance, Stella is very comfortable with being led, trailering, entering new spaces, and locating her food and water sources. When out to pasture, Stella utilizes her remaining senses and the guidance of her companion, Matilda, to learn where boundaries lie. These best friends would love to find a home together!

Contact Susquehanna SPCA today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Stella!

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.

The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Stella appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

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!

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.

The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Xanthus appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Adoptable Horse: Lucille, a 25-year-old, 15.0hh Tennessee Walking Horse mare
Organization: West Virginia Horse Network, Elkview, W.Va.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Lucille

Lucille, also known as Keepsake, is looking for the perfect home where she can live her best life munching treats, hanging out with friends and looking beautiful. West Virginia Horse Network’s veterinarian believes her ideal career is being a pet or pasture puff because of an old injury. She is fully pasture sound without any additional supplements or extra care. She also does excellent being led through obstacles and playing games on the ground. She’d do fine with in-hand obstacles at a local show or in a therapy program.

Lucille has been adopted and returned several times now, due to no fault whatsoever of her own. It has just been a string of unfortunate luck. We’d love to find a new and long term placement for her quickly, with a new friend.

Contact West Virginia Horse Network today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Lucille!

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.

The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Lucille appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.