Things to know about adopting a rescue?

[BornToRide]

One day (No time soon, of course. I'm thinking after I finish college and have a nice,stable job), I'd really like to adopt a rescue. I've been on the internet looking at different websites with these starving horses that have been lovingly taken in and given some TLC. So many of them need homes, it just breaks my heart!

So my questions are, for those of you who rescue/have rescued.

-Is it expensive to adopt them?
-What types of special care do they need?
-Are they usually greenbroke/not broke at all?
-Are they shy of people?
-What types of facilities/equipment would you suggest having on hand for them?

Anything else you'd like to add or ask, feel free!
Like I said, I can't do this any time soon. I have to wait till I can afford it financially. But it's something I really feel called to doing. Any advice or comments are appreciated!

-BTR

[sj2004]

Each adoption/rescue is different. Sometimes they only need weight, sometimes they only need training, sometimes they have lifelong soundness issues to deal with. Since you have time before you plan on getting one, start looking for a reputable rescue now. You can even volunteer some time to see how they rehab their horses. This will give you the opportunity to see first hand how its done and to ensure they really are a good rescue facility. With the economy how it is you can get an idea now of the breed, age, gender, and training level of horse you're going to want then just wait for it to show up! Rescues are taking on more and more "ideal" horses in the 10-15 year old, well broke and sound category and you should have no problem finding what you're looking for.

[breburtch]

It all depends on the place you adopt from and the horse you adopt.

Some places have a flat rate for all horses others charge depending on what the time/money/etc has gone into the horse aswell as if the horse is rideable or not.

You can find rescues that are anywhere from strictly companion, to not broke at all, to very well trained...some that even have extensive show records.

As for being shy around people once again it depends on the horse and what it's story is. You can have very well trained and cared for horses that are still shy around new people.

As for facilities and equipment you would need all the same things you'd need for any other horse. Proper shelter, good fencing, good quality hay/feed, proper fitting tack etc. If there is something specific for the horse your looking at thats needed(like high fencing, special feed, supplements, special shoeing, turnout in a dry lot, etc)the place you are adopting from if a notable place will let you know if what you have is appropriate and if you need anything special.

[micki]

Think quarantine, quarantine, quarantine! I got a wonderful Haflinger mare from the feedlot headed to slaughter for $400, but she brought and spread strangles to my barn! There are a lot of great horses out there that need homes, some free horses are even healthy and trained, their owners just cannot afford them anymore. It is still a rescue in my opinion to find one of these and preventing it from becoming a true "rescue". A lot of these horses will end up at the auction because the owners run out of options. Good luck!

[BornToRide]

Thanks everyone!!! I'll see if I can volunteer somewhere close by. Not sure when I can do it (SO busy with work and school )...but I'm sure we can make some types of arrangements.

Anyway, I'm very excited about it and although I know it's at least two years away, I still can't wait and would like to plan ahead!!! I'm assuming that a vet check would be necessary to make sure that they didn't have any illnesses like strangles or something else that could be spread? I'd hate to bring one home and have it get all my horses sick, sj2004! That's no fun.

Thanks again!!!

[Horselady44]

Im sure the rescue does the strangles/coggins test...or I would hope so...or else the horses at the rescue would be in danger as well wouldnt they?
I have never adopted from a rescue...but I have taken in a few rescues/free horses needing ALOT of TLC! I always have them checked out by a vet to make sure there are no soundness/illness issues before bringing them around my other horses. I would def recommend a vet check before bringing them home.
I think volunteering at a rescue would be a great way for you to help out unwanted horses...as well as find one you would want to adopt Great idea I think its great your looking into this...even though its alil ways off until you finish school I think its great your trying to help out. THANK YOU! We need more people like you in the horse world

[Island Mist]

I got the world's most wonderful horse from a rescue. I also got a not-as-advertised she-beast, so maybe you can learn from my mistakes

There are some awesome, fantastic rescues (some on this board) whose selflessness and skill leave me in awe. Sadly, there are also sham rescues, like the one I went to (the owner of which is facing criminal charges and is not a member of this forum). What I learned is to seek out rescues by reputation and referral, and to check for local rescue internet forums for regional rescues; the legitimate ones talk to each other, and you get a feel for whom you like and trust.

There are so many awesome horses in need of a home right now that I bet, when the time is right, you'll find a great one.

Laura

[Equine Kneads]

It's a WONDERFUL thing to do!!

Each week the horses that are in the Kill Pen in NJ are posted on this website.
Most are rideable and really nice horses that ended up in bad situations.

www.freewebs.com/hher