Butterfinger Baby

Butterfinger Baby is a beautiful chestnut mare who is available for adoption as of this writing at Angel Acres Horse Haven Rescue.

For those looking for an ex-race horse and who are close enough to tracks in racing states to get them there are several options. TheHorse.com maintains a list of free thoroughbreds and standardbreds on their site, often in New York, Maryland, Florida, Pennsylvania and other racing states, but sometimes in other areas too. These are usually geldings or mares but occasionally a stallion. For most beginners a gelding can be a great option as they are usually easier to house and care for than stallions.

Another option is canterusa.org which is divided into several areas. With many of these cases you have more choices if you have a trailer and a home ready, along with the ability to go get the horse quickly. There is typically a fee of $500 and up on these, and they are often direct from the racetrack.

Still other rescues may handle those horses that are neglected and abused. These can have more restrictions such as living in a certain area. For many of these you do not own the horse and there are restrictions as to the care of the horse. You cannot sell the horse or breed her. They may also restrict what you can do with the horse. Some may require unannounced inspections and disagreement can result in losing the horse for violating policy without a refund of the fees paid.

It does pay to have a very clear idea of what your facility and experience is as well as what you want the horse for. There are many animals, especially in the racing community, that are simply pasture pets because of injuries, while others may be suitable for light riding once their injuries heal.

Another option that catches the eye of many is the mustang adoptions. These are exceptional animals and can take a great deal of patience and work to overcome the wild instincts. There are very specific fencing and housing requirements as well as transportation requirements to get a horse or burro from a wild horse or burro event.

Each rescue organization will have their own requirements. Read them carefully as some state that changes in location, ownership, and such must be reported – if you are boarding and move the horse you may be in violation, even if it’s moving to a better stable. Know what you are agreeing to before you get attached to a horse.

If you are looking to own a horse with fewer restrictions one of the retired racehorses may be the ticket. Whether you are looking for just a pet, an occasional ride or a competition horse there is a wide range of horses in need of homes.  There are free horses out there but do be aware the costs may add up if there are injuries and issues to deal with from both a physical and mental standpoint. Find the best horse for what you need.

“Horse sense is the thing a horse has which keeps it from betting on people.”  ~W.C. Fields