H.O.R.S.E. of CT 

Pre-Adoption Requirements

Adopting a horse is a lifetime commitment. Certain procedures must be followed before H.O.R.S.E. of CT can feel comfortable sending a horse home with its adopted owners. Adoption from H.O.R.S.E. of CT is not like buying a horse…many of our horses have been injured and abused ... and certain requirements have to be met. Trust needs to be developed and that takes time. The following steps must be followed before a horse can be adopted.

• Make an appointment for a tour of the farm and introduction to our horses. Be very specific about the type of horse you want and your horsemanship skills (both in the saddle and on the ground.) This information is very important and will help the H.O.R.S.E. volunteer help you pick a horse that would be suitable for you.

• In order to build trust, numerous visits (a minimum of six and maybe more) must be made to H.O.R.S.E and time must be spent with the horse you wish to adopt. You will have your first ride on your chosen horse in our ring to evaluate how you and the horse interact together. Trail riding with a H.O.R.S.E. volunteer is also required. This evaluation is very important to make sure that you are able to handle your horse under any circumstance.

• When you and the horse you have chosen feel comfortable together, a non-refundable $50.00 deposit towards the adoption fee is required to hold that horse. With that deposit, H.O.R.S.E. will begin the process of viewing the facility where your horse will be living, checking your vet and personal references and, of course, continuing to evaluate your knowledge of horse care. Final approval will be by the H.O.R.S.E. Board of Directors, with input from the volunteer(s) with whom you have been working.

If approved by the board, the Adoption Agreement will be completed and a time set for delivery of your horse. At this time, the balance of the adoption fee is due. Adoption fees for our horses range from $600 to $2,000, depending on age, training and physical capabilities.

Adoption Agreement

Humane Organization Representing Suffering Equines, present residence at 43 Wilbur Road, Washington, CT 06777, hereinafter referred to as H.O.R.S.E., will hold this adoption agreement confidential; limiting the knowledge of same to the H.O.R.S.E. Executive Board, and selected personnel necessary to transport animal(s). It is the option of the Adopter(s) to inform whomsoever they wish. Animals adopted from this organization have been previously abused and/or neglected and starved by their former owners, (or lack of owners). Therefore, no guarantee regarding the animal is written, implied or expressed. The Adopter agrees to hold harmless H.O.R.S.E. organization and members, its heirs or assigns, forever.

 FURTHER, Adopter(s) agree to accept the regulations set forth by H.O.R.S.E., to wit:

• To adopt a horse from H.O.R.S.E. of CT, a person must be knowledgeable in the handling of horses and the horse must be housed with another horse or horses. Education classes are offered for the inexperienced. Care and feeding instructions shall be provided according to each horses' needs.

• The adoption fee, usually from $600 to $2,000, is dependent upon the age and health of the horse. This adoption fee helps cover some of the costs incurred in bringing the horse back to good health.

• The adopter shall provide yearly preventive inoculations, parasite control, dentistry, hoof care and veterinary care for illness or injury. The adopter shall notify H.O.R.S.E. of CT of accidental or natural death of their horse. Where euthanization is necessary, it must be administered by a veterinarian.

• I agree to send recent photographs (head and body shots) and information about the condition of the horse (or horses) to H.O.R.S.E. Ct. once yearly during the month of May. Also any information about the horse's (or horses') condition at that time and during the previous years.

• A barn, stable or three-sided roofed structure must be provided for shelter. A safe and secure pasture, paddock or corral must be provided for exercise.

• Stallions must be gelded and breeding of mares is prohibited.

• No horse adopted from H.O.R.S.E. of CT may be used for showing, jumping or lesson programs. This includes 4H and other youth programs, which involve showing.

• Sale, transfer, assignment or encumbrance of any horse adopted from H.O.R.S.E. of CT is prohibited, however, the horse can be returned to H.O.R.S.E. of CT if:

• Location changes of the horse must be filed with H.O.R.S.E. of CT. and we reserve the right to check in on the horses’ care, without advanced notification.

• Healthy horses seized by the State of Connecticut and brought to H.O.R.S.E. of CT may be placed in approved adoptive homes only after all court proceedings are finalized.

• Unwanted and/or unneeded horses who are in no way suffering abuse and/or neglect may be assigned to H.O.R.S.E of CT for adoption, however, the owners will assume financial responsibility until adoptive homes are located.

• The Executive Board reviews applications and will conduct personal interviews. Adoption agreements are confidential and limited to the knowledge of the H.O.R.S.E. of CT Executive Board. The Executive Board grants final approval.

• If H.O.R.S.E. of CT is responsible for transporting the horse to its adoptive home, a rate of ______ per mile will be charged (or charges agreed upon will be paid by the adopter).

• Default of any terms or conditions written herein, H.O.R.S.E. of CT is authorized to take possession of, seize and retain ownership of said animal(s) named herein.

YOU MUST BE AN ADULT TO SEND EMAIL QUESTIONS !