The first question you should ask yourself and really consider carefully is 'Should I sponsor or adopt?' Consider all the facts; only you can answer this question. (If you are wanting to help by foster caring, please go here>>>) (Professional Trainers, go here>>>)

Horses cost an average of $100 a month on private land, or $250 at a boarding stable (plus regular shoeing, worming and vet care!). This is an average that can and will change as circumstances and seasons change. Then there is the tack, grooming, and other equipment used with the care and enjoyment of owning a horse, not to mention the facility repairs. Horses are not cheap to keep! Also consider if you have the time to spend with your horse. Not just riding, but visiting, grooming, exercising, and so on. Horses need room to move around as well. Do you have an area to ride, a safe trailer to travel with, and the room to run around just on an everyday basis. Also remember horses are social animals, they really don't like to be alone. Do you have other horses to keep him/her company. (if not, consider adopting a "pature buddy" horse for companionship) While adoption is the ideal way to be involved, sponsoring can be a less expensive and/or time consuming way to be involved while still helping these horses.

We love our Resident horses. These are Equines that might never be adopted out. They usually remain at WHF for special reasons.

Some are horses and other equine that can not be ridden or worked for various reasons, usually age or lameness. We will not allow these beautiful animals to be killed just because their old or handicapped; they are not suffering and can still enjoy life. They may be the least wanted by some people, but we love them and will care for them. Some members come just to visit with them and show them some affection.

One man who adopted one of these Resident Horses, says he has never had such a great "self propelled lawn mower" and friend; it relaxes him just watching the horse graze. A foster family says their Resident Horse has calmed their riding horse down just by being there and may even adopt him. Horses are a social animal and don't like to be alone. Do not leave these horses out of your adoption choice just because you can't ride them, they need your love too.

ANY DONATION IS VERY APPRECIATED! (Some of our Resident Horses require medication and supplements which can exceed $200 a month) ANY donation we receive will help defer these costs. Contrary to popular belief, Vet, food, and hoof care is not free for us, (although some places will work with us on a pay monthly plan) we have to pay for it like anyone else does. Please consider a monthly sponsorship.

$25 will worm a horse and provide a halter.

$50 will vaccinate a horse (initial dose)

$100 will provide one month of proper nutrition for a horse.

We would be happy to send you a picture and info on the horse you have just fed with your $100 dollar donation. If this is a gift for someone, we can send them the photo and info along with a note from you if you wish.

Adoption:

Our goal is to rehabilitate the horses who need it, and adopt out healthy animals to loving families/people who will love and care for them. We will try to add pictures as we get them, although it is very difficult to do since many are adopted immediately by people who have already filled out an application form and are on our waiting list. We do not adopt to anyone without an application on file. Our procedure is to call anyone on our waiting list who looks like a good match before posting the horse here. About 90% of our horses are adopted this way, so if your serious about adopting, please fill in an application form giving us as much detailed information as possible about the horse you are wanting. (breed, discipline, maximum or minimum age accepted, etc.) Although no one can predict the connection between an animal and a human, the more information you provide, the better chance we have of matching you with that "perfect" horse you are looking for.

Why Do We Charge Adoption Fees? (Donation requests)

Most of the horses we receive require a great deal of care before being offered for adoption. Every horse that we receive, we spend much more than our request is, approximately $2000+; this includes physical exam, worming, vaccinations, coggins test, hoof care, etc. Often, in addition to these charges, there are X-rays or medications for the horse exceeding $300 on average.

We receive no grants or government funding so we must ask for adoption fees and donations to pay expenses. We request a minimum of $200 for a resident horse & a minimum of $500 for a riding horse. Depending on the level of training and pedigree of the horse we may request more to defray the cost of an injured horse in our care who cannot be adopted.

Please do not ask for a FREE horse.

If you cannot afford to make a reasonable donation, you cannot afford to care for it properly! Please be sure this is what you want before acquiring a horse. If you are sure, then we can most likely place you with the horse you are looking for.

(Please make note; donation requests are just that- requests. Please put the amount you are willing to donate on your application form. All applications are considered regardless of amount).

In order to adopt, you must be approved first, this includes but is not limited to:

Must be at least 18 years of age in order to enter into a contract.
Free of any convictions or history of animal abuse or neglect.
Have a completed and approved adoption application on file. Adoption application >>>
Have adequate shelter, space, and safe fencing for the animals.
Be financially able to care for the animal.

DO NOT JUST LEAVE YOUR NUMBER AND DESCRIPTION OF WHAT YOU WANT in an email (this would be a good start though)- FILL OUT AN APPLICATION. We give applicants 1st opportunity to adopt the horses before listing them on our site.

Note: Wayward Horse Foundation retains ownership of adopted horses for 1 (one) year, then will turn full title over to new owner upon proof of proper care during this probationary period. During the first year, you may return the equine to WHF at any time for any reason, but without a refund. (YOU MAY NOT SELL THIS HORSE DURING THIS TIME AS IT STILL BELONGS TO US) If you do have a good reason and you wish to adopt a different horse, a part of your adoption fee may or may not be applied to the new horse at the discretion of a WHF officer; this will be decided on a case by case basis. If you are unable or unwilling to keep the equine during this period, you MUST return it to Wayward Horse Foundation. An adopted resident (companion) horse MAY NEVER BE SOLD OR GIVEN AWAY! If you no longer want to have these horses for ANY reason, they MUST be returned to WHF.

Adoption Process

Our first concern is always for the horse, (or other Equine); therefore we are careful about our adoptions.

$25 will worm a horse and provide a halter.

$50 will vaccinate a horse (initial dose)

$100 will provide one month of proper nutrition for a horse.

Adoption: