Improving the lives of horses and humans in our community through education and assistance

Mustangs To The Rescue

Central Oregon’s Community Equine Rescue, Rehabilitation & Adoption

 

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Equine Adoption Program

Each year Mustangs To The Rescue helps hundreds of previously unwanted, abused or neglected horses find adoptive homes.

Because we consider each horse that comes through our door as a member of our family, Mustangs To The Rescue wants to ensure the horse we place will be going to a long-term, loving and caring home.  Each step of our adoption process helps us to identify if we have the right match, for both the horse and adopter.

We have spent countless hours getting to know each of our rescued horse’s individual temperament, training and needs. Our adoption process helps us get to know each adopter’s horse experience, skill level and the types of activities they like to do with the horse.

The application process requires several interviews, supervised equine interaction, veterinarian/farrier/trainer references as well as personal reference checks and site inspection.

Once adopted, Mustangs To The Rescue follows up with the new owners and references to check the status of the horse and ensure that the adoption is working out for both the horse and adopter.

Adopters are required to provide regular updates, and should expect our standard $500 adoption fee.

Occasionally a potential adopter is interested in a horse that just isn’t the right match or sometimes we don’t have a horse suitable for their needs. It is no reflection on the adopter and should the ‘right’ horse arrive at our facility, we will contact the adopter to meet the new horse.

How it works

How to adopt

Mustangs To The Rescue’s adoption process is a lengthy and extensive process designed to ensure that any horse we place will be going to a long-term, loving and caring home. We care deeply for these horses, having spent significant time and emotional energy caring for them, through their rescue, rehabilitation, and retraining. As such we are very selective with our applicants to ensure that not only is it a good match, but it is the right match for both the adopter and the horse.

Our horses are not sold to the highest bidder, nor do we randomly dole out horses to just anyone who offers a home. Our adoption process can be lengthy so if you are in a hurry, or just want to ‘pay your money and get a horse’ we suggest you look elsewhere.

 Step 1

Send an email to adopt@MustangsToTheRescue.org to request an adoption query. Once this is completed, our Adoption Coordinator will be in touch with you. Please be patient! Besides arranging adoptions, she is also in charge of the horses full time care and training. If you haven’t received a reply from the email within five business days, please follow up.

Step 2

You will be asked to share your past experience with horses and to discuss your needs and desires around adopting a horse. Be ready to answer questions such as:

  • Can you afford to own a horse? Can you afford to own a horse means more than just paying the adoption fee!
  • Where will you keep it? We will need details regarding ownership of the facility, information about shelter and fencing.
  • Do you have the resources and knowledge, or support, to properly care for your horse?
  • What sort/type of activities do you plan to do with the horse?
  • What will you do if the horse gets sick? Can you afford vet bills? Do you already have a relationship with a vet?
  • How long do you plan to keep the horse?

Step 3

Next, plan to visit with our Adoption Coordinator at our facility and do a Meet and Greet so you can meet our available horses. This initial meeting goes a long way to let us, and you, know whether or not you might be the right forever family for a horse you’ve seen online or at an event.

Step 4

If the decision is made to move forward with the adoption, a Mustangs To The Rescue representative will then do a “site inspection” at your barn or boarding facility of choice. References will be checked (boarding facility, veterinarian, farrier, personal).

Step 5

Once you and your boarding facility, or farm, have been approved, your adoption may be finalized and transportation will be arranged for your horse(s) to be moved to their new home.

Please Note

Please realize that even if you are a great home, if we feel it is not a great match, we will not approve your desired application. And instead notify you if the right horse is available.

What is the adoption fee?

Our standard adoption fee is $500. Adoption fees help us offset costs incurred during the often long rehabilitation process, and helps us to continue with our mission.

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Available for Adoption

How You Can help

Support and Volunteer

While most people believe that organizations like ours are funded by taxpayers dollars, this is not the case.  We do not receive funding from federal, state, or local governments. Without the support of individuals like you and our community, we would not be able to continue to do what we do. So whether you donate cash or goods, or give your time, your support enables us to have a positive impact in our community by providing assistance, educational opportunities and resources needed in order to ensure long-lasting safe homes for previously unwanted, abused and neglected at-risk horses.

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