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Days End Farm Horse Rescue
Adoption FAQ

Q:

What does “Available for Adoption” mean?

A:

DEFHR horses listed as “Available for Adoption” are horses who have completed their rehabilitation programs and are seeking forever homes.

Q:

What does “Available for Guardian Program” mean?

A:

DEFHR horses listed as “Available for Guardian Program (GP)” are rehabilitated horses seeking forever homes. Horses in this program are either over the age of 20 years old or younger horses that require special treatment and attention due to a medical condition. Similar to adoption, horses available through the GP are provided a forever home by compassionate caregivers. While caring for the GP horse, any expenses incurred by the caregiver are tax-​deductible, including but not limited to feed, stall bedding, veterinary care, farrier care, medication, and supplements. In an effort to ensure each horse continues to receive the level of care they deserve, DEFHR retains the titles for GP horses throughout their lifetimes and requires annual facility and horse checks to track their health.

Q:

WHAT IS DEFHR’S ADOPTION RADIUS?

A:

DEFHR offers horses for adoption nationwide in collaboration with our partnership with The Right Horse Initiative.

Q:

HOW DOES DEFHR DESCRIBE LEVELS OF HORSE HANDLING EXPERIENCE?

A:

DEFHR considers the experience level required for handling horses as follows:

  • Beginner – A beginner handler is still gaining confidence working with and around horses. Beginner handlers have basic training in leading and grooming well-​behaved horses.
  • Intermediate – An intermediate handler is confident in working with and around horses. Intermediate handlers have experience in leading and grooming horses and can correct minor inappropriate behaviors (such as pulling to stop and graze, refusal to pick up feet for cleaning, or spooking at shiny objects).
  • Advanced – An advanced handler is an expert in working with and around horses. Advanced handlers have experience training young or inexperienced horses in proper ground manners, including overcoming problematic behaviors (such as bolting, rearing, biting, or spooking).

Q:

HOW DOES DEFHR DESCRIBE LEVELS OF HORSEBACK RIDING EXPERIENCE?

A:

DEFHR considers the experience level required for riding horses as follows: 
  • Beginner – A beginner rider is still gaining confidence in the saddle. Beginner riders are developing a balanced seat and mastering basic commands (such as moving forward from the leg, steering, halting, and backing up). The beginner rider is learning to tack, mount, and ride independently.
  • Intermediate – An intermediate rider has confidence riding well-​schooled horses. Intermediate riders are developing an independent seat and can control their horse in unfamiliar circumstances (such as in the field, on the trail, or at a horse show). The intermediate rider can tack, mount, and ride independently, and can correct minor inappropriate behaviors (such as walking off from the mounting block, kicking out in upward transitions, and stopping at the entry gate).
  • Advanced – An advanced rider is an experienced rider with confidence training young or green horses. Advanced riders rely on groundwork training and an independent seat to guide horses in engaging in correct and effective movement, overcoming new obstacles, and correcting inappropriate behaviors (such as bolting, bucking, or spooking).

Q:

WHY DOES DEFHR HAVE FEW HORSES SUITABLE FOR BEGINNER HANDLERS AND RIDERS?

A:

DEFHR receives horses who have been impounded by animal welfare officials for cases of abuse or neglect. As such, horses arrive at DEFHR with a variety of experiences and may not have received proper handling in the past, if they have been handled at all. DEFHR takes great care to gain each horse’s trust, build its confidence, and provide training to help the horse learn to trust their handlers. Once a horse has completed rehabilitation and DEFHR has received full ownership from the impounding agency, the horse enters DEFHR’s training program and is made available for adoption. Many horses available for adoption are in the beginning to middle stages of their training program and are best suited for experienced handlers that can continue to advance the horse’s training in its forever home. See experience questions for more information about how DEFHR describes each level of experience.

Q:

WHY DOES DEFHR CHARGE AN ADOPTION FEE?

A:

DEFHR asks for an adoption fee as a way to support its life-​saving work. Adoption fees vary depending on the horse’s ability, temperament, and training. Horses available through the GP are also offered at varying rates.

Q:

WHAT ARE THE ADOPTION FACILITY GUIDELINES?

A:

FENCING

  • Board and Post
  • No Climb or Stock Wire
  • Electro-​Braid or Poly Rope
  • Corral Panel
  • Split Rail
  • Vinyl or PVC Fencing
  • Coated Wire
  • High Tensile
  • Electric Tape (minimum of three strands)
  • Fencing must be a minimum height of 4.5 feet. All fencing is expected to be in good repair, well maintained, and free of fallen debris or overgrowth. Wire fencing is expected to be tight and without sagging.
  • We are happy to work with potential adopters on any fencing concerns.

DEFHR accepts field board with access to a run-​in shed and/​or a stall just in case your horse needs to be confined due to severe weather or illness.

PASTURE, WATER, AND COMPANIONSHIP
Minimum requirement of one fenced acre per horse. Water needs to be accessible 24/​7 and provided in a trough or tub that will not freeze during the cold months.
Horses are herd animals, and they love a pal; therefore, there must be at least one other equine present as a friend for any adopted horse. Our Adoptions Team will work with you on any concerns you have for adoption suitability.

Q:

WHAT IS DEFHR’S ADOPTION PROCESS?

A:

Q:

HOW LONG DOES THE ADOPTION PROCESS TAKE?

A:

Once successfully paired with a horse, completing the adoption process can take as little as two weeks; this allows DEFHR time to contact references. If a suitable home is available, DEFHR will make every effort to expedite the adoption process in order to make room for other horses in need of care.

Q:

CAN I PLACE A HORSE “ON RESERVE” BY MAKING A DOWNPAYMENT OR SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION?

A:

No. DEFHR offers horses for adoption to suitable homes on a first-​come, first-​serve basis. Operating on limited resources, DEFHR cannot hold horses on reserve; doing so could mean having to turn away a critically ill or injured horse impounded by animal control. If a suitable home is available, DEFHR will make every effort to expedite the adoption process in order to make room for other horses in need of care.

Q:

WILL DEFHR DELIVER THE HORSE IF I AM UNABLE TO ARRANGE TRANSPORTATION?

A:

Yes. DEFHR will transport an adopted horse to its new home for a small fee. DEFHR charges $2 per mile, one way.

Q:

IF I ADOPT A HORSE, WHAT MEDICAL CARE WILL THE HORSE REQUIRE?

A:

All horses adopted from DEFHR are current on their care, including vaccinations, Coggins, farrier care, dental care, and deworming. When adopted, copies of medical records and/​or history are given to the adopter. For horses with unique needs, recommendations for future care are included.

Q:

DOES DEFHR ALLOW HORSES TO UNDERGO PREPURCHASE EXAMINATIONS?

A:

DEFHR welcomes potential adopters to schedule a prepurchase exam with a licensed veterinarian to ensure that the horse is suitable for your desired future career.

Q:

DOES DEFHR ALLOW ADOPTED HORSES TO BE RELOCATED OUTSIDE ITS ADOPTION RADIUS OR SOLD?

A:

Yes. In most cases, after one consecutive year of successful facility profile report submissions — ensuring the horse has been well cared for and is continuing to thrive as an equine partner — DEFHR may sign over ownership to the adopter. However, horses adopted through the GP will remain under DEFHR’s ownership for the rest of their lives and may not be relocated or sold.

Q:

CAN I RETURN AN ADOPTED HORSE?

A:

Yes. Please email [email protected] to return your adopted horse.

Q:

I still have questions, how do i contact your adoptions team?

A:

We would be happy to talk to you further.  Please email [email protected]..

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