ADOPTION INFORMATION
Please see our Adoption Guidelines below to see if you qualify and to fill out an adoption application. Potential adopters are welcome and encouraged to make inquires about available horses; however, in order to set up an appointment to meet horses we do require a completed application on file. Please Note: We do charge adoption fees for our horses. The fees can vary quite a bit depending on the horse (training level, age, needs, etc.). We do not have adoption fees posted with our horse bios, but if you contact us with the names of specific horses you in which you are interested, we will be happy to give you more information. Thank you!
You can find out which horses and other animals have found new homes by visiting our Recent Adoptions page.
Adoption Guidelines
Minnesota Hooved Animal Rescue Foundation Adoption Guidelines
Thank you for your interest in adopting from MHARF and giving a deserving rescued equine a new home! Please review the following guidelines to see what we require in an adoptive home. Our goal is always to make placements that are suitable for both the animal and the adopter so that the experience is positive for everyone involved! Safety is our number one priority. You don’t need to have a “fancy” facility to adopt, but you do need to have a safe one. The issues we see most often that cause us to turn down an application are uncapped steel t-posts (we require all posts be capped), barbed wire fencing (only smooth wire allowed on wire fencing), steel sided shelters with no wooden kickboards (we require all metal-sided shelters to have kickboards from the ground up to 3’), and shelters with only one narrow opening (we require shelters to have wide openings or a second opening to reduce the risk of one horse getting trapped in a corner). We also require adoptive homes to comply with Minnesota State Humane Laws. MHARF will consider adoptive homes throughout the state of Minnesota and also in Wisconsin, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Iowa.
MHARF will place animals in homes that comply with the following guidelines:
Adequate Food :
- Nutritious feed (hay/grain) in sufficient quality (wholesome, palatable and free from contamination such as feces, mold, mildew, insects, dust, etc. • Food shall be provided in sufficient quantity and be of adequate and appropriate nutritive value.
- Diet shall be prepared with consideration for the age, breed/type, condition, size, work level and quantity of equine(s).
- Equines should score (by a veterinarian) a body condition score of between 4 and 6 on the Henneke Body Condition Scoring Chart to be considered of adequate weight.
- Equines shall have access to adequate natural forage or be fed daily or as recommended by a veterinarian or MHARF.
- All storage and feeding receptacles shall be kept clean and free from contaminants such as feces, mold, mildew, insects, dust, etc.
- If more than one animal is fed at one time or in one place, it shall be the responsibility of the caregiver to separate animals for equal feeding if needed.
Adequate Water:
- Adequate water means clean, potable water available at all times for all equines. Exceptions shall be determined by a veterinarian. Snow is not an adequate source of water. • All water receptacles shall be kept clean and free of contaminants and be positioned or affixed to minimize spillage.
Adequate Shelter:
- Adequate shelter shall have at least a roof and three sides and be kept in good repair and free of standing water, accumulated waste, sharp object and debris. We require all metal-sided shelters to have kickboards from the ground up to 3 ft. We require shelters to have wide enough openings (or a second opening) to reduce the risk of one horse getting trapped in a corner or being kept in or out of the shelter by a more aggressive herd mate.
- Adequate shelter provides protection from inclement weather conditions (e.g. prevailing wind, sleet, rain, snow, and arid temperature.
- It is the responsibility of the owner/custodian to ensure that each equine, taking into consideration age, breed/type and health, has access to proper shelter or protection from the weather (e.g. relief from more dominant equines that may exclude him/her from the shelter).
Adequate Space:
- Space available to the equine must be usable and safe (e.g. must be provided an area free from standing water, accumulated waste, sharp objects and debris and maintained in a safe and healthful manner).
- Equines shall be allowed to exercise and have freedom of movement as necessary to reduce stress and maintain good physical condition. Space and provisions for exercise must be appropriate and sufficient for the age, breed/type, quantity, condition and size of the equines.
- If an equine is to be stalled, stall size must be of a minimum of 10′ by 10′ for a full sized horse (stalls for ponies and miniature horses may be smaller sized according to size of individual animal).
- Enclosed areas should be constructed or modified to allow free flow of air to control temperature, humidity and prevent air stagnation. Equines kept in stalls must be allowed a minimum of 4 hours of daily turn out in a suitable and safe fenced area large enough for the equine to exercise.
- Fencing shall be well maintained and in good repair at all times. Fencing adequate for equine needs to be highly visible and of a minimum of 4 feet. Barbed wire fencing is not considered an appropriate fencing for equines and we cannot accept adoptive homes with barbed wire fencing in use. All steel t-posts must be capped with vinyl or plastic caps (available at most farm supply stores and online).
Adequate Companionship
- Equines are herd animals and are very social. Equines need to be kept with another equine. Horses, ponies, miniature horses, mules, and donkeys are all acceptable companions. However, appropriate companionship will be determined per the needs and safety of both the adopted equine and your existing equine/s.
Adequate Veterinary and Farrier Care:
- Any adopted animal shall be afforded immediate veterinary care if known or suspected to have an injury, accidental or deliberate, or exhibiting such signs as shock, colic, founder, tremors, swelling, broken bones, open wounds, inability to eat or drink, blistering as a result of fire, acid, etc., irregular or abnormal breathing, partial or total paralysis, abnormal discharge or bleeding, signs of disease, severe parasitic infection, loss of appetite, weight loss, abnormal skin condition or hair loss, temperature fluctuation, persistent diarrhea, inability to bear weight on a limb or lameness, or other such signs.
- Hoof care maintenance and trimming every six (6) to ten (10) weeks, or as directed by a veterinarian or farrier.
- Parasites kept under control through worming schedule as directed by your veterinarian per fecal float. •
- Vaccination as recommended by your veterinarian. Proof of testing for Equine Infectious Anemia (Coggins Test).
- Annual dental check-up and necessary treatment to ensure proper and adequate food digestion.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Although each animal MHARF makes available for adoption has been inspected and evaluated, it makes no guarantees regarding previous ownership, condition, or health and that MHARF can only give such information as it has received. The adopter is personally responsible for the humane care of an adopted animal including future vaccinations, deworming, proper nutrition, dental care, and hoof care, as listed in the MHARF Adoption Guidelines. All medical and other costs incurred after adoption date are the sole responsibility of the adopter.
Under no circumstances can an animal adopted from MHARF be used for breeding purposes.
The MHARF Adoption Contract establishes co-ownership of the adopted animal between the adopter and MHARF. The adopter agrees not to attempt to sell or re-home the adopted animal. If at any future time the adopter can no longer care for the animal or chooses not to own the animal, the adopter will return said animal with prior notification to MHARF and relinquish any rights of ownership. No money paid in adoption fees will be refunded; however, another animal of equal or lesser value may be chosen in replacement.
If you feel that you meet these guidelines and would like to apply to adopt an equine from MHARF, Please Fill Out the Adoption Application Here . If you would like more information on adoption in general or on a particular equine we have available, please email [email protected] or call (763)856-3119. Thank you !