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**Geplaatst door de TopicStarter** : 12-04-10 21:40

Should I get an adopted horse?

Geplaatst door de TopicStarter : 12-04-10 21:40

For the forum. I had to use google translate, but enjoy the content.

I've heard mix things about adopting a horse, but can't beat the price... http://www.breakupgoods.com/4384-time-heals-all-baby-cakes-is-proof/details.html

She's only $500?! for the adoption fee? Does this sound right? It has to be determined if she can still be ridden because of a knee problem, but I'm thinking casual for the kids.

Stats: 13 1/2 hand, 16 year old flea bitten Arabian mare

Input welcomed. Thanks.

**Geplaatst**: 12-04-10 21:45

Re: Should I get an adopted horse?

Geplaatst: 12-04-10 21:45

Where you from? The USA?

**Geplaatst**: 12-04-10 21:46

Geplaatst: 12-04-10 21:46

I think this horse would make a perfect horse for children, if she goes along with them well of course

Unfortunately I don't know how high 13 1/2 hands is in centimeters, maybe you could find out?

For 500 i would really consider it, especially if you have the time, room, money and effort to take care of her.

If you let a vet check her before you descide to buy her, and he says she's going to be okay and if you like her, I would definetly adopt her.

**Geplaatst**: 12-04-10 21:49

Geplaatst: 12-04-10 21:49

Google the name of the adoption agency.

We are on the other side of the ocean, you'll need a local forum to get the info you need.

**Geplaatst**: 12-04-10 21:51

Geplaatst: 12-04-10 21:51

I have found the original website of this foundation.
Here is the link:

http://www.doxyshorserecovery.org/

The way I read it, the 500 IS the fee, so that IS what she costs. On the page "" contact us" it even says: Adoption fees may be negotiable, what matters most is the quality of the home the horse is going to.

If you want to know for sure, just email them!

Also: Here in the Netherlands we don't have that much foundations that rehomes horses. The ones that claim they do are often not that nice (more for the money then for the horses.) I know in the USA it is very common. If you really are interested and need experiences you better find an American forum.

Laatst bijgewerkt door Zilfstar op 12-04-10 21:54, in het totaal 2 keer bewerkt

**Geplaatst**: 12-04-10 21:52

Geplaatst: 12-04-10 21:52

This is a Dutch website, there is little chanche someone here knows this adoption agency.

Apparently they don't sell horses to make money from it, but to make sure the horses they rescue will be able to spent the rest of their lives with good owners. That should be one reason why she's relatively cheap.

I think the price is fair, since the mare is not too young and seems to have some medical problems. Bear in mind you might have to spent quite a lot of money on necessary veterinairy aid. As well, it seems you have no idea about the past of the horse, that's also a risk.

If you want a horse for your kids to ride, I surely woudn't buy a horse that potentially has a knee problem. Kids get older, they'll want to make longer rides, have a trot or canter. For kids to ride, you just want a safe and healty horse. So I'd advise you to have he horse at least thouroughly checked by a vet.

Laatst bijgewerkt door Elanor op 12-04-10 21:59, in het totaal 6 keer bewerkt

**Geplaatst**: 12-04-10 21:53

Geplaatst: 12-04-10 21:53

Whoops!

It seems i got the question wrong

**Geplaatst**: 12-04-10 21:56

Geplaatst: 12-04-10 21:56

Here are some international or US forum-links

http://www.equineonline.net/horseforum/

http://www.horsechitchat.com/equineforums/

**Geplaatst door de TopicStarter** : 12-04-10 22:00

Geplaatst door de TopicStarter : 12-04-10 22:00

Wow. Thanks people!

Wasn't expecting that quick of a response.

I'm in Michigan.

I honestly didn't know you could even adopt a horse tell you the truth. My friend just told me about the site and how people will just leave these animals on their own. Some of the stories are crazy like the pig on that site, that's why I was wondering if I should get one from adoption...Is there a chance they might be angry because they were neglected in the past? Those were the things I was wondering...if they held grudges against all humans. LOL I know that sounds funny, but I don't know how else to say it.

**Geplaatst**: 12-04-10 22:04

Re: Should I get an adopted horse?

Geplaatst: 12-04-10 22:04

It sure is possible that some of them are afraid of people or even express this with aggression, but I assume that they would tell you this before you actually adopt the horse. Probably there are also horses (to be honest I haven't clicked on the link yet) which are friendly and trust humans, if you don't have too much experience with neglected horses that's a better idea. Otherwise giving the ones which really had a bad time in the past a chance, would be a good thing to do, but only if you know how to handle it. Otherwise it could go wrong and for such a horse that can slow down the 'healing process' extremely, especially when it has to change homes again.

**Geplaatst door de TopicStarter** : 12-04-10 22:05

Geplaatst door de TopicStarter : 12-04-10 22:05

elanor schreef:
This is a Dutch website, there is little chanche someone here knows this adoption agency.

Apparently they don't sell horses to make money from it, but to make sure the horses they rescue will be able to spent the rest of their lives with good owners. That should be one reason why she's relatively cheap.

I think the price is fair, since the mare is not too young and seems to have some medical problems. Bear in mind you might have to spent quite a lot of money on necessary veterinairy aid. As well, it seems you have no idea about the past of the horse, that's also a risk.

If you want a horse for your kids to ride, I surely woudn't buy a horse that potentially has a knee problem. Kids get older, they'll want to make longer rides, have a trot or canter. For kids to ride, you just want a safe and healty horse. So I'd advise you to have he horse at least thouroughly checked by a vet.

Thanks for the advice Elanor. I will keep these notes in mind.

**Geplaatst**: 12-04-10 22:07

Geplaatst: 12-04-10 22:07

O, I understand what you mean! But I have found horses are very gentle animals. And when people give them good, positive energy they are thankfull. Ofcourse there are horses that are so mistreated they need a lot of time to adjust to a new positive, caring owner. And some may never heal at all. And there are those that are so gratefull for their new chance... But I guess when you adopt a horse from a good solid foundation they will look at who you are (with your kids!) and make a good choice about the horse they will let you take home.

Don't forget: These horses are not rehomes over night! They probably have had a complete rehabilitation! They are not dragged out of the negative situation they were in and put oin the internet for adoption (if it is done the right way!)

trader_jimbo schreef:
Wow. Thanks people!

Wasn't expecting that quick of a response.

I'm in Michigan.

I honestly didn't know you could even adopt a horse tell you the truth. My friend just told me about the site and how people will just leave these animals on their own. Some of the stories are crazy like the pig on that site, that's why I was wondering if I should get one from adoption...Is there a chance they might be angry because they were neglected in the past? Those were the things I was wondering...if they held grudges against all humans. LOL I know that sounds funny, but I don't know how else to say it.

Laatst bijgewerkt door Zilfstar op 12-04-10 22:09, in het totaal 1 keer bewerkt

**Geplaatst**: 12-04-10 22:08

Geplaatst: 12-04-10 22:08

They won't really hold grudges but they might be traumatized, depending on what the horse has gone through. But if you want to know more I'd email the agency and ask for more information about the horse and ask if you could come and visit to see it. If they're really after a good home then they will be most happy to help you out.

**Geplaatst**: 12-04-10 22:10

Geplaatst: 12-04-10 22:10

I agree with Zilfstar, the organisation will probably guide you in finding a horse which suits you and your family. If not, I would consider another agency or just a horse from a private owner (if that's proper english). A trustworthy organisation not just gives its horses away, so no guidance would be an indication that you aren't at the right place.

**Geplaatst door de TopicStarter** : 12-04-10 22:12

Geplaatst door de TopicStarter : 12-04-10 22:12

J508 schreef:
They won't really hold grudges but they might be traumatized, depending on what the horse has gone through. But if you want to know more I'd email the agency and ask for more information about the horse and ask if you could come and visit to see it. If they're really after a good home then they will be most happy to help you out.

This is what I will probably do. Thanks for all the input!

**Geplaatst**: 12-04-10 22:18

Geplaatst: 12-04-10 22:18

You're on one of the largest forums in the world, sure'll get response.

I think the above said on traumatised horses is true. Some horses might have a traumatic past, and you'd have to be an experienced horse(wo)man to work with such horses. I don't suppose adoption agencies like this will sell someone a horse if he or she can't manage it, and the webite also says they will check on the new homes and finds it important the horse fits the owner.

On the other hand, like Eleandra says, not all neglected horses have behaviour problems or anything like that. These agencies will problably also have horses the past owners couldn't take care of for a number of reasons (financial troubles, owner died or something else), so these horses are just saved from being sausages.

Do you have any experience on working with horses? If not, and you just want one for your kids to ride, make sure you know what you're starting. Of course you'll have to know what care a horse needs. And make sure you know this: you don't buy a horse beacuse you want to save money! Horses are expensive. You might save a little money when buying one cheap, but for example regular and irregular veterinairy costs, the farrier, food, ect. are often high. From that poiny of view, you'd better pay a something extra for a healty horse.

**Geplaatst**: 13-04-10 13:37

Re: Should I get an adopted horse?

Geplaatst: 13-04-10 13:37

RT-D --> TAO

**Geplaatst**: 13-04-10 13:44

Geplaatst: 13-04-10 13:44

If you really want a well-broke and safe horse for your children, I would not look for an adoption horse. If you look, you might very well find a suitable and affordable horse with a nice temperament that can be trusted with children.
And for all the lovers of Arabian Horses, that does not imply that I do not think of Arabian Horses as too spirited for children, that really depends on the horse.
But for a first horse, I would choose an older horse with a mellow character, maybe a pony, and well trained at that.
And keep in mind - as was mentioned before - the purchase price will only be a fraction of what it will cost to keep the horse.
I would calculate carefully, and inform myself about the care that a horse or pony will need. For starters, you cannot keep one alone, they need a friend/companion. So if you intend to keep her on your property, he needs another horse (prefereably), though a sheep or goat might do....

**Geplaatst**: 14-04-10 19:24

Geplaatst: 14-04-10 19:24

Hi !

i've just send u a personal message with a lot of different options .. if u don't know how to open it, feel free to ask !
but i just thought about another option .. if u go to a local horse auction, u can usually buy well broke horses for around 500 .. some local horse auctions even have a vet that'll check the horse out for u if u'd want to ..
since u 're looking for a horse for ur children, a tennessee walking horse may be a lot better than an arabian horse.. they usually ride very quiet and smooth

**Geplaatst**: 15-04-10 15:28

Re: Should I get an adopted horse?

Geplaatst: 15-04-10 15:28

Moderatoropmerking:

enkele offtopic-berichten over de taal verwijderd. Lijkt me duidelijk dat de TS geen nederlands spreekt, dus graag in het engels verder hier, tenzij je natuurlijk een reactie wilt geven maar dit slecht onder woorden krijgt, dan is er vast iemand bereid te helpen met vertalen.

En daarmee laat ik het vertalen hiervan ook aan iemand over die daar beter in is dan ik