Horse Adoption & Rescue in South Texas

South Texas horse rescue and adoption centers commit themselves to rescuing and rehabilitating horses suffering from abuse. Equine candidates become available for adoption to acceptable homes after successful rehabilitation. Several horses acquired via rescue become permanent residents when psychological damage runs too deep. Working horses are among those spending the rest of their days at a rescue facility in a dignified and often long overdue retirement plan.

  1. Purpose of Rescues

    • The closure of U.S. horse processing plants combined with worsening economic conditions caused an escalating problem of unwanted horses. Unfortunately, limited resources also contributed to the problem. Horse rescue facilities and sanctuaries fill quickly, operating solely on donated funds. Modern-day rescues educate owners regarding options and resources, such as financial assistance for hay and grain, transportation costs and emergency veterinary care. Proper animal care training addresses indiscriminate breeding practices and the impact it has on animal welfare.

    Rehabilitation

    • Many rescued horses have never before received proper care or handling. It takes great amounts of expertise and calmness for these horses to accept humane treatment and love. Rehabilitation consists of ground work, learning to lead, socialization, desensitization, standing to be tied and other basic lessons that help horses trust humans. Horses eligible for adoption often learn new disciplines before beginning their new lives. For example, a rescued farm-working draft horse may spend the rest of his days giving carriage rides or working with disabled children. Retired racehorses can successfully transform into elegant jumping and dressage horses after retraining.

    Legitimate Horse Rescues

    • Oscar Schindler, ethnic German industrialist credited with saving almost 1,200 Jews during the Holocaust, said, "Whoever saves one life saves the world entire." Rescued horses, once fully rehabilitated, make exceptionally loyal companions. Legitimate horse rescues initially house rescued equines with families matching the horse's temperament and training level. The family must also be able to attend to any special medical needs for the horse.

      Be wary of unscrupulous horse traders who pose as rescue organizations to secure free horses, turning around and selling horses for a profit, often to slaughter houses. A legitimate rescue facility will require adoptive families to complete a screening process, which includes home visits. Beware of any alleged rescue operation that requests nothing more than a credit card number to purchase a horse. Prepare a list of red flag questions prior to dealing with a horse rescue, such as "Can my veterinarian inspect the horse" and "May I review your non-profit financial information?" Always visit the rescue facility personally and ask questions to confirm the operation's legitimacy.

    Equine Protection

    • With its main facilities located in Hitchcock, Texas, Habitat for Horses is one of the largest equine protection organizations nationwide. Each year, this organization completes hundreds of investigations regarding horse neglect, and touches thousands of equine and human lives. Organizations such as Habitat for Horses assist law enforcement officials in preparing court cases and then follow through with horse foster care. Those that require rehabilitation or retraining receive it prior to adoption.

    Humane Shelter

    • Humane Help Animal Rescue &Shelter in Presidio, Texas protects, rescues, rehabilitates and adopts out animals of all types, including horses. In addition to equine rescue and rehabilitation, organizations such as this offer animal care and training to individuals looking to adopt. Investigators receive extensive training to properly identify abuse, as well as recognize signs that a horse owner mistakenly neglects an animal due to animal care ignorance. This type of facility seeks to improve owner-animal relationships rather than just remove animals from homes without thorough investigation.

    Racehorse Rescue

    • LoneStar Outreach to Place Ex-Racers (LOPE) in Cedar Creek, Texas collaborates with the Texas racing industry in all-breed racehorse rescue. Even after its racing career end, ex-racehorses remain winners, deserving of a new life after the finish line. Horses received at LOPE become trail horses, show competitors or pasture pals in their second life. LOPE’s adoption ranch facility accepts donated horses from trainers and owners, while its rehab program offers serious rehabilitation for those in need. Prior to adopting out horses, LOPE provides horsemanship and horse care education as well.