Adopt-A-Foal & Equine Rescue, Inc. is committed to making a difference in the lives of orphaned foals and neglected equine. Our primary concern is to find them safe, loving homes that suit their individual needs and those of the adopter.

From the time an orphaned foal(s) is purchased from a PMU or Nurse Mare Farm, it has already experienced a tremendous amount of change and stress. The wonder of being born into a big new world is sadly overshadowed for a young foal by the trauma of being separated from its mare for whatever the reason. Because horses are herd animals, this separation can be devastating for a foal. A qualified adopter must have another foal or horse for the adopted foal to bond with in order to create its new “herd”. It is for this reason that we prefer that only individuals with previous experience apply to adopt one of our young foals.

Secondly, you must have appropriate facilities available to you. In adopting an orphaned foal(s), you must be able to provide it with access to a barn with stalls and adequate fencing in the paddock or pastures. In addition to frequent feedings, a foal needs to be constantly monitored throughout the day and not just be checked on periodically. They will need companionship and lots of patience and love.

Thirdly, it is important to have a strong support system of friends, family and an Equine Veterinarian. Raising a foal is a huge responsibility and a life-altering experience. The freedoms you may currently have to do certain activities or to travel will be interrupted for an indefinite period of time. A strong support system will aid you in providing proper care vital to your foal’s good health and gives you comfort in knowing that you’ll have help there no matter what might occur.

Finally, be aware that raising foals is a significant and ongoing expense. (Refer to Foal Care page) Do you work full-time? Will the frequent feeding and monitoring of your foal interfere with your work schedule? Based upon your level of experience and any time limitations you may have, you might consider adopting a foal and placing it in foster care until it is weaned off the milk replacer.

...or for an older horse?

Just as with foals, in adopting an older horse, you'll need to ask yourself some important questions:

• What is your intended use for this horse?

• Will it be a child's horse or one for an adult?

• Will it be a part of its own "herd"?

• Can you handle its personality and disposition?

• Will its personality/disposition fit in with the rest of your "herd"?

• Do you have adequate facilities and pastures for grazing?

• Can you afford the Feed, Farrier and Veterinary expenses that are necessary to maintain its proper health?

• Do you have the time to care for it? (Grooming, injuries, stall mucking and all?)

• Will this horse require training? Are you qualified to train it or will you be able to afford to have it trained?

You must be able to answer these questions honestly or you may end up setting yourself and the horse up for failure.

Whether you're interested in a foal or an older horse, bear in mind that there are probably as many different opinions about what and how much to feed your foal/horse as there are different breeds of horses. Additionally, the feed that one person may swear by for their foal/horse may not be affordable to you or available in your area. We suggest you gather all the information you can before you adopt so that you can make informed decisions and develop a plan.

Planning ahead can minimize your expenses and ensure success for you and your adopted friend.

If you feel you meet the above qualifications for adoption and are willing to take on the responsibility of raising one of our foals or horses, please print and complete the AAFER, Inc. Application Agreement, return it to us with the $10.00 Application fee and then contact us at 281-356-6644 or email contact@adoptafoal.org to set up an interview.