It’s the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) Adopt a Senior Month and in celebration, we are highlighting 8 fantastic senior horses that currently reside at Horse Haven in the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah. Horse Haven averages roughly 40 equines (horses, donkeys, mules) and about 80-90% of them are special needs (physical or behavioral).
Why adopt from Best Friends?
“Adoption is a very important way to help lessen the number of these animals who end up homeless,” says Jen Reid, Manager or Horse Haven. “Yes, many of our horses are pasture pals and not rideable, but they are definitely capable of developing a close relationship with their families and they can be companions to the rideable horse. Plus horses by nature need to be with other horses. There are many games that a person can play with their pasture pal horse, for instance pushing around an oversized soccer ball. Plus these horses like just hanging out with their families. And there are definitely rideable horses who end up in rescue too, they lose their homes for a variety of reasons.”
Maybe you need a pasture pal for your lonely horse at home, or someone to help keep the field grazed. Or maybe you can no longer ride yourself, but miss that smell of horse and hay (after all, it really is the best smell in the world!). If you are in the market, please consider one of these “super seniors”! Best Friends adopts nationwide.
#1 – Chester
Chester is a Quarter Horse gelding in his mid to late twenties, but don’t let that worry you! He is in exceptionally good health for his age. While retired from riding, his one of those “fellers who gets along well with absolutely anyone we put him with, so he would make a perfect pasture pal for any horse who needs a buddy.” He is slightly shy with people, but he is easy to catch and a “good sport” about whatever needs to be done.
#2 – Lady Lou
Lady is a beautiful bay Quarter Horse mare that is 25 years old. She lost her home when her person could no longer afford to care for her. Although she is chronically lame, making her unridable, she loves to watch and learn Parelli! In fact, her foster mom says Lady Lou watches while she plays the games with her horse and then tries to follow the exact patterns! She has lovely manners around people and is “equally nice” to her pasture mates, making her a great companion horse.
#3 – Thumper
Thumper is an elegant Thoroughbred gelding who is 27-years young. Although sound, Thumper cannot be ridden, tests have been inconclusive, but his reactions to ordinary situations fall outside the realm of normal horse behavior, the sanctuary says. He was bred for racing but also learned dressage once upon a time and even did trail riding. He is particular about his pasture mates, but he loves people and is a real sweetheart.
#4 – Walter
Walter is a stunning purebred 24 year-old Arabian gelding. He is calm and easy going – nothing much rattle him! He loves people and gets along with every horse the sanctuary has put him with. He is no longer sound for riding due to his legs, but he would make a great companion as a pasture pal.
#5 - Roy
Roy is a 23-year-old Appendix Quarter horse whose official name is “Royal Celt.” The sanctuary ways he is a “very friendly fellow,” and gets along well with people and other horses. He adores grooming so much he closes his eyes and dozes during the sessions! Roy has some special needs, but they aren’t too bad. He needs to be trimmed by a Natural Balance farrier, his teeth require regular attention, and is not rideable.
#6 – Cowboy
Are you looking for a horse to do Parelli ground games, or even Liberty? If so, Cowboy’s your guy! He is a Quarter Horse that, due to lordosis (swayed back) he cannot be ridden, but otherwise he is in the fittest of health! The sanctuary says he is an athletic guy who races around the pasture and is a practical joker – he will nimbly steal a hat, camera, or whatever he can nab from unsuspecting pasture visitors. He gets along well with other horses and is friendly around people. His feet need the care of a Natural Balance farrier.
#7 – Wink
Wink is a pretty 32 year old Quarter Horse mare who survived being hit by a truck when she escaped her pasture years ago. She is mostly blind and hearing impaired, but she gets around just find the sanctuary says. She enjoys eating, napping, and socializing with her horsey friends! She is known for being a great “nanny horse” – hanging around horses who aren’t feeling well. “She makes sure that no one runs the ailing horse off their food or water. Wink has also been known to guard horses that are submissive in the herd, and will make sure that a lower ranked horse isn't picked on too much!” If your herd good do with a nanny, this mare is your girl!
Horse Courses by Elaine Heney
- Listening to the Horse - The Documentary by Elaine Heney & Grey Pony Films
- Shoulder In & Out Training for better balance, bend & topline development with your horse
- Over 110+ Polework Exercises & Challenges to Download
- Dancing at Liberty & Creating Connection with Your Horse (11 lessons) - Grey Pony Films
#8 – Firebug
Firebug is 31 year old Quarter horse gelding who spent his life working at a ranch horse and is now enjoying retirement. He plays really well with others horses, but is a bit on the shy and submissive side. The sanctuary says he wants to please you, but sometimes just gets a bit unsure of himself and will disappear instead.
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