Adoption Process
- Connect with us to discuss finding the right match for you and the rescue horse.
- Get started
- Schedule an appointment to meet, ride, and spend time with the horse(s) you are interested in adopting. We encourage you to gradually get to know the horse(s) before making a decision. Usually, we suggest an adopter schedule and complete several rides (around three or more) with the potential horse(s) before moving forward with the adoption process.
- Fill out an adoption application. If you and the horse are a compatible match, the next step is to complete the adoption application and provide a deposit that is ⅓ of the adoption fee. Once we get the paperwork, our team will contact the reference provided and schedule a time to visit where the rescue horse will be housed if you plan on re-homing it off BEC property.
- Sign the adoption agreement and pay adoption fees. Once the final decision is made, both parties must review and sign the adoption agreement. Then the adoption fee balance needs to be paid. Fees are non-refundable and are used to help rescue, rehabilitate, and house future horses. Adoption fees will not be refunded in the event the horse is returned to BEC for re-adoption.
Adoption Requirements
We have a few facility requirements if you plan on re-homing a rescue horse. Not meeting these can cause BCE to reject an adoption offer.
Shelter
We accept field board with access to a run-in shed, a stall, or both. We not do not accept trees or other natural windbreakers to be adequate shelter.
Run-In Sheds
Run-Ins must have three sides with a roof and solid, reasonably clean footing. Sheds must be large enough for the number of horses on the property. Measurements should be based on 6×6 ft per horse.
Stalls
At a minimum, stalls need to be 10×10 ft, with 12×12 ft or larger being strongly preferred. Horses require a minimum of 12 hours turn out daily except in extreme weather conditions.
Pasture
We require the pasture to have a minimum of 1 fenced acre per horse. Local zoning, however, takes precedence over BCE requirements. Please check with your local zoning.
Water
We require that horses have constant access to clean, fresh water in pastures and when stalled. Water must be provided in a tub or trough that doesn’t freeze in the winter. Natural water sources like streams, creeks, and ponds are considered secondary water sources only. Our team highly recommends fencing off bodies of water where mud builds up on the bank or shoreline.
Fencing
Fencing must be at a minimum height of 4.5 ft, well-maintained, in good repair, and free of overgrowth or fallen debris. All fencing, especially wire, should be tight and not sagging.
We do not accept the following kinds of fencing:
- Cattle grates or cattle guards
- Barb wire
- Plastic picket
- Snow fence
- Chain link
- Step-In posts as primary or perimeter fencing
- T-Posts as primary or perimeter fencing
Companionship
We require that at least one other equine be present as a companion for any adopted horse. Horses need to be able to socialize for a fence line. Accepted companions can be a horse, pony, mule, donkey, or miniature horse. Animals such as goats, sheep, dogs, cattle, or other farm animals are not considered companions.
Companion animals need to be in good health, up-to-date on required vaccines, have no infectious disease, and have good hoof care.
Other Ways to Help Horses in Need
The decision to adopt is not an easy one and takes time and consideration. Horses are life-changing animals that can have unforeseen expenses. Adopting a horse means a lot of adjustment for both the owner and the animal.
If you cannot adopt a horse but would like to help rescued horses, there are additional ways to help them get the care they deserve. Many families and individuals sponsor equines at facilities like BCE to help with food and care.