Please read our Adoption Policy and Procedure

 By setting these policies and procedures, our goal is to ensure that each horse and pony that is adopted from our facility goes to the best possible match we can find.  Please know that these policies exist not only because they are in the best interest of the animals, but also in the best interest of the adopters.  We want you to be happy with your choice...of course, there are no guarantees in life, but we do our very best to make sure both horse and human are compatible and happy together!

Coming out to see a horse or pony at our farm is BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.  Please understand this is our home, our private residence, and we are not open to the public to come and go.  In addition, our schedules vary and the times and days we are here vary greatly.  Any visits to the farm must be by appointment. 

There is NO APPLICATION FEE when submitting an application for one of our equines.  You can fill out the adoption application and mail it to us or bring it with you when you come to meet the horse or pony you are interested in.  We do require that you call us first to set up an appointment so that I can speak to you preliminarily about your experience and what you are looking for. 

Upon your arrival to the farm, I will retrieve the horse and pony and "start from scratch" with preparing the horse to be shown to you.  I feel it is important for you to see how the horse is to catch, halter, groom, tack, etc.  Horses are unpredictable; however, any faults, issues, or vices that are known to me will always be shared with you. 

I will then demonstrate various groundwork exercises.  We have a new policy here at HHF that any horse or pony that is adopted out has had solid work with and a basic understanding of Parelli Level 1 On-Line, and understands things like respecting your space, leading, feet handling, moving away from pressure, etc.  If the horse or pony is started under saddle, I will then ride him for you and demonstrate his gaits and movement consistent with his ability level.  You will then have an opportunity to handle the horse yourself, with my guidance and supervision. 

If it appears that you will be a good match for the horse you are interested in, I will begin the "background check" based on the information you provided on the application and will contact you with the results.  Please note, we do not guarantee that you will be selected to adopt the horse you are interested in.  We don't do this to discourage you from adopting, we do this because we want the best possible situation for all involved.  We have had situations where several people have expressed interest in a particular horse and I have taken the time to meet with everyone and review all the applications and make my selection at that point. 

Our adoption fees fall into a scale based on the age, temperament, experience, limitations, etc. of each horse.  The fee scale is as follows:

$500.00

$1,000.00

$1,500.00

(We will occassionally deviate from this scale and offer a horse or pony for under $500.00 if special circumstances exist). 

We offer a unique training service here to the horses that come to us, and it takes some time to do this.  In some instances, I have taken the time to start horses under saddle.  The time we put into these horses and the cost for caring for them is extraordinary.  The adoption fees don't even come close to covering that cost, but it is a help.  Adopting from HHF gives you the opportunity to acquire a really nice, well-mannered horse for a lot less than purchasing one.  And by adopting, you allow a space to open for another horse or pony in dire need.  You are welcome to have a veterinarian of your choice, at your own expense, come out and conduct an exam, as extensive as you would like, on any horse you are interested in. 

Once a decision is made that you have been selected for adoption, the adoption fee must be PAID IN FULL upon pick-up of the horse, or delivery if you have requested us to trailer the horse for you.  Trailering is offered to a reasonable distance for a fee.  Sorry, but we do not accept installment payments. 

The horse will then be transferred completely over to you.  We do not retain ownership of the horse or pony; however, you must sign an agreement to terms and conditions, including a statement that the horse will NEVER be sold for slaughter or taken to an auction under any circumstances.

If FOR ANY REASON, you decide down the road that you cannot keep the horse or pony you adopted or the horse or pony isn't working out for you for some reason, you must contact us first.  If we have the space, which typically we do not because our stalls fill quickly, we can take the horse back.  You will forfeit any adoption fee you previously paid.  This is why we work so hard to find the best homes possible...we do not want this situation to arise for anyone!  But we do understand that things in life happen...loss of job, pregnancy, moving, etc.   If we are unable to bring the horse back to our facility, you will be responsible for finding a new home for him, and continuing the necessary care until a new home is found.  We will do what we can to assist you with this.  Our only requirement is that any new home must agree to the terms and conditions on the original contract. 

All the details of our adoption policy and procedure will be discussed with you in person when you come to meet one of our horses!  Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have!