You've probably seen stories in the newspapers about horses who were found on someone's property that were starving or ill due to neglect or just didn't know how to properly care for horses. Did you ever wonder what happens to those animals?

Usually they are sent to a horse rescue like Horse Rescue of North Scottsdale. Like most horse rescues, this is a non-profit animal rescue and not only do we take in horses, we also take in mules and donkeys. We are a no-kill shelter and we feed the animals while making them stronger. Horses that have been neglected or abused will be given good food and loving treatment to ensure they are on the road for emotional and physical recovery.

Another type of horse that is seen a lot in rescues are race horses. Once a horse can't race and bring in money due to a malady like bowed tendons which is a very painful condition, the horse is usually either put down or auctioned off - sometimes for dog food. We have many horses that were once race horses and after a recovery period lasting 6 months to a year for their bowed tendons, they make wonderful riding horses.

Many people think you just a horse and put it out in the pasture every day. Horses need daily care. They need their hooves cleaned of dirt, manure from the stall and debris allowed to pack with clean mud. A horse needs daily feeding of good food and the ability to graze on pasture land. They need frequent grooming. Horses need vaccinations to protect them from a number of diseases including rabies. If you know of someone that has gotten a horse and feels over their heads being faced with the care of their horse, contact us or find a horse rescue in your area.

After a recovery period in the shelter and a reintroduction to good care, the horses are put up for adoption to loving homes with owners that are knowledgable to care for them.