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.

In a word: yes. Horse adoption is the goal of every rescue, provided that horse goes to a loving home that is knowledgable about horse care. The sole reason some horses wound up at the rescue in the first place is because their owners had no idea the level of care that a horse actually requires in order to be healthy and happy.

Horses that are brought into the rescue are first made healthy in body and then in spirit. Horses are herd creatures and crave companionship either from other horses or from a human companion. Once you have adopted a horse from a rescue, he may be a little apprehensive of you at first, especially if he was abused by a previous owner.

Bring treats and use a calm voice when you work with your horse and never raise your hand or your voice to your horse. Start off by letting him learn who you are. He will want to sniff you and he may even nibble on your hair or shoulder. Horses learn a lot by exploring with their mouths. Stroke him and tell him he's safe and with friends. Most horses will respond by calming down. If he's skittish you can start off in a smaller space by walking beside and petting him - keep your hands on his back and rear end and if you feel those muscles tense, he's about to kick -move immediately.

Do this every day and your horse will quickly learn you mean him no harm and a bond will begin to form. Once that bond begins it will continue to grow with each training session and your horse will show you what a marvelous companion animal he can be. Adopting a horse can be a huge plus for getting a wonderful animal who has been rescued and given a second chance at a good life. Work with your adopted horse using patience and kindness and you'll have a fabulous equine friend for years to come.