When you adopt a horse, bringing your new horse home won't be any different than if you bought a horse from a breeder. Your horse will be a little nervous, a little anxious and will need some time to adjust to his new surroundings.

Horses are psychologically wired to be prey animals and until they know for 100% certain that they won't be harmed by a person, place or thing, they will be a little wary and skittish around new people and new places. When you first bring your horse home, let him investigate his new home. Horses like to bump, sniff, and even taste objects around them to get a feel for how safe they are. Let him do so - it will make the settling in process a lot faster.

Next, spend time with your horse frequently. Bring treats (if that's part of your personal training regimen) and start training immediately. Work with basic ground manners and teach him how what behavior is expected. Remember that your horse is a rescued horse and may not have known the exclusive kindness of humans in his past. You will have to show and prove you can be trusted. Soft words, stroking and the occasional treat (unless he becomes aggressive seeking them) will prove quickly to your horse that you are a companion and not going to hurt him.

Lots of attention, positive training techniques and love will enable you to have a great companion animal that most likely had a rough life until he was rescued and found a great new home.

Around the holiday season, many people consider adding a horse to their family. It may be every kid's dream to own a horse, but horses aren't for everyone. Horses are magnificent animals - they are also curious, intelligent and require a lot of care. Stress the last sentence - a lot of care. If you feel you have the room on your own land or a reputable place to board your horse that's a great start.

Next, if the main caretaker for the horse is going to be your child, make sure he or she is ready for the responsibility as well as if you or other family members will be able to back the child up in the care of the horse. Horses need lots of attention, regular all-over grooming, special attention to their hooves and regular medical care - they need to be vaccinated and wormed just like a dog or cat does. Some ten year olds are much more mature than some fifteen year olds, you alone can judge if your child is ready for the responsibility.

Horses need good shelter and good food. If you can't provide both, a horse isn't in the cards for you at this time. Many people made the mistake of getting a horse thinking they could just put it out in their pasture to graze. It sounds great but what they wind up with is a very ill and malnourished horse. Horses in the wild have access to a lot of different types of food and horses in captivity need a variety of foods to be healthy.

Your horse will need to be worked with on a regular basis. Training your horse is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. To adopt an abused or neglected horse and turn him into a wonderful and loving companion animal through positive training is a wonderful thing and although it's not the right option for everyone - many people can still provide loving homes for horses.