Q. Is transportation my responsibility?
A. In most cases yes, however, you will need to contact the specific organization that is featuring the horse. For a list of transportation companies and questions related to transportation please visit the National Horse Carriers Association's website at www.nationalhorsecarriers.com.
Q. Does the entire adoption fee have to be paid at once?
A. Generally, it is asked that the entire amount be paid before the horse leaves the organization's care.
Q. What payment types are accepted?
A. Typically, a cashier's check, money order or cash are preferred methods of payment.
Q. Can I have a vet check a horse over before I decide to adopt?
A. Yes, but you must first contact the organization responsible for the horse you wish to have checked by a veterinarian. Many organizations will require that this be done at your own expense.
Q. Why do you only feature Thoroughbreds?
A. Many of the people involved with retirement organizations have some past involvement in Thoroughbred racing and feel an obligation to assist the breed they not only love, but the breed that helped them earn a living. There are rescue organizations for other breeds as well. This is a website that lists various equine rescue groups by state: www.equinerescue.com.
Q. What happens to Thoroughbreds after their racing career?
A. The more talented Thoroughbreds are retired to breeding farms. Geldings or horses that were not talented enough to be bred are sometimes kept by an owner willing to undertake the obligation of continuing to provide for them. Still others may leave the racetrack and go directly to a riding stable. But numerous retirees each year have few options and are therefore subject to abuse, neglect or slaughter for human consumption. Retirement organizations have been able to rescue thousands of horses from this plight.
Q. How old are Thoroughbreds when they stop racing?
A. Thoroughbreds typically begin their racing careers at age two and remain racing from anywhere between the ages of 2 and 10 depending on how they do, soundness and racing form.
Q. How long do Thoroughbreds live?
A. The average age for a Thoroughbred is 25-28. However, given proper care and a good home, they can live past the ripe old age of 30.
Q. How big are Thoroughbreds?
A. The breed ranges in weight from approximately 800lbs to 1200lbs. Horses are measured for height in hands. A hand is the equivalent of four inches. Thoroughbreds typically range from 15 hands to 17 hands.
Q. Are older horses available?
A. Yes, among the various organizations there are horses ranging all the way up to age 30+.
Q. What colors are Thoroughbreds?
A. Thoroughbreds come in several different colors and with several different possible markings. They come in bay, chestnut, gray, black and brown. They may have a strip, blaze, star, snip, socks, stockings or any combination of these.
Q. Are Thoroughbreds good "kid" or beginner horses?
A. They can be. Like all other breeds, horses are individuals and have different dispositions.
