Horse Adoptions vs. Horses for Sale

Dude’s Ranch Equine Rescue Center is a non profit organization. We take in animals because they were in need, had some back luck along the way with no where else to go.

People as a whole I believe are good, most are well intended and care about animals. However, even the most well intended people are sometimes ignorant to what it takes to care for a large animal i.e.: horses. It's really great when someone reaches out to a rescue for relinquishment or adoption. We are here because of your generosity. Thank you for volunteering and for your donations.

Dude's Ranch Equine Rescue takes a great deal of care into taking in horses that need medical care due to neglect or abuse. We put a lot of energy into retraining horses so they can be placed into good homes. We offer good nutrition, medical services, space to roam, plenty of exercise and the opportunity to live in their natural social structure.

DRERC screens potential adopters for certain criteria.

1- Financial-

Can and are you able to care for these wonderful beauties if something goes wrong and you need to call a vet. Does the horse need special training that you can't provide? It takes money to make this happen. DRERC figures you would need at least $15,000 a year of expendable cash to properly care for your horse. We are only talking about a horse used for pleasure.

-Let's think about this...The average board and care is about $500.00 a month. Medical supplies, additional feeds, supplementation, training (yours/ the horse's training?), shoeing (every 6-8 weeks), worming (every 6-8 weeks), teeth floating (1x a year or so), Annual shots, etc. are just the normal upkeep costs that it takes to keep Mr. Ed happy and healthy. That's not counting any accidents, injuries or other emergencies you would call the vet for. Please keep in mind you may not spend all of that but it is entirely possible. You will need to have the funds available.

2- Training/ Boarding-

What experience do you have? Are you a novice horse person? Are you boarding at home? If you are you should have an experienced horse person handy to help you with issues that you cannot get online or in a book. A trainer/ horse professional is a must if you don't have much experience. You can untrain a perfectly trained horse. If you are boarding at a commercial boarding facility, there is usually a trainer on staff for assistance.

3- Personal Integrity

What kind a person are you? Your personality matters with horses/ animals. Do you have a kind heart? Are you a spontaneous buyer? When the novelty of owning a horse what are you going to do? If your horse gets sick and you find out it's going to take $5,000.00 for his medical care. Or she hurt her leg and it will take months for it to heal. You won't be able to ride. What will you do? Will you stay with it or give up?

Rescue does not mean free or low cost. We do need to cover our costs or we won't be able to continue our rescue efforts. Dude's Ranch Equine Rescue does charge an adoption fee equivalent to what the animal is actually worth (as if it was in a sales market). When someone is selling a horse the primary focus is how much can they get for this animal. With adoptions, it is a donation based fee to cover the expenses of making this horse viable for a good home. We are concerned for the welfare of the horse even for years down the line. DRERC keeps dual title to the animal. You are the physical caretaker and primary owner.

Animals are not throwaways... Horses/ Animals have no voice. It is up to us all to protect their innocence. We get so many horses that were in so much pain when they arrived that their personalities were just horrible, even dangerous.

In caring for the horses, we sometimes spend more than the animal's value. A good life, a life vs the actual price you paid for the animal shouldn't matter. We give them the care just so they can have a viable healthy life. There is nothing we don't do if it's in the horse's best interest. All they needed was some professional attention to fix their problems. They are usually grateful and more at peace to give what you ask of them.



DRERC keeps in touch with the adopter...It's a requirement in our adoption contracts. We visit where they are going to and who will be their handlers. It's important to know who they will be working with and how they will be living.


If you need us for professional advice, need a place to keep your horse, or just want some training…Dude’s Ranch ERC offers, lessons, horsemanship clinics, Horse keeping, training, boarding, kids camp and private riding tours. We are here to help. Please give us a call.

For more info 661-269-2473