SRF accepts Standardbred mares and geldings only, from weanlings to any age as long as they are self-sustaining. Stallions must be altered before being considered by the SRF for its adoption program.

Horses must have a current coggins and health records including vaccinations. Any health or physical condition(s) must be disclosed and signed off by a VET before coming into the SRF program. Ownership papers must also accompany the horse as he/she becomes SRF property.

The owner/trainer is expected to help support the horse, through a tax-deductible contribution, especially if the horse has health/physical  issues, while a qualified home can be found. Transportation to a SRF designated location is the responsibility of the owner.

The SRF is an adoption agency, whereby all horses coming into the program will be followed throughout their lives. They cannot be raced, bred, sold, used for embryo transplant or given away. If the adopter can no longer provide good care for the horse(s), the horse(s) must be returned to the SRF. The SRF is nearing 2,000 adoptions over the past 17 years of its operation.

Finding your horse a new home - Unfortunately, sometimes caring owners must find a new home for their equine companions. We have a few hints for you if you wish to find a home for your horse on your own...

1) Research rescues. Many rescues are full (or over-full) and most require a donation when accepting your horse into the program. This option should ensure your horse's safety for the rest of his life. Although rescue programs do their best, the rescue option should be handled with great care, as they generally have little funding, few resources and they tend to struggle.

2) Consider leasing your horse instead of selling it. That way, you retain legal ownership. A 'free lease' is one where the lessee pays all the horse's bills and the owner does not require a lease fee. Even a 'half-lease', where the lessee pays 1/2 the horse's expenses and usually gets riding privileges 3-4 days a week.

3) Spread the news through word of mouth. You may find someone locally who is looking for a horse just like yours.

4) Advertise! The more people that know about your horse, the more options you have! Local newspapers, tack shops and equine journals are a good place to start.

5) Once you've found a new home for your horse, you may want to consider some methods to ensure your horse will be properly taken care of. You should always visit the farm, preferably unannounced, before your horse goes there. Look at the other horses, look in the water buckets, check the quality of feed and how safe the facility is. Ask for references, including vet, farrier, and other boarders. Ask how long they've known the person and how many horses that person has sold. Please feel free to use our application as a basis for your search. We also have screening documents to use when we call for references. Please e-mail Jessica for a copy of these screening documents.

6) Consider a written agreement that states you must be notified if the horse should ever need to be re-homed, moved or euthanized. Notify the registration affiliation for your breed of horse that the horse cannot be sold or bred without your permission, and write on the horse's papers that you reserve first right of refusal. This is similar to our placement contract.

7) Follow up! Visit the horse unannounced, or at the least, require pictures semiannually. Call and check on the horse when you can't get there in person. If possible, request annual statements from the veterinarian to ensure that your horse has adequate medical attention.