Adoption of an off-track Thoroughbred can be a wonderful adventure. In addition to inviting a member of one of the oldest breeds on earth into your life, by adopting an off-track, you are also providing an alternative for a horse that could possibly be at-risk for ending up in a less than optimal and potentially life-threatening situation (e.g., a slaughter house). Thoroughbreds are known for their great heart and willingness to please. They are spirited, athletic and highly intelligent animals who, with diligent retraining, can become loyal partners well into their adult lives. 

Having said all of that, potential adopters should know what they are taking on when they decide to adopt a Thoroughbred from the race track. 

    The most important part of our adoption process is that there is an excellent match between horse and adopter. We want our horses to be placed in forever homes with individuals and families who will love and spoil them for the remainder of their lives. Some of our horses have extensive racing histories and need a bit of TLC following their careers. Others may simply need the right prospective rider to begin a new chapter in their lives. Regardless of where they have come from, we want our horses to land in the right hands and find their forever homes. In order to ensure that we meet this goal, we screen and interview all potential adopters. 

     We will do our best to give you as much information as possible about your new family member. Adopters are provided with an Adoption Tip Sheet which will include as much information about your new horse as we have available to us. Tip Sheets can include information such as:  the horse’s most recent veterinarian, owner, breeder, racing history, record of injuries and/or ailments, recommended nutritional supplements and feed, bit size, blanket size, and recommended tree size for a saddle. We also include recommended schedules of maintenance regarding vaccinations, de-worming, teeth floating, etc. 

Finally, we like to hear about your adventures with your Thoroughbred! Please stay in touch with us and let us know how things are going! We also love pictures and updates on social media. We are always available to answer any questions you may have.

Adoption screening / requirements:

  • Safe housing - including solid shelter from the weather.  You will need to submit pictures.  
  • Safe fencing - fencing must be wooden, metal, rubber or webbed.  Fencing must not be barbed wire or unsafe in any way.  You will need to submit pictures.
  • Ability to provide ongoing care - can you afford to support your horse?  Who will be paying for the care of your horse?
  • Availability of other horses/animals on the property - we strongly encourage that horses not be housed alone or in a situation that is entirely solitary.
  • If, for any reason, you can no longer care for your horse, TRNL has the first right of refusal for you to return your horse to us.
  • Horses will not be adopted out for the sole purpose of breeding.
  • Horses will not be adopted out to return to racing.
  • Do you have experience with horses and/or will you be working with a qualified and experience trainer?

Adoption process:

  • We prefer to meet adopters in person and observe them interact with their potential adoptee.  Ideally, this may include scheduling a few sessions to work with and/or ride your new horse.
  • If you are adopting a horse for riding and/or showing, we may ask you to ride one of our horses first to determine if you will be a good match for the horse you'd like to adopt.  We will work with you in any way possible but at the end of the day, we don't want you to adopt a horse that won't be a good match for you.
  • Complete the TRNL Adoption Application.  You can find it at the bottom of the page.
  • Have you included information about your veterinarian?  
  • Have you included references?
  • After you have completed these steps, you will need to cover the adoption fee and then sign the TRNL Adoption Contract.  This contract stipulates that you cannot use your horse for breeding or racing purposes and if you can no longer care for your horse, you should contact TRNL and let us know.  We have the first right of refusal to take your horse back if you have to rehome him/her.