Adopt A Horse or Burro

Since adoptions do not always provide a lifetime of security and protection for animals, Return to Freedom has specific adoption criteria to ensure that the horse(s) and /or burro(s) are placed in suitable environments.

Due to limited resources and the constant need for displaced horses and burros to find sanctuary, we may occasionally place horses from the sanctuary and most often work with other individuals, groups, state and federal agencies to find homes for wild horses and burros in need remotely.

Some of the younger horses who volunteer a natural desire to socialize with humans, are available to be placed in approved homes. For the welfare of the horses, we have an extensive application process for their lifelong protection. The horses and/or burros may not be sold, slaughtered, abused, or live without other equine companions.

We typically place horses in bonded pairs or groups; however, each situation is different. Under no circumstances will we place a horse in an environment where it will be stalled for most of the time or be alone.

Please review our Terms and Conditions. If they are acceptable to you, fill out a the application below or print the form and send it to us, making sure to include the signed Terms and Conditions.

Email applications to:

equine@original.returntofreedom.org

or mail:

Return to Freedom

P.O. Box 926

Lompoc, CA. 93438

DEMOGRAPHICS
Today's Date*
Date Format: MM slash DD slash YYYY
Name
First Last
Email*
Address
Street Address City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code
Mailing Address (if different from above)
Street Address City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code
Phone
Work Phone
Fax Number
Driver's License number
Are you 18 years or older?
- Yes
- No
Date of Birth
PERSONAL REFERENCES
Please list the name and contact information of two (2) references we may contact to learn more about you.
Reference 1
Please share a phone, email, and address that we can use for contact purposes.
Reference 2
Please share a phone, email, and address that we can use for contact purposes.
EXPERIENCE WITH HORSES
What is your experience with horses?
Do you currently or have you previously owned a horse?
- Yes
- No
If yes, for how long and where?
If yes, please share your horse's age, gender, year acquired and the length of time that you owned your horse:
Do you still own the horse?
- Yes
- No
If you no longer own the horse, do you know where he/she is now?
- Yes
- No
Please explain why you no longer have your horse:
What discipline did you use your horse in?
What training methods and/or philosophies did you use?
Have you changed any of your training methods and/or philosophies?
Have you attended any classes or clinics regarding the care and training of horses?
- Yes
- No
If yes, which classes and/or clinics have you attended?
Why do you want a wild horse?
Do you have experience with wild horses?
- Yes
- No
If yes, please describe:
Please describe the method you will use to train your wild horse:
CARE AND FEEDING
Please describe your feeding routine (type of feed, etc.):
Please describe your exercise and/or training routine:
Please describe your pasture/paddock maintenance routine:
Will your horse be alone or will he/she have the companionship of other horses?
- Alone
- Will have companionship
Who will be responsible for caring for the horse?
Please indicate age and experience level.
Who will be responsible for the horse's care in the event you are sick or are away on vacation?
Do you have sufficient time and income to support a horse on a long-term basis?
Please describe what you anticipate your daily routine will be in caring for and interacting with your horse:
Gender of animal you are requesting:
- Stallion
- Mare
- Mare with foal
- Gelding
Age of animal you are requesting:
- 1-5 years
- 5-10 years
- 10 years or older
How do you plan to use your animal?
Does the appearance of the animal matter to you?
- Yes
- No
Will you accept an animal with physical problems?
- Yes
- No
Will you accept an animal that cannot be ridden?
- Yes
- No
If it is to be ridden, who will use the horse?
Please indicate height, weight, and (if a child) the age of the rider.
Please share the level of experience of each rider:
To ensure the safety and compatibility of horse and rider, please provide as much information as possible, such as years riding, horseback riding lessons, experiences with young/green horses, etc.
Are you working with an instructor?
- Yes
- No
Name of instructor:
Phone of instructor:
Where will your horse be kept?
- Stall
- Corrall
- Paddock
- Pasture
Please describe the location of where the horse is to be kept:
Please describe your paddock/pasture maintenance routine:
Do you have freshwater available at all times?
- Yes
- No
Water Source:
- Creek
- Lake
- Water Trough
Do you have at least 400 square feet for each animal you are applying for?
- Yes
- No
What type of fencing do you have?
Fence Height:
Is there adequate drainage in the paddock or pasture during the rainy season?
- Yes
- No
How do you plan to transport the horses?
Please describe the type of trailer you will be using to transport and the distance you will be covering:
Are you prepared to meet all costs involved in transporting your horse?
- Yes
- No
LANDLORD CONFIRMATION
If renting facilities, please submit the following information and approval from your landlord:
Landlord Name:
Landlord Phone:
Property Address:
Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code
Please upload or email a signed note from your landlord.
Your note should include:

I, ____, state that I own the property legally known as ___ in the County of ___, in the State of ___.

I give my permission to have horses maintained on my property.

Signature of Landlord:

Date Signed:
AUTHORIZATION SIGNATURE
I fully understand that I am legally responsible for horse that I adopt and I have read and agree to the Terms and Conditions of Return to Freedom’s Adoption program.

I understand that the use and control of horses is a hazardous activity. If I am accepted as an Adopter, I release and indemnify Return to Freedom and its agents of all liability from damages to person or property caused by the horse in my custody, care and control.

I authorize you to verify all references, including veterinarian, trainers, farriers, landlord, employers, etc. named in this document. I also authorize you to perform a credit check and/or background investigation on myself or the proposed, named legal Adoption caregiver.

I also understand that the horses are not available for re-homing or sale and must be returned to Return to Freedom at my own expense should I not be able to continue to provide an adequate home or care for Adopted horse(s) or that any re-homing of the horse(s) must be approved in writing in advance by Return to Freedom.

The applicant does hereby warrant that the answers given in the "Return to Freedom Adoption Application" are to the best of his/her knowledge and belief, true and correct.

Due to the extensive costs involved in providing medical care, basic handling, routine maintenance and feeding, Return to Freedom respectfully requests an adoption fee per horse which will be determined on a case-by-case basis depending on level of training, etc.

This fee is non-refundable after two weeks or in the case of repossession due to breach of contract.
Date
Date Format: MM slash DD slash YYYY
Type your name:

Adopt A Horse or Burro

DEMOGRAPHICS

PERSONAL REFERENCES

EXPERIENCE WITH HORSES

CARE AND FEEDING

LANDLORD CONFIRMATION

AUTHORIZATION SIGNATURE