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

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  • PERSONAL REFERENCES

    Please list the name and contact information of two (2) references we may contact to learn more about you.
  • Please share a phone, email, and address that we can use for contact purposes.
  • Please share a phone, email, and address that we can use for contact purposes.

  • EXPERIENCE WITH HORSES

  • CARE AND FEEDING

  • Please indicate age and experience level.
  • Please indicate height, weight, and (if a child) the age of the 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.

  • LANDLORD CONFIRMATION

    If renting facilities, please submit the following information and approval from your landlord:
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    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.
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