If you are considering a new horse and are interested in building a rewarding relationship with one of these beautiful animals, here’s how our adoption process works.
Available horses are listed on our website, each with multiple photos, riding videos, and a detailed description to help you make an informed choice.
Please note that only approved adopters may speak directly with a trainer to receive additional information not already listed online. Approved adopters may also schedule an appointment to visit in person, or choose to adopt sight unseen after a phone or email consultation with a Sable Haven trainer. We encourage adopters working with personal trainers to include them in the selection process.
Once you’ve found a horse you’re interested in, simply click the “Adopt Now” button on the horse’s page to send us an email inquiry. Be sure to await a follow-up from our team for approval and next steps in the adoption process.
Processing time often depends on accessibility of references. Applicants should notify references that they will be contacted. Applicants are notified of status via e-mail or other designated means. Approved applications are valid for 2 years, so there is plenty of time to find the right horse!
Please remember to check your SPAM folder for status e-mails!
Questions regarding your horse experience, stabling setup, and overall preparedness are part of the adoption process. Veterinarian and personal references are also required. All applicants must be approved before visiting any of our facilities or meeting available horses.
Once your initial inquiry is reviewed and preliminary approval is granted, you will receive the official adoption application form via email.
A $25 non-refundable application fee applies.
Please Note: The application form is best completed on a desktop computer or laptop for optimal functionality.
Adoption fees range from waived to $3,500 depending on each horse’s age and physical limitations.
Fees are waived on horses that, while otherwise healthy, have significant limitations for a riding career or are otherwise difficult to place.
Horses with higher adoption fees (typically horses that are highly desirable will have an added non-refundable donation along with the adoption fee) help those horses who may need extensive medical care or just more time to find a loving home.
Please confirm with the horse’s trainer prior to paying adoption fee. Without confirmation the horse may not be available and the adoption is not pending or final.
Thoroughbred adoption contracts are for one year, and Standardbred adoption contracts are for two years. In the event an adopter determines a horse is unsuitable within 60 days following the receipt of physical possession of the horse, the adopter may return the horse to Sable Haven Horses in exchange for a credit equal to the adoption fee.
However, Sable Haven Horses reserves the right to retake possession of the adopted horse without granting a credit if the horse’s physical condition has worsened while in the adopter’s care. In either case, the adopter is responsible for providing transportation to return the horse to the program.
If the horse will be housed at a boarding facility, the owner of that facility must complete and submit the Boarding Agreement.
Once a commitment is made the adopter has seven days to pick up or transport the horse. A daily rate is charged for board beyond this grace period. A health certificate is required by law for horses that are shipping with a commercial hauler and would be crossing state lines. Health certificates typically cost $30 – $50, depending upon facility location.
Adopters are required by contract to send updates with clear photos. During the first year, Thoroughbred adopters must submit updates at the 3rd, 6th, and 12th month from the date of the adoption. During the first two years, Standardbred adopters must submit updates at the 3rd, 6th, 12th and 24th month from the date of adoption. This helps Saven Haven monitor the horse’s condition and progress. Copies are sent to donors to assure them of a successful transition and may be posted on Sable Haven’s Horses social media as Success Stories or included in the bi-annual print/PDF newsletter.
Once you’ve found a horse you’re interested in, simply click the “Adopt Now” button on the horse’s page to send us an email inquiry.
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