Adoption Requirements & Guidelines

Strawberry Mountain Mustangs Adoption Form

The first question many people ask is “What are your adoption fees?”

First, let me repeat something my father taught me.

“THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A FREE HORSE!”

So don’t look for a bargain here. If the cost of the animal is your first concern, maybe you should think again. The initial purchase price of ANY horse pales in comparison to what you will put into the animal. Consider the cost of a tube of wormer, annual vaccinations, fly spray, grain, hay, farrier work, vet bills etc.

“I know, I know” you may be saying. My point is, think ahead. Are you really ready for a horse? In addition to the ‘standard care’ above, many of these horses may require that you have a round pen or panels. That’s an additional cost. And what if the animal gets hurt - or hurts you? What about the time required? Are you SURE you’re ready?

If so, then my kudos to you for being prepared. My best adopters are those who come to me months in advance, looking for information. I am encouraged by the people who can say “I’m nervous” or “I’m not sure - but I’m willing to learn”. When those people come back to me 6 months or a year later - they have done their research. The people who come to me full of bravado - those who can train anything and have done everything - those are the folks who worry me.

Once you’re ready, I encourage you to read the section titled “Selecting The Right Horse”. It gives you some things to think about when you come to view the horses.

Every adopter will have a public records/background check. Some things that may or may not affect your eligibility are:

• Criminal history - including but not limited to abuse/neglect.
• Evictions - these show your stability. Will you be evicted and have to dump your horse at the auction?
• Fines, fees, judgments owed. Really, if you can’t feed yourself and pay your bills, can you afford a horse?

Some of the horses available for adoption have special fencing requirements. They can’t be turned out to pasture until they are gentled.

Each horse is different, as is each adopter. We want the right match. If you feel like you can’t take on a mature wild stallion but have a little more confidence taking on a two year old that has already been haltered, don’t be afraid to say so! If it doesn’t fit - it won’t work! We want the best thing for you and the animal.

So, that being said, what ARE our adoption fees?

In 2005, we will set a base adoption fee of $150. Prices will go up from there as we handle the horses, worm them, etc. If we get to the point of gelding the studs and getting others vaccinated the price will reflect that.

I want to make something perfectly clear. Anyone who has ever paid vet bills or bought hay, grain, wormer etc will know that the adoption fees we ask will not even cover what we have into the animal. No, we don’t do this to make a profit. We never will, and we accept that.

If you see something that interests you, send us an email or give us a call. We’d love to set up an appointment and have you stop by for a visit. The best way for you to select the perfect horse is to spend some time watching the different personalities.

When you find the right one, you will know.