Adopt a Horse . . . or two!
Adoption
Adoption Process
We’re committed to ensuring every former racehorse finds a safe, loving, and permanent home. Our adoption process is thoughtfully designed to protect the horses and help adopters make a lifelong, successful match.
We appreciate your understanding and support throughout this journey.
Step 1
📝 Submit an Adoption Application
Download and complete our Adoption Application. Once filled out, please email it to inquiries@afterthehomestretchaz.org.
If you don’t have access to a scanner, a clear photo of the completed form taken with your phone is perfectly acceptable. Please print legibly so we can review your application efficiently.
Once your application is reviewed and approved, we will be in touch with you to schedule the Meet & Greet!
Step 2
🐎 Meet the Horses
We’re excited to welcome you for your Meet & Greet! To ensure everything runs smoothly and safely for our horses and volunteers, please arrive on time for your scheduled appointment.
If you need to cancel or reschedule, just let us know at least 24 hours in advance. We allow a 30-minute grace period for delays. If you arrive more than 30 minutes late without notice, we’ll need to cancel your appointment and won’t be able to grant access to the property that day.
Thanks for helping us maintain a safe and respectful environment — especially for our horses!
Step 3
🏡 Site Inspection
Once you’ve found your potential forever horse and we agree it’s a good match, we’ll schedule a site visit to ensure your property meets our standards for safe and responsible horse care.
This is a vital step in protecting the horse’s future.
Step 4
🖊️ Adoption Agreement & Fee
After a successful site inspection, you’ll sign our Adoption Agreement and submit the adoption fee.
This agreement outlines your responsibilities and our ongoing commitment to the horse’s welfare.
Step 5
🚚 Coordinating Transportation
We’ll work with you to schedule a mutually convenient time for transporting your new companion to their new home.
Our goal is to make this transition as smooth and stress-free as possible for both horse and adopter.
Step 6
❤️ Live Happily Ever After
Adoption FAQ
If you're interested in adopting one of our horses, please read through the FAQ to better understand our adoption process.
If you'd like to save this FAQ, there is a PDF version you can download at the bottom of the page.
How can I find out about the horses that are available for adoption?
Visit Our Horses page to learn about our current herd.
What qualifications do I need to be able to adopt a horse?
The ability to care for a horse in a humane manner, including adequate and proper quantities of wholesome feed and fresh water. You must be:
• Able to provide safe and adequate shelter which will include at least a stall, run-in shed and turn-out area for regular exercise.
• Able to schedule appropriate hoof care, veterinary attention, including dental and yearly vaccinations and preventative care against parasites.
• Willing to seek immediate veterinary care in the event the horse becomes sick or injured.
• Confident in your skills with riding and/or caring for horses or have a plan established to learn those skills.
What is the adoption fee?
The adoption fee will vary depending on each horse. The fee will be determined by several factors including the horse’s age, rehabilitation history, experience, and stage and degree of training.
Why is there an adoption fee?
Many of our horses stay with us for quite a while. We bring them back to robust health, polish their ground skills, and in some cases, their riding skills. This takes quite a bit of money and your adoption fee will allow us to assist more horses.
Where did you find your horses?
Most of our horses have recently retired from the track but we have also received horses from the AZ Department of Agriculture.
What are the first steps to getting the adoption started?
• The first step is to complete the Adoption Application. When it's complete, please take a clear picture of it and email it to inquiries@afterthehomestretchaz.org. Or you can mail it to the address on the bottom of the application.
• After it has been reviewed by the board, a representative from After The Homestretch AZ may reach out to you to schedule a Meet & Greet.
How much hay does the average Thoroughbred eat?
On average, a horse requires 2% of their body weight in food. For an average size Thoroughbred weighing in at 1,200 pounds, that’s about 24 pounds of food per day. Three quarters of that amount should be forage, pasture or hay. Activity level, age, the health of the horse and even weather conditions, can have an impact on the amount of food needed to maintain your horse’s health and weight.
How often do horses require farrier services?
Most horses require regular trims every 7 weeks on average. The condition of your horse’s feet, the terrain you ride in and the type of riding you do are other variables to consider.
How often are dental services required?
It is important to have your horse’s teeth and mouths checked at least once a year.
Adoption Application
Our goal is to prepare our ex-racehorses for new adoptive homes.
Since these horses were bred for athleticism, heart, and intelligence, they are still very athletic and excel in many other disciplines.
They just need a chance to find that second career and a new caring home. We are here to give them that chance – it’s what we do!
Please click below to download the application.
Adopting A Horse
If you are interested in bringing one of our horses into your family, please contact us to arrange an appointment to meet the horses.
We know they are looking forward to meeting you!
We have the Frequently Asked Questions about adopting one of our horses in a downloadable PDF.
Please review the FAQ to gain a better understanding about the adoption process and requirements.