Adoptions

SHERR usually does have horses up for adoption, as well as horses that are permanent residents for various reasons, from seniors to those with medical issues that have rendered them unable to be ridden. With so many horses coming into our rescue program then being adopted out, and the fact that we are a fully volunteer staff,  it is usually easier for us to keep our Facebook page updated with news about available horses.  

What are SHERRs' adoption policies? 
SHERR-adopted horses may not be breed, raced, sold or given away. Adopters must allow SHERR-NC to inspect their facility for safety prior to adoption, and access to check the horse there after at SHERRs' discretion. 

How does the adoption process work?
Potential adopters first need to fill out an adoption application. If a particular horse interests them, they should put that horse's name on the application. A SHERR volunteer will contact them to discuss the horse and address any questions. Once and if the potential adopter is approved, the appropriate and the SHERR Director and/or Executive Director agree that the horse and adopter are a match, SHERR will schedule a barn/facility check.

What does a barn/facility check involve?
A SHERR representative will schedule a time to meet you at your barn. We will be looking for safety (i.e., no barbed wire, no junk in the pastures), a clean, healthy environment and the condition and temperament of your other horses, if any. 

Why do some horses have a required different amount of Adoption donation Fee?
Horses that are companion only adoptions will have a lower Adoption Donation Fee. Horses that are ride able, extensive Natural Horsemanship Training or otherwise in demand will have a required higher Adoption Donation Fee that is still well below a reasonable selling price.

Why does SHERR NC not allow breeding?
SHERR does not oppose responsible, well-researched breeding programs that aim to improve the breed and species. SHERR does oppose indiscriminate breeding practices. 
 

SHERR embraces the belief that there is an overpopulation of unwanted horses in the United States. If there were no overpopulation problem, there would not be thousands of sound, healthy horses going to slaughter every year. Over-breeding to stock the racing industry and irresponsible breeding are the root causes for this problem. As a matter of principle, SHERR does not allow its rescued horses to be bred. SHERR feels that denying breeding of any one horse will not negatively impact the quality of the species as a whole. However, stopping a single horse from breeding will significantly impact the horse population over time. 

How long does the adoption process take?
Typically it takes two weeks to one month.

Why does SHERR prefer not to adopt to homes that have no other grazing animals? 
Horses are herd animals and are not at ease unless they are with others of their kind — or at the very least, another grazing animal like a goat or cow. Being alone causes stress and makes the horse more susceptible to illness. If you do not have another horse you can get a small goat or possibly adopt two horses! 

Why does SHERR require a minimum of a three-sided, roofed shelter?
Wild horses are free to find natural shelter and also run in large groups that can huddle together for warmth and protection from the elements. Domestic horses, on the other hand, are typically confined to relatively small areas that lack adequate natural shelter, and are pastured in small herds that cannot provide enough protection from the elements.

Why does SHERR NC not allow barbed wire?
In one word: SAFETY. Barbed wire is extremely dangerous for horses. Horses panic easily, even in a familiar environment. A panicked horse can overlook wire strands, and severe injury can result when he runs into or through barbed wire. Wire has a memory of being coiled, and once released from the fence posts it can quickly wrap around a horse's legs, body and neck. It will not allow them to be exposed to fencing which has time and again proven itself to cause injury, disability and death.

I am interested in adopting. What should I do now? 
Please visit our Facebook page and/or complete the form below and a SHERR representative will be in touch with you as soon as possible!