Thank you for submitting an application to adopt a horse from SAFE! Adopting a horse is a big responsibility and it’s our goal to make the best possible placement for our horses. We want to help you make a carefully considered decision regarding adoption, so please be aware that this process will take some time.
Here’s what you can expect to happen next:
1. Phone Interview
Your application will be reviewed within 2–3 business days. You will then be contacted by our adoption manager for an informational phone interview, which gives us a chance to get to know you a little better. We want to learn more about what you’re looking for and what type of commitment you are able to make. You’ll also have the chance to ask specific questions about the horse and discuss the horse with someone who knows it well.
2. First Showing
If, after the phone interview, this appears to be a good potential match, we’ll set up a time to show you the horse(s) you are interested in in person. You’ll see the horse being ridden by a SAFE rider who will talk to you about the horse’s level of training and past experience under saddle. You may be able to handle and/or ride the horse during this showing if you’d like, and you’re welcome to bring your trainer or riding instructor along to meet the horse as well. (All riders must sign a liability waver and wear an approved helmet while riding at Safe Harbor Stables or at SAFE foster homes.)
3. Additional Showings
We will likely arrange a second or third showing so you can have multiple opportunities to ride or work with the horse. We really want you to have time to get to know the horse, and we want the time to get to know you too.
4. Application Processing
If you decide that you’d like to move forward with the adoption, your application will be processed, your references will be contacted, and a site visit to the property where the horse will live will be arranged. You’ll need to contact the references you listed on your application to make sure they are prepared to receive a call from one of our representatives. We also ask that you give consent to your veterinarian and farrier to release information regarding horse care to us. This part of the process usually takes 3–10 days, depending on how available your references make themselves. If our phone calls are not returned promptly, that will delay the process.
5. Decision
The Adoption Committee will review all of the gathered information and make a decision on the adoption in accordance with SAFE’s Adoption Policies and the best interest of the horse. We will then notify you of our decision.
6. Adoption Contract
If the adoption is approved, you will review, sign and return an original copy of the SAFE Adoption Contract along with a check for the horse’s adoption fee. You can review the Adoption Contract here. When you sign our contract, you are agreeing to care for the horses to our standards, allow us to conduct annual site visits, and agree to contact us first if you ever find yourself unable to continue to care for the horse.
7. Transportation
You will schedule transport of the horse. Limited delivery may be available if you do not have transport of your own, although SAFE does ask for compensation for transport expenses.
8. 30 Day Trial Period
All SAFE horses are adopted with a trial period of at least 30 days, during which the horse can be returned to SAFE for any reason with a full refund of the adoption fee. This trial period allows you to see how the horse fits in at your property and with your life. Because our goal is an adoption that works for both you and the horse, we don’t need to force a situation that doesn’t work.
9. Annual Site Visit
Your new horse is part of a community, and now you are too! Part of the promise we make to both our horses and the donors who support our mission is that SAFE will provide a lifetime of safety to the horses that we rescue. So we will periodically ask to visit your horse and see how they are doing in their new lives. We also strongly encourage you to take part in our Alumni community to share updates on your horse. We have a group on Facebook that you can join (SAFE Alumni Facebook group) and post photos, videos, and stories. You’ll find that our supporters will be delighted to hear from you.
Note: Please be aware that until you have signed the adoption contract, paid the adoption fee, and transported the horse to your facility, the horse will still be considered available for adoption. We will continue to accept Adoption Applications for that horse up until the point that the adoption is complete. We do not “hold” horses, even for applications in process, and we do not work on a first-come, first-served basis. In the case of multiple applicants, we will choose the adopter we feel is best suited for the horse.
