Adoption

The Adoption Process

Step 1. Before attempting to adopt, please consider carefully whether you have the time, energy

and experience to provide a loving home to one of our young Thoroughbreds.

Step 2. Browse through the Thoroughbreds we currently have available for adoption.

To learn more about specific horses, or to describe the type of horse you’re hoping to adopt,

e-mail NETRC: Stable@retiredthoroughbreds.org. We may have specific horses to recommend.

Step 3. Fill out an adoption application.

The adoption application can be accessed through the link above. Please print

and complete an application and send it to us by fax: 603-463-1120 or by regular mail:

NETRC

189 South Road

Deerfield, NH 03037

Attention: Adoption Applications

We’ll notify you right away when your application has been approved. You may visit

the farm before filling out an application; however, if you come “pre-approved” to adopt,

you’ll have the option to act immediately if you find a horse you love!

Step 4. Make an appointment to come meet our Thoroughbreds!

To schedule a farm visit, contact us by phone or by e-mail. We

accomodate visitors by appointment on any day. On the day of your visit, you may

do any of the following:

- bring a trainer, a student or - see the horses ridden by one of

a knowledgeable horse friend the Center’s riders

- evaluate multiple horses - loose-school in our indoor round pen

- try your own saddle on horses - take pictures and videos

If you’re an experienced rider, you also may ride most of the horses that are available.

Step 5. Proceed with an adoption.

An adoption may proceed when A. your application has been received and approved,

B. you’ve found a horse that you love and that we

agree is suitable to your needs, and

C. you sign and agree to abide by an NETRC adoption contract.

For more information about our Thoroughbreds and the re-homing process, please read the
“Frequently Asked Questions” section below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are your horses free?

Each of our Thoroughbreds listed on the “Available” page has a corresponding donation, which enables us to pay our hay, grain and veterinary expenses. However, if an approved family wishes to adopt or foster a second horse, for use as a companion animal or pet, we sometimes provide one at no charge.

How quiet and safe are ex-racehorses?

Our Thoroughbreds vary greatly in energy level. Many are surprisingly happy to move along slowly and quietly, and may be good prospects for children, as school horses, or for trail riding. Others are more spirited and athletic, and might appeal to more experienced riders and trainers in search of sport horse prospects.

How much training have your horses had?

Since all of our Thoroughbreds have raced, they are very accustomed to being handled, shod, groomed, saddled and ridden. They know basic flatwork commands, but have no further training in any specific discipline. Families considering adoption should have experience training a young horse or should be working with a professional trainer.

When can we visit the farm to look at horses?

NETRC is open year round. We’re fully staffed to show our Thoroughbreds by appointment on any day. If you schedule an appointment but are unable to keep it, we appreciate a

cancellation call.

Can I ride the horses that I am interested in adopting?

Experienced riders may try the horses that a member of our staff has ridden. A helmet

and proper footwear are required, and a release of liability must be signed.

Horses that the NETRC staff have not yet ridden will be longed or loose-schooled in the arena or the indoor round-pen for prospective adopters to consider.

Will you hold a horse while we think about the decision?

Sorry, no. A Thoroughbred remains available until the adoption contract is completed and the donation has been paid.

Can I preview the adoption contract?

Yes. Please click on the following link: