So you want to adopt a standardbred?
That's great! One of the ways we promote Standardbreds is to place unwanted racers in caring homes, where their calm, gentle and willing disposition can help to create enthusiasts that spread the word about what great horses they are.
There are a few things you have to take on board first, though:
Only full members can adopt.
Most of the horses available for adoption come to us straight from racing. You need to allow them a couple of weeks to settle down and get used to their new environment.
Very few are trained to the saddle and it is up to you to have this done. If you are not confident that you can do this yourself, there are trainers that can help you. If you want a horse for pleasure driving, you're ahead of the game; less training is needed.
Transport costs are met by you: the horses offered to you may be anywhere in NSW. We try to put you together with a horse in your general area, but this is not always possible. You may prefer to wait until a horse becomes available near you rather than pay hundreds for transport; this is your choice.
We do not place horses on a first come - first served basis. Rather, we try to get you a horse that matches your wishes according to your application. This may take some time, as we have no control over what horses become available. We also want the horse to be happy with you. If for some reason the horse doesn't meet your needs, or your circumstances change, we are happy to take the horse back and try to find both of you a better match.
If you are not an experienced horse person, you need to look into the costs of keeping a horse and the many things you need to do in order to care for a horse properly. The horse may be free, but keeping it can be very expensive depending on circumstances. Apart from the money aspect, it's even more important that you commit yourself to spending enough time with this living creature to build a happy and lasting relationship. A horse is not a motorcycle that runs on hay, that you can park in the shed and forget until you want to go for a spin again. It depends on you for companionship and leadership and love and that's a big obligation that you can't skip just because it's raining or you have a headache.
There are many handbooks on the care and feeding of horses, so we won't go into details - but think about the points below before you take any horse on, and do realise that care is not optional!
Feeding: Most Standardbreds are "good doers" that thrive on grazing that would show the ribs on a thoroughbred, but they still need a certain amount and if it's not growing in the paddock, it has to be bought from the feed store. And keep in mind that many Australian soils don't have all the nutrients the horse needs - even on the lushest grass you may need to add several supplements.
Worming: This depends on circumstances; on a clean paddock with cows or sheep for company (horses kill ruminant parasites and ruminants kill horse parasites) it's only needed a couple of times a year but in an "over-horsed" environment you may need to worm much more frequently - every 6-8 weeks.
Farrier: Depending on weather and season, and how much wear the local ground causes, you need to have the hooves trimmed and/or re-shod every six weeks or so. The feet grow, they have to be trimmed, just like your own nails. And just like your own nails, untrimmed hooves break and crack.
Vaccination: Horses get hurt and sick. It is absolutely essential to vaccinate against tetanus every year, because even a minor cut can kill horribly if dirt gets into it. Annual vaccination against strangles is also highly recommended - usually both are given in one injection.
Dentist: Horses' teeth continue to grow and stay sharp because the enamel snaps off. They can get too sharp and need to be checked regularly by a qualified horse dentist. The period depends on the feed and the age of the horse, but plan on at least once a year.
Rugging: Some horses grow thick coats in winter and some don't. Depending on where you are, winter can be cold or not, and your paddocks may have good windbreaks and shelters - or not. You need to get and use at least one rug and perhaps two, depending on the horse and local conditions. Your friend needs to be as cosy and comfortable as you are.
Medical Care: Horse have accidents and horses catch bugs. You can deal with a lot of minor cuts and scratches yourself, and you'll be amazed how the experience bonds you both. But there are times when you have to get the vet in, or take the horse to the vet, and you do need to keep some money in reserve for emergencies. Veterinary care is not cheap. | 
