The SPPHA runs the adoption program for the purpose of putting Standardbred horses into caring, loving homes. The SPPHA adoption happens in two stages:

​

• A 12 month free lease, including 2 vet checks at 6 months and 12 months;

​

• Transfer of the horse into the adopter's ownership.

​

 Note that it is a criminal offence to sell or give the horse to anyone else during the one year free lease period.

​

Please complete your details and answer the questions on the application form as honestly as possible as this information will help us to select the horse that best suits your needs.

​

• You must be a financial member of SPPHA NSW to apply for adoption of a horse. You can complete your membership online here at NOMINATE

​

• There is a non-refundable application fee to help cover administration costs. Please note that completing this application does not guarantee that you will be able to adopt a horse from the SPPHA – all adopting owners are assessed for suitability and the final decision is at the discretion of the SPPHA.

​

• The SPPHA does not in any way warrant that the horse is healthy or suitable for your intended purpose; this is for you to judge. You are free to have the horse checked by a vet and/or horse trainer at your own expense.

​

• The horse will not be used for harness racing. That is an absolute condition of the donation from the original owner and harness racing documents will not be given to you.

​

• As long as the horse is on free lease, which is at least one year (and only after the second vet check has been approved and transfer of registration has been completed), it remains the property of the SPPHA and cannot be sold, hired out or given away.

​

• You must have a vet carry out a check of the horse at 6 and 12 months into the lease period and send the vet report to us. You will be sent a notice when this due, which will explain exactly what is required. This is so that we can verify that the horse is receiving satisfactory care and feeding.

​

• When the second vet check has been approved, the ownership of the horse will be transferred to you. The registration/transfer fee is included in your adoption application fee paid when you first apply to adopt a Standardbred. You then become the owner of the horse and receive the Certificate of Registration.