Adoption FAQs

Adoption fees range from $250 to $10,000 as determined by the Board of Directors. If the horse has physical limitations, is older or has a vice, the adoption fee may be waived. Discounts are offered on adoption fees for forever homes, meaning the adopted horse may not be resold after adoption.

All fees received from adoptions are used to assist other retiring Thoroughbreds in the program.

It all depends on the horse. Some of the horses in our program never raced or were not suited for racing and were retired sound. Others have injuries that prompted retirement from racing.
By the time they are retired, most horses will have some sort of physical issue. Most of these issues will not affect a horse’s career as a riding or companion animal, however, RFTR does not make guarantees regarding the soundness of any horse or its future endeavors. Please keep in mind that stall rest and specific therapies may be required post adoption.

All adopters are responsible for the cost and arrangement of transportation for their adopted horse.

RFTR has a list of suggested shippers, please inquire for more information.

Most of our horses are not recommended for children, novices or first time horse owners. They are fresh off the track with little or no pleasure riding experience. Even after a period of transitional training, most of these horses will not be suitable for children or inexperienced riders. Beginner to intermediate riders must be working with a trainer in order to adopt an RFTR horse.

If you are interested in adopting a listed horse, you must complete and submit an adoption application. Once your application has been reviewed, an RFTR representative will request photos of/or visit your farm or boarding stable to ensure proper facilities for a retiring racehorse (pictures may suffice instead of in-person visit). Once you are approved, you are eligible for adoption and can schedule an appointment to visit our facility.

Yes. Please see the adoption application for the requirements. 

All adopters are required to sign an Adoption Bill of Sale Contract – or Forever Home Contract.  Written updates and photos are required at 3, 6 and 12 months. Adopters are also required to allow random visits and/or request of photographs by RFTR  representatives. Please note that if the horse is found to be either in poor condition or living in a squalid environment, RFTR  retains the right to repossess the horse without notice. 

It is also agreed that the adopted horses will never be sent to an auction or slaughter facility. Even though there are currently no open facilities in the United States, horses are being shipped to Mexico and Canada for slaughter after being run through auctions. Please be aware that RFTR  horses will be closely monitored to assure they never meet this fate.

Adopters must notify RFTR if a horse is resold and adopter must provide necessary paperwork and photos to RFTR so that the new owner contact info is transferred to organization.

To protect the horses from ever racing again, RFTR  will maintain possession of the registration papers for the lifetime of the horse. Adopters will receive a photocopy. Exceptions may be made for adopted broodmares.

RFTR does not condone irresponsible breeding. Only after careful consideration of the potential adopter’s breeding practices and philosophy will RFTR consider adopting a mare for breeding purposes only. This is the rare exception and not the norm. RFTR does not have stallions.

Potential adopters are not allowed to ride RFTR’s horses due to insurance restrictions. Horses may be groomed, led, and turned out to evaluate their movement and soundness. Potential adopters may also request to see the horse ridden by an RFTR representative.

The Adoption Agreement and Conditional Bill of Sale includes a 30-day trial period. Should the horse not have the traits you were looking for, it can be returned to RFTR during that trial period for a refund credit of the adoption fee which can be applied to another horse ONLY (NO ACTUAL CASH REFUNDS GIVEN)

Yes, photos for facility inspections will be required and quarterly pictures of adopted horse must be provided as well.

RFTR appreciates all of your support. We are in need of monetary donations to help feed, house, and care for our horses that come off the track. You can donate today via Pay Pal or by mailing a check. We also accept gift certificates to catalogs and local feed stores to help provide for the horses’ care.

Other ways you can help RFTR  are:

• Hold a fundraiser or horse show to benefit RFTR
• Network with your friends and contacts to find horses adoptive homes
• Donate in-kind items such as brushes, wormers, leads, and other horse-related supplies
• Ask area businesses to donate or sponsor items for a raffle or silent auction
• Suggest a fundraising idea

To make a tax-deductible donation today, please CLICK HERE.