The REIN Adoption Process
At REIN, adoption is about more than finding a horse a home. Our goal is to create thoughtful, lasting partnerships that are right for both the horse and the adopter. Every horse has different needs, training, temperament, and potential, so our adoption process is designed to help us understand you, your goals, and the environment you can provide.
Having your heart set on a particular horse does not guarantee that horse will be the right match. Approval as an adopter does not mean approval for every REIN horse.
Featured For Your Consideration
Justin
Justin spent two months outside of our facility in full training where he improved his under saddle and was introduced to trail riding.
Jewel
Jewel came from the BLM as a two-year-old. She’s now a little over three. She came from the clan Alpine HMA.
Maisie is a BLM Mustang who is two years old. She came from West Douglas Creek, CO HMA.
Mo
Moe is a four-year-old BLM Mustang. From Antelope Valley HMA. Find out more about Mo
1. Submit an Adoption Application
The process begins with our online adoption application. We’ll ask about your horse experience, goals, current or planned care team, facility, other horses, and the type of partnership you’re hoping to build.
You may apply for a specific horse or let us know that you’re open to being matched.
2. Application Review & References
Once your application is received, a REIN Adoption Coordinator will review it and may contact your equine references, veterinarian, farrier, trainer, boarding facility, or other professionals you have authorized us to speak with.
We may also schedule a conversation with you to learn more about your experience, expectations, care plans, training philosophy, long-term goals, and what you are looking for in a horse.
This is not about finding a “perfect” applicant. It is about giving us enough information to make a responsible decision for each individual horse.
3. Facility & Care Review
We verify where the horse will live and make sure the environment is appropriate for that horse’s needs. This may include reviewing fencing, shelter, turnout, water, other equines, emergency access, and horse-specific management considerations. Verification may be completed through photographs, video, a virtual tour, or other appropriate means. If changes are needed before placement, we’ll discuss them with you.
4. Finding the Right Match
This is where the process becomes very individual.
Our team considers the horse’s temperament, training level, medical or physical needs, handling experience, environment, and long-term potential alongside your experience, goals, facility, professional support, and intended use.
Sometimes the horse you initially inquire about will be the right match. Sometimes we may recommend another REIN horse that we believe is better suited to you.
Our goal is not simply to complete an adoption. It is to create a partnership with the best possible opportunity to succeed.
5. Meet & Match
When practical, approved applicants will have an opportunity to meet the horse.
Depending on the horse’s training level, the visit may include observation, grooming, leading, groundwork, general handling, or riding when REIN determines that doing so is appropriate and safe. Additional visits may be requested when more time is needed to evaluate the match.
Just like people, horses can behave differently in new environments and as relationships develop. REIN cannot guarantee future behavior, soundness, performance, or suitability for a specific discipline.
6. Final Approval & Adoption Agreement
Once REIN determines that the horse and adopter are a good match, we complete the final approval process.
Before adoption, you will receive the material information REIN has about the horse, including relevant medical history, training, behavior, care needs, known limitations, and any applicable title or government requirements. You may also choose to obtain an independent veterinary examination at your own expense.
The adoption becomes final after the required documents are completed, the Adoption Agreement is signed, any special conditions are satisfied, and the adoption fee is paid.
7. Going Home and Staying Connected
Before the horse leaves REIN, transportation must be safe and appropriate, required travel documents must be complete, and the destination must match the approved facility unless REIN has authorized otherwise.
Our commitment does not end when the trailer pulls away.
REIN follows up after adoption and remains connected to the horse throughout its life.
Our internal process calls for check-ins after one after 24-hours 10 days, 30 days, 60, days and 90 days, six months, one year, and periodically thereafter. This can be as simple as a text, “How is it going?” with a reply, “Better than ever.” or “Had a little setback, can I give you a ring?”
If challenges arise, we encourage adopters to contact us early. We would much rather help work through a problem than learn about it after it has become a crisis.
A Lifelong Commitment
REIN’s responsibility to each horse extends beyond adoption. Adopted horses may not be permanently sold, given away, leased, auctioned, traded, surrendered, or otherwise transferred without REIN’s prior written authorization, and REIN must be notified before a permanent relocation as required by the Adoption Agreement.
Our goal is simple: the right horse, the right home, and a partnership designed to last.
Ready to Begin?
If you believe a REIN horse could be the right addition to your life, we invite you to take the first step.