HORSES NEED HOMES
Amherstburg’s Brittany Malcolm pats Buddy, one of three horses up for adoption through the local humane society. The three elder equines are officially retired but would make excellent pets or pasture horses. They’re currently in foster homes.
The Windsor/Essex County Humane Society has had horses up for adoption before — but not three of them at one time.
Homes are now being sought for Hope, Buddy, and Murdock, three adult horses who aren’t suitable for riding or work.
“It’s fairly unusual for us to have three at once,” said Melanie Coulter, executive director of the regional humane society. “The other challenge is that (the adopter) has to be someone who is willing to take in a horse as a pet or a pasture horse — not a horse who is able to perform a service.” Buddy and Murdock, two male standardbred horses, came to the humane society late last year, while Hope, a female pony, arrived in January.
The horses are currently under the temporary care of foster homes.
“Horses have a lot of care needs. They can be expensive to care for,” Coulter said. “They are going to require an adopter who has the ability to do that.” Hope, the smallest and youngest of the three, is 13 years and two months old.
Murdock, who is vision-impaired, is 15 years and three months old.
Buddy, the oldest, is 21 years and three months old. Coulter said horses are generally considered elderly by their late 20s.
Despite the three adoptees being middle aged or older in equine years, Coulter said they have never been trained for riding, as far as the humane society is aware, nor will they be capable of being used for riding in the future. Anyone interested in taking on one or more of these horses is asked to call the Humane Society at 519-966-5751. Adoption staff will arrange for a home visit to ensure the potential owner has the necessary resources.
“Our concern is having a discussion with them and making sure they are willing to care for the horse for potentially a long time,” Coulter said.