Rescuing Horses
Horses We Welcome
Integration into our herd
Integration into our herd
- Senior horses seeking peaceful retirement
- Gentle companions whose families can no longer care for them
- Therapy-minded horses needing new purpose
- Horses facing uncertain futures due to owner life changes
- Well-trained animals who've simply outgrown their roles
- Special needs horses requiring ongoing care
Integration into our herd
Integration into our herd
Integration into our herd
- Careful introduction to our established herd dynamics
- Observation period to understand each horse's personality
- Assessment for potential therapeutic work participation
- Respect for each horse's choice to engage or simply enjoy retirement
- Ongoing veterinary and emotional support
- Opportunity to mentor and guide our healing programs
Many of our most profound therapeutic breakthroughs come from horses who've found their second chance here. They seem to understand healing because they've needed it themselves.
— Metaphorse Healing Team
Responsible Rehoming Program
When our rescued horses are ready for new homes, we ensure they go to families who understand the
1) Initial Application
1) Initial Application
1) Initial Application
Detailed questionnaire about experience, facilities, and long-term commitment to horse care.
2) Phone Interview
1) Initial Application
1) Initial Application
In-depth conversation about expectations, horse care philosophy, and specific needs.
3) Property Inspection
1) Initial Application
3) Property Inspection
Comprehensive site visit to evaluate facilities, safety, and suitability for our horses.
4) Meet & Match
6) Forever Partnership
3) Property Inspection
Multiple visits to observe interaction between potential adopter and horse.
5) Trial Period
6) Forever Partnership
6) Forever Partnership
Supervised transition period with ongoing support and evaluation.
6) Forever Partnership
6) Forever Partnership
6) Forever Partnership
Adoption finalized with lifetime commitment and right of return to Metaphorse.
Adoption Requirements
We seek adoptive families who understand that taking on a Metaphorse horse is a lifetime commitment to providing excellent care, love, and respect.
Facility Requirements
Facility Requirements
Facility Requirements
- Adequate acreage for grazing and exercise
- Safe, well-maintained fencing and gates
- Clean, reliable water source
- Proper storage for hay and feed
- Emergency preparedness plan
Care Commitments
Facility Requirements
Facility Requirements
- Established relationship with qualified equine veterinarian
- Regular farrier care every 6-8 weeks
- Quality nutrition appropriate for horse's age and needs
- Daily observation and interaction
- Commitment to horse's emotional and physical wellbeing
- Agreement to return horse to Metaphorse if unable to continue care
From Rescued to Rescuer
Many horses who find sanctuary with us discover new purpose in our therapeutic programs. They participate by choice, sharing their wisdom and healing presence with humans in need.
How Rescued Horses Join Our Healing Work
Not every rescued horse becomes a therapy horse, and that's perfectly fine. Those who do participate seem to choose this path naturally, often showing remarkable intuition about human emotions and needs.
- Gradual introduction to therapeutic environments
- Assessment of temperament and interest in human interaction
- Respect for each horse's comfort level and preferences
- Ongoing evaluation to ensure the work remains fulfilling for them
- Integration with established therapeutic horses as mentors
- Celebration of each horse's unique contributions to healing
"Some of our most profound healers are horses who needed healing themselves. They bring an authenticity and depth to the work that only comes from lived experience."
"Every horse deserves to know they matter, to feel valued, and to live with dignity. At Metaphorse, rescue is just the beginning of their story."
— Jody Nixon, Executive Director