Hey Y'all,
I'm Jo and I'm new to this board...looking for advice on adopting a horse from one of the PMU rescue groups. I haven't done anything so far, except inquire about him, (yes, HIM! LOL!). He's a 15 yr. old Appaloosa stallion who will be coming from Canada, I believe. I've had horses most of my life, but moved here to Alabama four years ago to marry my childhood sweetheart, , so have been "horseless" since then. We have almost ten acres and I really miss having a horse around, so my husband said, "Go for it!" My question is this: Does anyone know if this horse is considered too old to geld? The ranch people said "no" but I've always had my horses gelded by time they were 3 -4 yrs. old. Also, does anyone know what the transportation companies charge for transporting a horse?

Like I said, this is all new to me, so would appreciate any input.
Thanks,
Jo

I do not think he is too old to geld. He just may be more spirited than one gelded at a younger age. Growing up, we had stallions gelded up to 10 years old.

Joanne: May I suggest that you look at the Animali Farm site for an adoption horse. I have personally visited with the two ladies that run it, unloaded some horses with them and know that they are very honest and caring. They have gone to Canada and looked at the horses they have posted and taken the pictures themselves. If you look at the prices on the web site you will see that the bulk of the cost is transportation. The last cost I found was $3.50 per mile for a huge semi truck but they ship all over the place so check their website for shipment places and then check the price of the horse. That may make a difference in cost to you.
If you want they have a fostering program that allows you to foster a horse and as I understand it the costs for fostering are tax deductible.
When they unload the horses go directly to food and water and are well cared for at the ranch I visited so I am confident that it is the same at the other ranches.
They have everything from foals to stallions, draft horses, draft cross, 1/4 horses, appys, sport horses and who knows what else.
Best of luck
Dan Turner

Hi,

My name is Shirley and I am a volunteer at United Pegasus Foundation. UPF has assisted in the rescue of approximately 200 PMU foals/year for the last 6 years. They have also facilitated other rescues throughout the country in saving an addditional 200-300 PMU foals/year.

Currently they are working to save about 50 PMU yearlings/2-year olds that are at a Canadian feedlot. Photos are posted on their website at www.unitedpegasus.com (scroll down and click on "Slaughter Bound Horses"). There are some beautiful paints and palominos in this bunch!

UPF's ranches in Hemet & Tehachapi also have two-year old draft crosses (Belgian & Percheron) available, as well as some darling yearlings. Check out their website for more information.

Thanks for considering adopting a PMU!
Shirley

I wanted to second Dan's comments about Animali Farm. The women who run it are very dedicated. Considering how long they've been at it, they have done a remarkable job rescuing quite a few PMU's.

Shirley

Hi Jo,

I am Trcie and just moved to AL (Newton) and also have 7 acres. I am interested in helping adopt a horse, however, my 7 acres is not fenced. Do you know of any grants available that can help with this so I can help with adoptions, etc.