Our Adoption Program
The Fenway Foundation is dedicated to saving, adopting, and rehabilitating horses in need. Our long-term goal is to fully rehabilitate these horses and place them in safe, loving environments. All adoption fees are reinvested back into the Foundation to support our efforts.
Our team continuously monitors the well-being of all horses placed by the Foundation to ensure they receive the care they need. Additionally, horses adopted through our program are never sold; instead, their placements are intended to provide long-term stability.
While most of the horses in our adoption program have medical limitations and are not suitable for riding, driving, or breeding, they still make wonderful companions or pasture pets.
How to Adopt a Friesian
Step 1. To start the adoption process, please complete an adoption application and submit it along with the required photos, veterinarian reference form, and personal reference form. This is the first step; we cannot proceed with your application or consider you for adoption until this step is completed.
Please note that we prioritize reviewing completed applications we already have on file when placing a horse. Approved applicants will receive priority, and because we maintain a substantial number of approved applications, it's uncommon for us to seek applicants outside this pool. Having an approved application on file is the best way to ensure you have the opportunity to adopt a Friesian from our program.
Step 2. Check the website for available Friesians and let us know if there is a horse you are interested in.
Step 3. Submit an updated application if your information changes or if your application is older than two years.
Adoption Fees
Our adoption fees vary for each horse. These fees help cover the cost of transporting the horses to their new homes as well as some of their medical expenses. Typically, our adoption fees range from $1,500 to $5,000. However, the fees may be lower or higher depending on factors such as the horse's age, ability, and training.
Want to learn more about our adoption and surrender programs? Listen to our podcast episode below!
Our Surrender Program
There are various reasons why a Friesian horse may need to be surrendered or rescued. These reasons can include economic difficulties, intervention by civil authorities, or abandonment. Regardless of the circumstances, Friesian horses deserve to be cared for and treated with the dignity that reflects their noble stature.
How to Surrender a Friesian
Step 1. Submit a surrender application along with the required documentation and photos. This is the first step in the process. We cannot move forward until this step is completed.
Step 2. Our team will review your surrender application to assess whether your horse is a suitable candidate for our program. Please note that we are not a sanctuary; we can only accept horses that we believe can be adopted after completing their medical and behavioral rehabilitation.
Step 3. Once we tentatively approve the surrender application, we will arrange for diagnostic testing at the Foundation's expense, close to your location. This testing will screen for megaesophagus and gastroparesis, both of which are genetic disorders that have a poor prognosis and would make the horse ineligible for adoption through our program. It is important to note that these conditions can often be subclinical, meaning the horse may not show any outward signs or symptoms, but could still be internally affected by the disease. Owners are responsible for transporting the horse to the examination or making arrangements for transportation.
Step 4. Horses that pass diagnostic screening will be transported to the Fenway Foundation for rehabilitation if needed. Horses that do not need rehabilitation will be placed immediately in one of our pre-approved adoptive homes.
Tax Deductions for Surrendered Horses
If you wish to pursue a tax deduction for your horse, you will need to hire a certified equine appraiser at your expense to determine the value of your Friesian while the horse is still in your care. Once the Foundation takes legal possession of the horse, we will provide you with a donation letter, which serves as proof of the donation. You will need to contact your tax professional to complete the necessary tax forms for submission to the IRS.
Exclusions:
We do not purchase horses, and we do not accept the following for surrender or rescue:
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Crossbred Friesians or any other breeds
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Stallions
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Senior Friesians who are very near to end of life
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Horses from auctions, unless they have completed quarantine and tested negative for infectious diseases
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Horses with unadoptable medical or behavioral issues
Want to learn more about our adoption and surrender programs? Listen to our podcast episode below!
Our Satellite Facilities
Due to the size of North America, some rescued Friesians are incapable of traveling great distances. In those situations, a “satellite rescue” facility will be used to get the horse back on its feet, both figuratively and literally. The Foundation will assist with financial and medical advisory support. When necessary, Foundation representatives will travel to the satellite operation to assist in the horse’s recovery. When appropriate, the horse will be moved to the Foundation facility for oversight of its full recovery.
If you are interested in applying to become one of our satellite facilities, please submit a Satellite Facility Application
