In this Agreement, the term HHERR stands for and is abbreviated for
Helping Hands Equine Rehab and Rescue

These Guidelines are set up for the safety and well‑being of the adopted horse(s).  If these guidelines are not followed, HHERR will take appropriate action to ensure the welfare of the adopted horse.  This may or may not involve legal action.  We want this to be a positive experience, and will do everything we can to make it one.  Please ask any and all questions.   

All horses are jointly owned by HHERR and the adoptive individual/family for the remainder of the horse's life.  This will ensure that the horse will not end up at a slaughter barn or in the hands of the wrong person.  If the adoptive party can no longer care for the horse or they no longer want it for whatever reason, HHERR is to be contacted immediately so that other arrangements for the horse can be made.

HHERR may or may not grant full ownership of the horse after a certain length of time.  The Joint Ownership period between the Adoptive Party and HHERR is usually 2 years.  At this time, HHERR will re-evaluate the Adoption Case and use its own discretion in determining this.

1) Helping Hands Equine Rehab and Rescue has an Adoption Application that all potential adopters must fill out.  This Application is now available online, and also can be mailed.  We also require and check references from the adoptive parties’ veterinarian, farrier, and a personal/professional horse related reference.  You must provide this information before the adoption can take place, unless otherwise noted.   Pictures must also be sent in of the place the horse will be staying.   This can include, but is not limited to stables, stalls, paddocks, run-ins, shelters, fencing, pasture, and other horses.

2) All Horses adopted from HHERR must be given adequate food, shelter, medical care, and farrier care.  This includes maintaining the horse’s weight, giving the appropriate vaccinations in the spring, de-worming every 2-3 months, regular farrier work every 6-8 weeks, shelter from inclement weather, quality forage and also grain and supplements if it is needed and recommended. 

3) It is the responsibility of the adoptive party to keep HHERR informed of the horse's place of residence.  If the horse is to be moved, HHERR must be notified within 14 days before the move takes place.  HHERR reserves the right to remove the adopted horse from any potentially harmful situation, or any possible case of abuse, neglect, mistreatment, or any other situation where the horse is suffering.   HHERR also reserves the right to make unexpected visits if they feel it is necessary.   HHERR will telephone before their arrival to let the adoptive party know about their visit.

4) Should a life threatening situation arise during the first 2 years, HHERR must be notified prior to any decision concerning euthanasia, unless prior notice is not possible.  In cases such as these, a professional veterinarian's advice is to be sought.  Euthanasia is NOT the adopter's choice. 

The following require notifying HHERR within 24 hours:

A) Serious injury or illness that could be life threatening.
B) Death of a horse.

A statement from a veterinarian stating the apparent cause of death must be received within (10) Days of the death of any adopted horse.  Euthanasia is not your option.  HHERR reserves the right to approve or deny recommendations to euthanize a horse, unless it is an absolute emergency.   A certificate of death must be received from a licensed veterinarian for all deceased horses within 14 days of the horse’s death.  Failure to do so will result in the removal of other adopted horses, and possible legal action.

5)  Waiver:  The Adopter assumes full liability for himself or herself and fully releases and discharges Helping Hands Equine Rehab and Rescue managers, staff, volunteers, and all prior owners of the adopted horse from any and all claims or actions of the horse adopted under these guidelines.  This is to include the horse’s training level, soundness, temperament, general condition, and so forth.

6) HHERR may at its own discretion, send authorized associates to visit the horse and determine its level of care and condition.  Please note this may be an unannounced visit.  HHERR reserves the right to do spot checks and unannounced visits if we feel that there is a need for it (please refer to guideline number 3).

7) Every horse that is adopted from HHERR may not be resold, traded, given away, bred under any circumstances, unless otherwise noted in the contract, leased to another party, barn or facility, or disposed of during the entire joint ownership period.  This includes taking the horse to a sale barn or auction.  If for some reason the horse can no longer be kept, or cared for, the adoptive party is to contact HHERR immediately so we may come and get the horse to find it another adoptive home.   HHERR does reserve the right to reject any horse wishing to be returned by the adoptive party.

8)  Pictures must be sent in every 6 months to ensure the horse's level of care.  These pictures must be taken outdoors where we would be able to see the noticeable changes in the seasons.  Pictures must be Registration type photos, left and right sides, front and back, including their legs. 

The pictures are to be sent it on the 15th of the following months
March and September

It is to be understood that there is an Adoption Fee for every horse, payable at the time of the adoption, unless other arrangements are made.  All fees paid are non-refundable and are considered a donation.  It is to be understood that the adoption fee cannot be reimbursed under any circumstances, even if it is decided to stop the adoption process or the horse must be returned, regardless of reason.   This also includes any and all monies paid for medical, training, farrier, and so forth.   Referring to Section 7 of the HHERR Guidelines, HHERR also reserves the right to reject any adopted horse that the adoptive family wishes to return.  

HHERR does deliver and gives its adopters the option.   Delivery fees must be paid at the time of delivery.  

It is to be understood that horses adopted from the HHERR Program includes no guarantee regarding their training level, soundness, temperament, breeding soundness, or general condition.

The adopter assumes full responsibility for any personal injury, property damage or death caused by an Adopted Animal in the Adopter’s care, and agree to hold harmless and indemnify HHERR for the horse’s training level, soundness, temperament or general condition and for any damage caused by the Adopted Animal.

It is to be understood that HHERR does not have the personnel or funds available to fully evaluate each horse medically, physically, or for training in all disciplines or in situations with different types of handlers and riders, and that HHERR does not know everything about every horse, regardless of how long the horse has been in the program.   This is to be kept in mind when adopting a horse from HHERR.

The adopter plays a critical role as a team with HHERR to keep the adopted horse(s) safe and cared for, that it will not be abused, neglected, over used or misused.  If the horse should ever have to return to Helping Hands, every effort will be made to ensure it returns in better shape and condition than it was received.  This relationship between HHERR, the horse, and the adopter is coveted, cherished and must be nurtured, one built on fellow respect, love and a sense of long term responsibility to the horse.