Our Adoption Program
The Fenway Foundation works to save, adopt, and/or rehabilitate these wonderful horses. The long-range plan for all horses sent to the Fenway Foundation is their complete rehabilitation and placement in a safe and loving environment. Adoption fees are entirely reinvested into the Foundation. Our team monitors all horses placed by the Foundation on a continuing basis to ensure their continued care and well-being. Foundation horses are never permitted to be placed for sale; their placement is designed for the horse’s long-term stability.
The majority of horses in our adoption program have medical limitations and cannot be ridden, driven, or bred, but they still make wonderful companions or pasture pets.
How to apply to adopt a Friesian
1. Fill out an adoption application. This is the first step
in the process. We cannot move forward until this step is completed. Please keep in mind that we review the completed applications we have on file first when placing a horse. Approved applicants will receive priority.
2. Check the website for available Friesians and let us know if there is a horse you are interested in.
3. Submit an updated application if your information changes or if your application is older than two years.
Adoption Fees
Our adoption fees vary from horse to horse. These fees cover the horses' transportation to their new home and some of their medical expenses. Our typical adoption fees range from $1,500 to $5,000. However, some horses may be lower or higher than that, depending on their age, ability, training, etc.
Our Surrender Process
Whatever the reason, a Friesian Horse may need to be surrendered or rescued. Whether the causes are economic, intervention by civil authorities, or abandonment, Friesian horses are entitled to be cared for and treated with the dignity deserving of their nobility.
How to Surrender a Friesian
1. Submit a surrender application. This is the first step in the process. We cannot move forward until this step is completed.
2. Our team will review your surrender application and determine if your horse is a good candidate for our program. Please keep in mind that we are not a sanctuary. We can only accept horses that are anticipated to be adoptable once their medical and behavior rehabilitation is complete.
3. Once we’ve approved the surrender application, we will arrange for diagnostic testing at the Foundation’s expense close to your location for diagnostic screening for megaesophagus and gastroparesis. These are unadoptable, chronic diseases that frequently occur in Friesians.
4. Horses that pass diagnostic screening will be transported to the Fenway Foundation for rehabilitation if required. Horses that do not require rehabilitation will be placed immediately into one of our pre-approved adoptive homes.
Exclusions
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We do not accept crossbred Friesians or other breeds.
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We do not accept stallions.
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We do not accept senior Friesians who are very near the end of their life.
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We do not purchase horses.
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We do not accept horses that originate from auctions unless they have already completed quarantine and have tested free of infectious diseases.
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
