by Sandra Goodwin

Created on: March 22, 2009   Last Updated: June 25, 2009

I can only speak for me but the two best equines I have ever owned were free, initially. One was an abandoned older mule who had foundered badly. It took a couple of years to get him back in prime shape and it cost money. The old fellow turned out to be well worth his weight in gold. Anyone and I mean anyone could ride him and he took care of them all. He loved camping and riding in the mountains and made an excellent campsite guard. He not only taught our green horses how to go anywhere and do anything, he taught us humans a valuable lesson too. There is no finer partner than a kind hearted mule.

My second freebie was an orphan mustang foal given to me by the BLM. She was still nursing and the milk replacer cost was not minor. The pellets I used for mush was another added expense. The real payoff for all the work and money was I became her mom and good horses always listen to mom. Being a wild horse she's very smart, sturdy, healthy and surefooted. To ride a horse with these attributes who is also completely in tune with her surrogate mom is a most perfect human/equine experience.

I have accepted free equines, rehabbed them and then given them away free to someone who would appreciate and take good care of them.

Another free equine was a foundered, misbehaving, pony. Three years of foot care, diets, and calm assertive handling and he was a gem of a pony. Because he really liked kids and would not be used enough at our place we looked for a job he'd excel at. Handicapped children are now enjoying many happy hours and activities with the free foundered pony and the pony likes it too. The smiles on the little boys and girl's faces and the proud way he carries them around the arena and over obstacles make all the pony antics we endured well worth the price.

I have turned away equines offered for free. If I knew I could not afford the added expense or they would not fit in with our herd I had to say no. I admit there have been times when my heart wanted to over rule everything but I had to consider the entire picture and the needs of the equines already here. Those were the times when I looked for someone else willing to take that leap of faith.

Only you know if a particular free equine will turn out well for you. Speaking to my experiences, sometimes it's good to take the chance of finding a friend for life or helping them to become someone else's partner.

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