“From the beginning, Lauren Barela felt led to adopt. “I’ve been a volunteer for an animal welfare organization in Colorado for about seven years,” she says.
The organization she volunteers for has a horse adoption arm, Harmony Equine, so it made sense that Barela considered adoption as she searched for an unfinished horse suitable for dressage on My Right Horse.
“I think the concept of adoption was just something that’s in the forefront for me,” she says. “You can put in whatever criteria you’re looking for, which I think is really important. I wanted a horse that I could do dressage with. I wasn’t necessarily looking for a horse that was suitable for trail riding or light work. I knew I wanted to potentially compete.”
At the time, Harmony Equine did not have any dressage-specific horses but, because of their affiliation with The Right Horse, they were able to point Barela toward My Right Horse. Barela had the spare time to explore the site while vacationing in Missouri. Because of her location, she considered horses available at local rescues. This led to her discovery of Chessrate, an 11-year-old off-the-track Thoroughbred mare who met her requirements and was available at Longmeadow Rescue Ranch in Missouri.
Petting a horse – Making adoption easier
Photo by Andreas Krone/Shutterstock
For her, the most difficult part of the adoption process was arranging long-distance transportation. But even then, Longmeadow was able to help, as are many adoption partners listed on My Right Horse. The pair has now been together for six months and recently had an enjoyable experience at their first dressage schooling show.”
I want to support efforts like Lauren’s and her adoption story. I am extremely grateful to see a successful adoption taking place! There are so many horses being slaughtered on a daily basis and looking for home…however, it is important that people are educated in the right way about how to keep a horse safe and sound. Adopting a horse is not like going to a store and choosing a toy… it’s a huge commitment and an expensive endeavor (boarding, food, vet bills, daily care, shoeing, training, etc.!).
