Wild Hearts Thoroughbred Adoption Society exists to provide thoughtful, ethical, and long-term aftercare for retired racehorses. Our adoption process is intentionally structured to protect the horses entrusted to us and to support successful, lasting placements.

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Please read the following carefully before applying.

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Can I stop by the ranch to meet the horses?

We love connecting with our community. As a volunteer-run organization with scheduled veterinary, farrier, training, intake, and adopter appointments, all visits are by appointment only.

For everyone’s safety and privacy, please do not drop in or approach residences on the property. If you’d like to visit, we’re happy to coordinate a time in advance.

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I’d like to apply, but I can’t find the application.

To begin the adoption process, please email info@wildheartsthoroughbredadoption.com. Our facilitator will respond with next steps and the application. If you do not hear back within 24 hours (occasionally emails land in spam), please call or text 250-293-6193.

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Do you negotiate adoption fees?

No. Adoption fees are already well below market value and are not negotiable. Fees are set intentionally to support responsible aftercare while remaining accessible.

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What are the adoption fees?

Adoption fees vary based on each horse’s physical ability, long-term suitability, training progression, and any known limitations.
Most horses fall within $1,500–$3,500.

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What does adopting through aftercare provide — beyond the adoption fee?

Adopting through Wild Hearts offers significantly more transparency, preparation, and support than purchasing directly off the track or through the open market — often at a lower overall cost.

Every horse entering our program receives:

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• A baseline veterinary intake exam

• Diagnostic imaging of any known or suspected injuries upon arrival, with those records shared with pre-approved adopters

• A structured let-down period from racing

• Several weeks to months of professional training already started

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While our horses are by no means “finished,” they are far removed from being right off the track. This transition allows us to better understand each horse’s physical ability, temperament, preferences, and long-term suitability — and allows adopters to make informed decisions.

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In addition, adopting through Wild Hearts allows approved adopters the opportunity to meet, handle, and ride the horse as part of a structured, in-person meet-and-greet. This level of access is often not available when purchasing directly off the track, where a racing license is typically required and interaction is limited.

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All of this is included within our below-market adoption fees, which do not reflect the true cost of care. The difference is made possible by donors, grants, and community support — because aftercare exists for the long-term wellbeing of the horse, not profit.

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Why owners and trainers choose aftercare

Owners and trainers retire horses through established aftercare charities like Wild Hearts because it provides continuity, accountability, and peace of mind.

Our role does not end at adoption. Wild Hearts maintains a radar on every horse placed through our program, including:

• 3, 6, 9, and 12-month check-ins during the first year

• Annual check-ins thereafter, for the lifetime of the horse

This ongoing connection helps ensure horses remain safe, supported, and thoughtfully placed long-term.

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Can mares be bred?

No. Breeding is strictly prohibited under the adoption contract.

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Can horses be adopted out of province or country?

Approved adoptive homes may be located in British Columbia, Alberta, or Washington State only.

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Can I ride the horse before adopting?

For safety and liability reasons, initial handling and riding is always done by a member of the Wild Hearts team.

Once a horse has been handled and ridden by our team, pre-approved adopters may be invited to handle and ride the horse during a scheduled meet-and-greet, when appropriate for that individual horse.

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Can I arrange my own pre-purchase exam (PPE)?

Absolutely — and we encourage it. PPEs are completed at the adopter’s expense.

Wild Hearts shares all available veterinary records, imaging, and history with approved adopters. Our goal is full transparency so adopters can proceed confidently and responsibly.

If an adoptive home has expectations around future performance or specific athletic goals, a pre-purchase exam is essential to ensure both horse and human are set up for long-term success.

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How are adoption matches decided?

Each horse in our program typically receives interest from eight or more pre-approved adopters.

Our responsibility is to work for the horse first. We consider physical ability, temperament, training progression, preferences, long-term soundness, and the experience, setup, and goals of each potential home. Pre-approval is required to be considered, but it does not guarantee placement. Our priority is the best possible long-term match, not speed.

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Important Expectations About Adoption

Adopting through Wild Hearts is a serious, long-term commitment. Adoption through Wild Hearts is not a trial, lease, or test arrangement.

A minimum one-year commitment is required for all adopted horses. During this time, the adopter is fully responsible for all care, including board, training, veterinary care, and associated costs. Returns are not considered within the first year unless there is a genuine welfare concern, which must be discussed and approved by Wild Hearts in advance. It can often take many months before we have space as we operate at full capacity. Stability is critical for retired racehorses. Adoption should never be approached casually.

 

Thoughtful matching, not unlimited demands

While we welcome questions and open communication, we are unable to accommodate extensive or unrealistic demands, including:

• expectations of a finished or low-maintenance horse

• guarantees of future performance

• pressure to expedite placements

• repeated re-evaluations to meet specific goals

Our work is guided by suitability and long-term welfare — not convenience.

Wild Hearts maintains a radar on every horse placed through our program, including 3, 6, 9, and 12-month check-ins during the first year, followed by annual check-ins thereafter. We are also available to support adopters when they encounter challenges and have worked through informed, appropriate approaches.

However, as a volunteer-run organization, we are unable to provide frequent or day-to-day care consultation (for example, managing routine issues such as stone bruises or abscesses). Adoptive homes must be experienced and have an established relationship with a licensed veterinarian to support their new partner.

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What do you look for in an adoptive home?

Every horse adopted through Wild Hearts must ultimately be placed in a home that provides stability, consistency, and species-appropriate care. Our standards are rooted in welfare science, experience, and long-term outcomes for retired Thoroughbred racehorses.

At minimum, all adoptive homes must provide the “3 F’s”:

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Friendship

Horses are herd animals. Adopted horses must have at least one compatible equine companion. Social isolation is a significant contributor to stress, anxiety, ulcers, and the development of undesirable behaviors.

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Freedom

Thoroughbreds are athletic, hot-blooded horses who thrive with the ability to move freely and express natural behaviors. We do not place horses in homes where they are primarily stalled or kept in small “in-and-out” pens.
In general, the more turnout, the better — provided fencing is safe and appropriate.

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Forage

Continuous access to forage (pasture or slow-feed hay) is essential. Consistent forage supports gut health, reduces ulcer risk, and helps prevent stress-related behaviors.

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Experience, support, and readiness

Recently retired Thoroughbreds are intelligent, sensitive athletes who are still learning how to navigate life after racing. As such, adoptive homes must be able to offer experience, confidence, patience, and time — or be actively working closely and consistently with a qualified professional who has experience with OTTBs.

While every horse–human partnership grows together, it is not fair to place a horse who is still gaining confidence and experience into a situation where the rider is also nervous, unsure, or seeking a confidence-builder. These horses do best with calm, consistent leadership and clear guidance as they transition into their second careers.

For this reason, homes that include either:

• an experienced, confident rider, or

• a committed training program with a professional experienced in Thoroughbreds

are best suited to support these horses in a way that sets everyone up for success.

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Additional requirements

In addition to the above, adoptive homes must demonstrate:

• Safe, appropriate fencing

• A quality nutrition program suitable for a transitioning OTTB

• An established relationship with a licensed veterinarian

• Willingness and ability to provide ongoing care, training, and management

• A thoughtful, considerate human committed to long-term partnership

These standards are not meant to be restrictive — they exist because horses placed into environments that meet these needs experience fewer stress-related challenges, fewer behavioral issues, and greater long-term success.

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Why applications may be declined

Applications may be declined when a proposed setup does not meet a horse’s fundamental welfare needs. This may include, but is not limited to:

• limited turnout or stall-based living

• lack of an equine companion

• insufficient access to forage

• unsafe fencing

• lack of veterinary support

• expectations that do not align with a young, transitioning Thoroughbred

Our responsibility is to place each horse where they are most likely to thrive — not just immediately, but for the long term.

 

Our commitment

Owners and trainers entrust Wild Hearts with horses they care deeply about. Our role is to honor that trust by ensuring every horse is placed into an environment that supports physical health, mental wellbeing, and lifelong stability.

If you’re unsure whether your setup meets these standards, we’re always happy to have an open, respectful conversation before you apply.

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How well trained will my adopted horse be?

Wild Hearts horses receive foundational training focused on:

• relaxation and regulation

• safe ground manners

• standing at the mounting block

• walk/trot/canter basics and early lateral work (as appropriate)

• Some trail miles depending on time in program

• Loading practice

• Desensitization work

Progress varies by horse. Adopting a Thoroughbred is a commitment to continued development, not a finished product. Green moments are to be expected and awareness and safety are paramount in an experienced home. 

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Transportation

Transportation is the adopter’s responsibility. We can provide reputable transport contacts if helpful. All arrangements are made directly between the adopter and transporter.

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Can a horse be returned to Wild Hearts after adoption?

Yes — subject to space and advance coordination. Adoption fees are not refunded, as costs typically exceed the adoption fee well before placement. Adoption credit may be offered, or in some cases, a tax receipt. Wild Hearts is not currently equipped to accept pasture-sound-only horses long-term, though this is a future goal.

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First-time horse owners

While exceptions exist, a young OTTB is not typically a first horse. These horses benefit most from experience or consistent professional support.

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Transition period after adoption

It is normal for horses to need time to settle into a new home. Lower expectations initially, focus on routine and relationship-building, and allow time for adjustment. Slower at the beginning often leads to better long-term outcomes.

Wild Hearts remains a resource for adopters — and if a horse is not the right fit, we will help guide next steps within the framework of our policies. A great way to stay connected and access additional support is through our Wild Hearts Patreon.

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In Summary

Wild Hearts exists to improve outcomes for retired racehorses — not to facilitate short-term placements or transactional matches.

If you are seeking a quick solution or a finished product, adoption through aftercare may not be the right path.
If you are seeking a meaningful, long-term partnership with a remarkable horse — and are prepared for the responsibility that comes with it — we are glad you’re here.