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Adopting A Horse in South Carolina

6/29/2020

Becoming a forever home for a horse in need can be a dream come true for you and your new horse. How do you go about adopting a horse here in the Lowcountry?

Friends, we have to say it. We LOVE when you visit and take one of our historical tours. Please know you are always getting the best trail rides and horseback riding experience in Charleston every time you visit. But, we know the truth of how it feels to fall in love with horses and wanting one for your very own. It comes with a big-time commitment, a big responsibility, and a can be very expensive. But, they are worth every moment and every penny. With that in mind, we wanted to share a few tips and suggestions on how and where to adopt a horse of very own here in the Charleston. Choosing to adopt and buy one from a breeder is a personal choice, and whichever you decide is perfectly fine. We just wanted to share the adoption process with you first, and talk about some wonderful organizations that can help your dreams come true.

L.E.A.R.N Horse Rescue (Livestock, Equine Awareness, and Rescue Network)

Located right here in the Lowcountry, LEARN is dedicated to not just finding someone to adopt their rehabilitated horses, they are dedicated to finding the best forever home. Since their founding in 2009, LEARN has "successfully rescued, rehabilitated, and re-homed" over 300 neglected horses. They are an all-volunteer organization that takes in and rehabilitate horses that have had to endure the worst. Their adoption process is not one they take lightly. They take the necessary and needed amount of time to help heal, rehabilitate, and train the horses that come to them, and never rush the process. They make it very clear that the love and care they provide these horses is not just to get the adoption fee. The fee is nowhere near what is spent on the care of the horse during its rehabilitation. They have you fill out a very detailed adoption application and you must provide references. Your knowledge of horses, the facilities you have to house them in, your financial situation, and your ability to care for your adopted horse determines if you are a good potential or not. They will also speak to your references before beginning the process. You must provide pictures of the horse's new potential home, too. If all of these requirements are met, you get a 30 day trial period with your horse. If it is a success, you officially get to adopt. If a lifetime commitment cannot be filled after adoption, the horse is returned to LEARN. These horses are not allowed to be sold or used commercially once adopted, and some can be ridden while others are just meant to be companions. To learn more, apply for adoption, or donate visit their website below.
https://learnhorserescue.org/adoption-application%2Finfo

2. Big Oakes Rescue FarmLocated in Hodges, SC this rescue farm is dedicated to the care of horses, donkeys, mules, and more! The sanctuary was founded in 2007 by Joe Mann, who has a passion for saving animals. They strive to give these animals a new life and home along with providing education to the public about awareness of animal care, welfare, and abuse. Since 2010, they have also rescued and rehabilitated over 300 horses and found them brand new homes. Big Oakes also has an extensive application that you must fill out before an adoption can happen. You have to describe where the horse will be living, along with providing pictures of where they will be living, where they will be fed, and where they will exercise. You must provide your personal information, along with your farrier's and vet's information. They will also be calling your vet as part of the application process to talk about your history with animals and if you would be a good potential horse owner. To learn more, begin the application process, or donate to their cause visit their website below!
https://www.bigoaksrescuefarm.org/

3. H.O.P.E ACRES RESCUE (Helping Our Precious Equines) Located in Berkeley County, SC they provide rescue services to horses across the country. Thanks to community, country, state, and donation support they can save, rehabilitate,and give a safe home to horses in need. From the very beginning of the adoption process, HOPE makes it very clear that every potential family must understand the financial and physical demands of owning a horse. Their multipage application is also very detailed. The questions range from wanting to know about you, your knowledge of horses, who will be riding and caring for the horses, what your style of riding is, what activities you have planned for your horses, and more. The HOPE farm also has very specific requirements that must bet met before being considered for adoption including:

A visit to the farm.
At least two references, a vet, and a farrier.
At least one other horse at your home.
At least two acres of pasture space for the horses to roam.
A donation between $400-$600 depending on how much care and rehabilitation the horse has been through.

To learn more, speak with their adoption coordinator Becky Strong, begin the adoption process, or donate, visit their website below!
http://www.hopeacresrescue.org/

Horses are magical creatures and those who take the time to save and care for ones who have been through the worst are heroes. Consider donating, learning more about horse welfare education, and maybe even adopt one someday. Until you join us for your next ride, please continue to stay safe! We are Charleston's premier horseback riding trail, dedicated to keeping you safe while exploring the beauty of the Lowcountry.

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Trinkets for the Trail; Important Accessories and More!

6/16/2020

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Curious about what you might find when riding on our trials or on trails of your own? Here are some important accessories you need to know about!

Happy June, everyone! Let's continue to get back in the saddle one day at a time. When joining us for your next trail ride, there might be a few needed accessories that you might not know what they are or what they do. Don't worry! We are here to help guide you. Also, everything you need for your next visit with us will be provided. We are taking very serious steps to keep our guests and employees very safe. Everything you touch and come in contact with will be very safe and clean. But as you prepare to come to visit us, we wanted to share some information about some important trail riding accessories. This information is also great for those who want to explore trails out in the wild or who might want to invest in their trail riding equipment. Don't forget, our historic trail rides are open and available to the public. You don't want to miss this beautiful and unique experience this summer!

Each of the items we will be talking about today makes riding and any experience on or with a horse much more prepared, easier, and comfortable for both parties involved. They help keep the quality of the ride enjoyable and can come in handy to keep you safe and protected in any situation.

Saddle Bags

These are found on either side of your horse's saddle and they are used for storage. They are the exact size, on both sides of the saddle, to make sure your horse stays balanced. They come with plenty of straps to avoid accidents or damage to you, your horse, or what you're carrying inside. They are ideal for long trail rides or if you're riding your horse out for a weekend of camping. They are great for carrying supplies like food, water, and first aid. They are centrally located, so you can access them easily while riding and can see what you're doing. They come in multiple sizes depending on the length of your ride. They can also be insulated, depending on what you need to carry. They come in many different styles, colors, and fabrics for both English and Western-style riding. They have been made for style and endurance purposes.

Feed Bags

These are for our horse companions to enjoy a little snack or dinner on the road. They are great for situations where a horse might compete for food with other horses. They also make group feedings out in the pasture easier for both you and your horse. It makes eating away from their stable much easier, too. You don't have to carry a giant trough with you on your next ride. Feed bags also help prevent your horse from over-eating, eating someone else's dinner, and minimizes the amount of wasted feed.

Bits

These will be found on almost every ride you take. These are the metal pieces, or bits, that fit perfectly within a horse's mouth. They come in all colors, designs, and materials and are measured to fit perfectly within a horse's mouth and over their muzzle. This is done to avoid discomfort or pinching. They are attached to the reins that the rider holds and controls. Bits play a huge part in communication between the rider and their horse. Some riders don't like bits and use something called a hackamore, a biteless bridle. In no way should bits ever be used to punish a horse. They are used to tell a horse what direction to turn, to change their speed and gait, to move in different directions, and to stop. Using a light hand when using a bit is key.

Halters

Not to be confused with a popular cut and fit of tops and dresses, this is lovingly referred to as a horse collar. It can be used as an alternative to a bit. A halter is placed onto a horse's head and is used to lead them around and to secure them while they are not being ridden. They are used to retrieve and hold your horses, too. It helps promote the safety of you and your horse, which is key when out and about in an unknown area. Always use a halter, and make sure to use it properly when riding and tie it securely when you're not riding.

Have you seen or used some of these accessories before? Or are they all new to you? We are excited to help continue and nurture any education when it comes to our beautiful horses and everything it takes to ride them safely and properly. The trails are calling you, so what are you waiting for? Until you join us for your next ride, please continue to stay safe! We are Charleston's premier horseback riding trail, dedicated to keeping you safe while exploring the beauty of the Lowcountry.

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Interesting and Bizarre Facts About Horses

6/2/2020

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These beautiful creatures are full of surprises. Their unique personalities, how they interact with one another, and the things we discover continue to surprise us. So much so, there are hundreds of interesting and bizarre facts about horses out there, and many you might not know!

We are getting one step closer to some sense of normalcy every day. As we mentioned in our last blog, we've been taking extra care of our horses, barns, equipment, and stables to make your next ride with us very safe. Make sure you're paying close attention to our website or give us a call for all of our latest information. We are currently open for our historic trail rides, which are not to be missed! Enjoy this beautiful weather and the wonderful Lowcountry scenery, all while social distancing on the back of a stunning horse. We are adhering to the Governor's guidelines to help keep our staff and clients safe. Please reach out to us regarding any specific questions or services, and we hope to see you real soon. It's very easy to book your next ride with us on our website or to send us a message. We are here for you and continue to offer the best trail rides in Charleston!

In our last few blogs we've scaled the spectrum of topics. From ways to ride your horses, staying sanitary, to myths and legends, we've offered a slew of new things to learn about. Education is something we deeply appreciate and cherish. We love watching new riders of all ages hop on a horse for the very first time, and continue coming back as their love and appreciation grows for these amazing creatures. As the virtual school year has a few more weeks left, we hope that parents will bring their children to our trails for a field trip or stumble upon our blog. In that vein and the spirit of continued education, we wanted to share some interesting and bizarre facts that you may or may not know about horses! We would love to hear from you after you read this blog. Comment what facts you found interesting and what you learned. Don't hesitate to share and post this for all of your friends and family to enjoy, too!

INTERESTING FACTS

Horses are almost able to see 360 degrees around them, due to the placement of their eyes on the side of their heads.
It is estimated that there are over 60 million horses in the world.
Horses can sleep standing up or laying down on either of their sides.
Horses can run very shortly after they are born.
They have the largest eyes of any mammal found on land.
The oldest known horse was Old Billy, who lived to be 62 years old!
Horses can't vomit or burp.
They only chew on one side of their mouths.
Male horses have more teeth than female horses.
Horses can grow a mustache!

BIZARRE FACTS

Scientists believe that over the last 50 million years or so, horses evolved from much smaller creatures. Who wouldn't love to have a pocket-sized horse?
Horse's teeth take up more space in their heads than their brains.
For many years, people believed that horses were colorblind. It turns out they are not, and they see yellows and greens more predominantly than other colors.
Just like humans, horses use their facial expressions to express their moods. They also use their eyes, nostrils, and ears to express their emotions.
A horse's brain weighs, at adulthood, half the size of an adult human's brain.
Horses have one less bone in their bodies than humans do, they have 205.
Horses hooves are made up of the same material human hair and fingernails are made out of, keratin.
The most expensive horse ever sold was for $70 million. Fusaichi Pegasus was purchased for this exorbitant amount, and he won the Kentucky Derby in 2000. He won only 2 million for his success.
The closest relatives to the horse in the animal kingdom are the rhino, the zebra, and the donkey.
Horses have successfully been cloned.
It can take up to a full 9 to 12 months for a horse to grow a brand new hoof.

These are just some of the interesting and bizarre facts about horses that are out there. These gentle creatures are very complex, and in the 5000 years they have been domesticated, we continue to learn more and more about them. What facts did you learn today? Did anything surprise you? We would love to hear from you! Until then, please continue to stay safe! We are Charleston's premier horseback riding trail, dedicated to keeping you safe while exploring the beauty of the Lowcountry.

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Middleton Place Equestrian Center Blog

Adopting A Horse in South Carolina

Trinkets for the Trail; Important Accessories and More!

Interesting and Bizarre Facts About Horses

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