What is the difference between adopting a horse and buying a horse?
Adopting a horse means that the horse comes with an adoption contract and pre-approval is required. The adoption contract
basically states that you must provide adequate care for that specific horse (adequate care is described thoroughly in the contract)
and if this care is not provided or if any other stipulations within the contract are broken, the horse will return to the rescue. The
contract basically enables us to keep track of horses that have been through the rescue and make sure that they continue to get
proper care for the rest of their lives. Another difference between adopting and buying is that adoption requires pre-approval (see
next question ).

What is required of me to adopt a horse?
First, you must have a safe facility. Safe fencing, shelter, and access to fresh clean water and appropriate food are the basics. There
needs to be enough room for the horse, especially if other horses are present on the property. And the situation in general needs
to be a good fit for both the person and the horse. For example, if you are a first-time horse owner interested in a young, untrained
horse, this may not be a good fit (although we very frequently get horses suitable for first time owners!) I also ask for references in
certain situations (from your vet, farrier, etc.) However, I understand that this is not always possible if you are a first-time owner.
Your other horses, if applicable, should be in good health and your property should be clean and safe. And of course, you should
be able to provide financially for the horse's needs.

Why do you charge an adoption fee?
When a horse is brought to the rescue, it is immediately going to cost several hundred dollars in most cases. Almost every horse
requires immediate deworming, vaccinations, hoof trims, and a coggins test. And that is just the first week. The adoption fees help
us to recover some of the costs of running the rescue. However, and perhaps more importantly, a fee provides value to the horse. Far
too often, a person will get a horse just because it is free or very cheap, and then the horse ends up being neglected because the
owner didn't actually have the money to care for the horse after acquiring it. Our adoption fees vary depending on the horse
and the situation. They are usually $300 and the horse comes with a current coggins, vaccinations, deworming, and hoof care.

Can I bring my horse trailer when I come to look at a horse, in case I decide to get them?
We do not allow you to leave with the horse the same day you come out. This is to prevent rash decisions on either part.
This policy may be waived in the event of long distance adoptions but those have special circumstances altogether. Please inquire
for more information.

What are the benefits of adopting?
When you adopt a horse from a reputable rescue, you generally know what you are getting. We have the horse's best interest
in mind and want to be as upfront about the horse as possible. And when you adopt, you have a guaranteed place to take the
horse if it gets to the point where you can't keep them. If you pick up a cheap horse at auction and several months down the raod
that horse does not work out as you'd hoped, you are stuck with finding them a home. And of course when you adopt a horse, they
come with all of their health requirements up to date. This is often (but not always) not the case with purchased horses and you are
left with that additional expense. Most importantly, you are giving a deserving horse a wonderful home that they have been deprived of in the past and helping the rescue to make room for more horses!

Can I foster a rescue horse?
Absolutely. We love finding great foster homes! If you have short term space available or just want to take in a rescue until they're
adopted, we can work something out. Sites and situations must be pre-approved and I am happy to provide more information!

How do you fund the rescue work?
We are not a 501(c)3 organization. However, we do still get donations from several people throughout the year. We also have a
sponsorship program for the permanent residents who are not adoptable. And 100% of proceeds from riding lessons, horse
boarding, camps, etc. go back into the rescue.

Can you help me find a home for my horse?
If you are trying to find a good home for your horse, please contact me. The rescue may be full at certain times, but I always
maintain a list of people who are looking for a horse. I am happy to help you with placing your horse and will even let you use
our adoption contract if you choose. The new owner will get approved just as though they were adopting through the rescue.
There are no strings attached - just another way to help the horses!

What do you feed the rescue horses?
The young, healthy horses who no longer have special nutritional needs are kept on good pasture and have access to salt and fresh
clean water. During the winter, they also get Bermuda hay which is grown locally at Harden's Hay Farm (who I highly recommend!)
Most of the rescue horses require a special diet and they are on Triple Crown Complete or Senior and Alfalfa hay. Those that
need to gain weight also get Purina Amplify which is a wonderful fat supplement. I frequently have people call the rescue looking
for advice on putting weight on their horse, and I am always happy to help you. I can't emphasize enough the importance of a
good feeding program, especially if you have an older horse.

If I donate money, what will it be used for?
Nearly every donation we receive is put towards feed or hay because that is our biggest expense. Occasionally, donated money
will go towards a necessary vet bill. If you donate for a specific horse, the money will of course be used for that purpose.

What kind of hoof care do the rescue horses receive?
We are very fortunate to have two fantastic trimmers who donate their time and skill to trim the rescue horses. Marian Figley (see
the links page) has been trimming for the rescue for several years and Jan Hester joined her in 2008. Words can't describe how
much these two ladies help the rescue succeed and because of them we have been able to save many horses, donkeys, and mules
with serious hoof and lameness issues. The horses get trimmed every 6-8 weeks.

Can I volunteer at the rescue?
We do accept volunteers. Please email rather than call if you are interested and tell me about your experience level and what
days/times you have available. You do not have to be experienced, however, to volunteer. Even if you just want to come brush a
horse or feed some carrots, you will be welcome!

Where are you located?
In Tunnel Hill, GA which is about 2 hours north of Atlanta and 20 minutes south of Chattanooga. We are very convenient to I-75. You
are welcome to come and visit the rescue, even if you are not wanting to adopt. Just be sure to make an appointment!

Have a question that wasn't answered here? Email me at StorybookFarmGA@Gmail.com and I'll be happy to answer it!

Faith, one of the most wonderful animals to come to the rescue. She is every bit as sweet as she looks.