Usually, if you look in horse magazines (horse and livestock trader is my favorite) or the classifieds of a newspaper, something will appear from time to time. Honestly though, I wouldn't go for a free horse because in the long run no horse is free. Also, if someone is willing to give up a horse for free, there usually is something wrong with it. I saw an ad for a free horse the other day and it was a free paint stallion but it had issues with soundness, so there's usually an underlying problem.
If you find a free horse, my suggestion is to get a vet to make sure there are no problems. If you do get a horse for free, and it's good to go, well then you're lucky, but remember the investment you're making. Feed, shoes, vet bills, etc. Hope I've helped.
2006-08-07 17:12:27
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answer #1
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answered by BlueEyedAngel 2
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I have a better idea - how about leasing a horse for a few months so you can understand (first hand) what is involved.
Or perhaps you could offer to exercise someone's horse that doesn't have alot of time. Maybe even volunteer at a riding school or Riding for the Disabled or something. You will be sure to learn alot more about horse handling etc as well as being able to enjoy the company of horses.
There is a reason for the good old saying 'don't look a gift horse in the mouth'. Since the age of a horse in indicated by it's teeth, it means that, generally, a free horse is an old horse, useful only as a lawnmower.
I wanted a horse from the moment I could talk but it took me 21 years to purchase my first as I wanted to make sure I had the time and money to look after if properly. What could be worse than having to get rid of your life long dream because of you're own stupidity or lack of resources? I have no regrets.
2006-08-08 00:45:38
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answer #2
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answered by Sparky5115 6
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One thing you should learn in life, is that nothing is free. If you don't work for it, you don't appreciate what you have.
Horses are not pets and take alot of time and up-keep and money.
The government has adopt a horse auctions all over the U.S. but they are not free and not broken, they are part of the wild horses out West and need a new home. They are not free and you bid on them starting at $125 and up. It takes alot of patience to tame a wild horse but it is worth it, as most make good horses.
I suggest first volunteering at a stable or horse farm to see what all you need to own and keep a horse before you worry about buying one. Also if someone gives you a free horse, there is probably a good reason for it being given away, mainly that they couldn't handle it or it is damaged in some way that might not show up. They can shoot a horse full of drugs to cover up alot of lameness. Be patient and do your research first before you get one.
2006-08-08 00:27:08
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answer #3
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answered by happychef 2
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If you go to different equine classified ad websites, there will be some free horse listings.
Most/all of the ads for free horses that I have seen are for "problem horses", or horses with medical issues that require expensive maintenance.
Remember, the actual horse may be free, but NOT the upkeep - boarding costs, or hay/grain/supplements/water/etc. if it's at home, riding equipment (saddle, bridle, halter, grooming supplies, etc.), riding lessons/training, regular farrier care, vet care (normal vaccines, and then there can be unexpected vet care needed), etc.
Horses are expensive animals - if you know you can't afford one (and this is not directed at the original poster, this is just a general statement), do not get one. It would not be fair to the horse.
2006-08-09 15:38:21
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answer #4
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answered by tackforsale2 1
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You can adopt mustangs and Premarin foals, and especially in rural areas, you can usually find horses for sale quite inexpensively.
HOWEVER: Keeping a horse is far, far more expensive than purchasing one. Consider board, feed, vet bills, farrier bills, equipment, and labor. If you are short on cash, owning a horse is a bad idea. Try leasing a horse or finding a lonely horse who needs company and exercise in your area -- the only really "free" arrangement!
2006-08-08 13:27:09
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answer #5
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answered by llemma 3
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Live on a farm, and hope you have friends or relatives who own them, and see if they'll let you raise one. Horses aren't cheap to raise, so expect to have to invest a lot of time/money on them, even if you get one for free (watch that episode of the Simpsons where Homer bought a horse for Lisa, then had to work 2 jobs to pay for the upkeep on the horse).
2006-08-08 00:11:00
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answer #6
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answered by komodo_gold 4
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My oldest gelding was given to me. I leased him for 4 years prior and the owner is too ill to care for him.
My mom's gelding (who we put down a few years ago) was given to her from a co-worker, a good friend who also died due to alcohol poisoning just shortly after wards. He was well known to ranchers and offered over 6,000 for people to buy him. We of course said no. He was already over worked and ready for retirement. Love that horse. When we put him down, it was almost like loosing my mom's good friend all over again too.
The Arabian Mare my mom has now was sold to us for $1. He couldn't take care of her any more and knew she was going to a good home. She is green broke and at the age of 16, no one wants a green broke pasture horse.
It is rare and not a good idea to take in a free horse. Only if the horse is subject to back yard pasture type.
Usually free means they need a lot of work and come with a lot of health issue's.
Horse's are not "free" technically. You might not have to pay the price of buying, but you will make up for it in other area's for sure.
2006-08-08 03:19:21
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answer #7
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answered by Mutchkin 6
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Help out with a rescue facility. After a while they'll let you start fostering and taking ni a free horse. My best friend got all of his horses that way and 3 of them are ridable.
2006-08-08 00:22:09
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answer #8
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answered by Em 2
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let me guess the reason you want a free horse is cuz you can 't afford one right?? so where arre you going to keep it? What will you feed it? what about vet check ups?? oviously you did'nt put alot of thought in to tis , first get a job, researh the area for a cheap stable, and then go to a rescue or auction to find your friend, but hold down a job and make money first.
2006-08-08 00:25:49
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answer #9
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answered by maximus 2
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The only way I have EVER heard of getting a free horse is by getting one that it so old you cannot ride them. They either let you put it to pasture, or send it to the glue factory. (Or to the dog food companies) But if it was a pet horse they will be glad to let someone take them to retire it.
2006-08-08 00:15:31
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answer #10
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answered by Kat 2
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