Contracts protect the humans and the horse involved in an adoption.
Horses are adopted out for a number of reasons. A horse may need a new home because its current owner can no longer afford to take care of it, but does not want to sell it. Other times, an animal may no longer be suitable for riding, but can serve as a pasture mate to other horses. Rescue organizations also routinely adopt out horses. To protect the horse, as well as the humans involved, a well-written contract that spells out all the details of the adoption should be signed by all parties.
Instructions
1. Research the adoption forms of equine rescue organizations to see the standard information they include when adopting out horses (see Resources).
2. Draft an outline that includes the basic necessary information for your adoption agreement. This information should include the names and contact information for all parties, the name of your horse and a brief description of it.
3. Specify the terms of the adoption. For example, you should spell out the minimum level of shelter, veterinarian and farrier care you expect the adopter to give to your horse. Then list the consequences should that level of care not be provided. You might also want to include a clause stating that adoption rights will be terminated if your horse is found to be living in deplorable conditions.
4. Add a clause in your agreement that requires the adopter to let you make future checks on your horse and its living conditions (assuming this is something you'd want).
5. State in your contract that you won't be held liable for any potential injuries or damage caused by your horse while it's in the adopter's care.
6. Describe in your agreement what should happen if the adopter can no longer afford or is unable to take care of your horse. If you've agreed that your horse should never be sold to another party and should be returned to your care in circumstances like these, include a clause stating so.
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