Horse Adoption: Friesian Horse Rescue Sanctuaries To Adopt From

Friesian horses are among the most elegant and dignified horse breeds. Unfortunately, they sometimes have to be rehomed due to economic reasons or abusive situations and need rehabilitation.

Friesian Horse rescue groups offer the care these horses need and match them with new owners. If you love horses, you should adopt a Friesian because they're receptive to being handled by more than one person and make excellent family horses.

Friesian Horse Rescue Groups

Owning a horse, especially a Friesian, is unlike picking up a goldfish at the local pet store. This serious, long-term commitment requires time, money, patience, and responsibility. If you're determined to provide a forever home to a Friesian, here are some rescue groups you can out first for horse adoption:

The Fenway Foundation

The Fenway Foundation is one of the US's top Friesian horse rescue groups dedicated to saving these magnificent animals. This nonprofit organization based in Wisconsin rescues Friesians from abuse, neglect, and slaughter.

Since 2010, The Fenway Foundation has saved numerous Friesians! They work tirelessly to rehabilitate the horses and either adopt them out to loving forever homes or keep them in their sanctuary.

• The Fenway Foundation relies entirely on donations to operate. You can adopt a horse, donate money, or volunteer your time. They need help with everything from mucking stalls to organizing fundraisers.

• The Fenway Foundation hosts open houses, tours, and events at their sanctuary open to the public. It's a great way to meet the fantastic horses in person! You might find your new four-legged friend.

If you're looking to adopt or want to support an incredible rescue group, The Fenway Foundation should be at the top of your list. They have all the current horses available for adoption on their website. Opening your heart and home to a horse in need will be one of the most rewarding things you ever do. The Fenway Foundation makes that possible and helps ensure these horses get the second chance at life they deserve.

Fenway Foundation for Friesian Horses Inc. 
Hortonville, WI 54944 
Phone: 888-838-0877

Midwest Horse Welfare Foundation

If you're looking to adopt a Friesian horse in need of a loving home, look no further than the Midwest Horse Welfare Foundation. This incredible organization is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming Friesians and Friesian cross horses.

Based also in Wisconsin, this foundation saves dozens of Friesians from abuse, neglect, and abandonment each year. Their mission is to find these magnificent animals a forever home where they can live healthy, happy and loved for the rest of their days.

• They have an easy adoption process. You just send them your application form and your farm or ranch pictures. They will call you, and if a horse matches your profile, you'll be invited for an appointment to meet the horse.

• Another great thing about adopting from MHWF is that you're not just saving one life but supporting their essential work. The adoption fees and donations they receive go directly towards rescuing and rehabilitating more Friesians in need.

So if you have room in your heart and barn for a Friesian, adopt from MHWF. You'll gain a loving companion and know you made a real difference in helping this wonderful breed. The Friesian horse you bring home will reward you with years of affection, beauty, and grace. What could be better than that?

MHWF, Inc.
10990 State Hwy. 73
Pittsville, WI 54466
Phone: 715-884-2215

MSPCA Angell

The Nevins Farm is an MSPCA facility affiliated with Angell Memorial, one of the top veterinary hospitals in the country. The MSPCA Equine Ambulance Program is the premier ambulatory service provider for rescue horses needing emergency medical care.

The staff at the farm holds workshops across the country to prepare equine rescue groups for any emergency scenario. Workshops are held at the Nevins Farm Equine & Farm Animal Center in Methuen, MA, where the equine adoption center is located.

One of the events held at the Nevins Farm is the Fee-Waived CoNmpanion Horse Adoptathon, at which horses may be adopted without an adoption fee.

The emergency response and rescue team has helped to rescue more than 400 horses and provide them with needed medical treatment that would otherwise not have been possible.

Veterinarians nationwide and public officials can utilize the equine emergency services of the MSPCA 24 hours a day. The Equine Adoption Center is open Tuesday - Sunday from 1 PM until 4 PM and by appointment.

Methuen ACAC and Nevins Farm
400 Broadway
Methuen, MA 01844
Phone: (978) 687-7453

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History And Origin

The Friesian horse has a long and storied history. This beautiful black horse originated in Friesland, a province in the Netherlands. They were bred as powerful war horses in the Middle Ages, but as warfare changed, they transitioned to riding and driving horses for nobility.

This horse breed is known for its graceful movement, flowing mane and tail, and gentle temperament. If you're looking to adopt one of these magnificent animals, you'll be getting a real piece of history!

Owning a Friesian is a wonderful experience. They are intelligent and personable and form close bonds with their owners. However, daily interaction, exercise, and grooming are required to keep them happy and healthy.

If you commit the time, a Friesian can be your lifelong companion. Their playful and gentle nature will fill you with delight. Owning one of these magnificent creatures is a joy and privilege that will reward you for years to come. 

Requirements For Friesian Horses

Adopting a Friesian horse is incredibly rewarding, but these magnificent animals require attentive supervision and housing. As a Friesian owner, it's up to you to provide your horse with a safe, comfortable environment and all the essentials they need to live a happy, healthy life.

Shelter

Friesian horse breeds need a spacious, well-ventilated stable to call home. Their stall should be at least 12 by 12 feet, with fresh bedding like straw or wood shavings. As social animals, These horses thrive when they can see and interact with other horses, so consider a stall with a top door or Dutch door. Be sure to muck out manure and soiled bedding daily and replace bedding often to keep their living space clean and dry.

Fencing

When turned out, a sturdy fence, preferably made of wood or pipe, should enclose the area to keep your Friesian safely contained. Barbed wire fencing can injure these heavy horses. Provide at least an acre of pasture per horse, and rotate pastures to prevent overgrazing.

Food and Water

A Friesian's diet should consist of high-quality grass hay or pasture fortified with a balanced grain concentrate and minerals. This is to prevent the development of certain conditions such as the Big Head disease.

Provide constant access to fresh, clean water. On average, an adult Friesian will consume 1-2 bales of hay, 10-15 pounds of grain, and 10-15 gallons of water daily.

Grooming

This horse breed requires daily grooming to keep its long mane, tail, and feathering tangle-free and clean. Brush and comb out manes and tails, then braid to prevent knots. Bathe your Friesian regularly, especially after work or exercise. Trim hooves every 6-8 weeks and file down any sharp edges.

Caring for these stunning horses is a big responsibility, but the rewards of welcoming a Friesian into your life make it worthwhile. Your Friesian will thrive for years with the proper housing, nutrition, healthcare, and grooming.

Friesian Horse Adoption FAQ

What will it cost to own a Friesian horse?

Owning a Friesian horse is a big responsibility, but the rewards of bonding with such a majestic animal make it worthwhile! Between food, shelter, medical maintenance, training lessons, and other essentials, owning a Friesian horse costs $2,500 to $10,000 per year.

What supplies will I need?

• Quality grass hay or alfalfa, grain, and fresh water - Friesians require a diet high in nutrients to maintain their health and shiny black coat.

• A sturdy shelter - A three-sided run-in shed or stall inside a barn will protect your Friesian from the elements.

• Grooming tools - Invest in a curry comb, dandy brush, mane comb, hoof pick, and sheath cleaner to keep your Friesian clean and comfortable.

• Tack - An English saddle and bridle are commonly used, though some Friesians also perform well under Western tack.

• Regular farrier upkeep - horses require frequent trimming and shoeing to maintain proper hoof and leg health.

• Routine veterinary checkups - Annual exams, vaccinations, dental upkeep, and emergency services are essential for monitoring your Friesian's well-being.

Where do Friesians up for adoption come from?

These horses end up in need of adoption for many reasons, including:

• Owners who can no longer tend to them due to financial hardship, health issues, or other unforeseen circumstances.

• Seizure from neglectful or abusive owners by animal welfare organizations.

• Retirement from breeding, showing, or other careers.

• Unwanted foals from Friesian breeding operations.

Adopting a Friesian needing a home will give you a loving companion and the satisfaction of providing a horse a second chance at a happy life. The ideal Friesian owner will commit the time, finances, and patience required to manage these gentle giants properly.