It was April 22, the last day of a six-day, on-site adoption event for a herd of dozens of Morgan horses rescued in late January in Madison County, Montana.

Virginia “Gin” K. and her husband, Bill, of Boulder, Montana, had heard about the seizure on their local news. Then, after we were granted legal ownership of the herd in early April, Gin learned about our planned adoption event through social media. She submitted an electronic inquiry stating her interest in adopting one or more of the horses.

A Trio Awaits

We received more than 500 inquiries for the horses from the public. Half a dozen staffers worked around the clock to review applications, contact potential adopters and book in-person appointments.

Adoption appointments commenced the week of April 14, and as Easter weekend approached, only a handful of horses remained available.

May, left, and Dorothy.

“As horses were chosen and their numbers dwindled, we were all surprised that Dorothy, May and Sweetie, three older mares, hadn’t already been adopted,” says Cailin Caldwell, director of the ASPCA Right Horse program. “Dorothy and May, in particular, were two of the gentlest, kindest horses on the property, and Sweetie was full of spunk and captured all of our hearts.”

The last few horses were groomed and photographed, and an album of photos and descriptions was emailed to the remaining potential adopters.

“Within an hour of receiving our email, Gin notified us that she was still interested,” recalls Libby Hanon, ASPCA manager of equine adoption. “She hoped to find a horse who would be gentle enough for their grandchildren to handle. Their current horses are too spirited to make them safe candidates, and they wanted to share their love of horses with the newest generation of the family.”

Bailey Richards, manager of the ASPCA Right Horse program, with May and Sweetie.

Libby and Gin connected by phone and made an appointment for Gin and Bill at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, the final day of on-site adoptions. Theirs was the second-to-last appointment of the event.

Third One’s a Charm

With just three horses and two appointments left, our staff were optimistic. Already, 59 horses had been adopted and nearly a dozen had been sent to placement partners for further evaluation or rehabilitation.

Cailin Caldwell, director of the ASPCA Right Horse Program, braids Dorothy's tail.

Gin and Bill fell in love with Dorothy, 25, and May, 27. They also met Sweetie, 27, who ran back and forth, “not putting her best hoof forward,” Libby jokes.

As Dorothy and May were loaded onto Gin and Bill’s trailer for the ride home, staff learned that Sweetie’s potential adopter, the last appointment, had canceled. As if on cue, Sweetie whinnied at Gin and Bill.

“I called Sweetie over to give her a treat,” says Gin. “I said, ‘Well, we have a three-horse trailer … we might as well load her up, too.’”

From left: Bailey Richards with May and Hope Payne, a professional responder, with Sweetie. 

“Sweetie walked herself onto the trailer, behind Dorothy and May,” Libby says. “Gin and Bill were the people we had hoped would come along; they just wanted to give the horses a good home. It was a happy ending for everyone.”

After the adoption paperwork was completed, our staff walked to the end of the driveway and cheered as Gin and Bill drove out. There wasn’t a dry eye among responders and staff, all deeply touched by seeing the last three horses find a wonderful home together.

“That moment was emotional,” Libby adds. “The ranch, once filled with so many horses, was quiet. It was an outcome we all hoped for and will never forget.”

Advocating for Adoption

“Horses have been my passion my whole life,” says Gin. “Our grandkids, Mak and Malayzia, love horses. They call daily to ask how they’re doing.”

Mak and Malayzia with Sweetie.

Gin and Bill live on 20 acres and care for two other horses — Chance and Carly, also in their 20s — who belong to their daughter. They introduced the new horses to their grandchildren one at a time, letting them brush and feed them.

Gin recommends that first-time horse adopters consider choosing an older horse.

Left: Bill with Sweetie and May; Gin and Dorothy.

“I encourage adoption,” says Gin, whose household includes cats, dogs, chickens and one rabbit. “Older horses are seasoned and know what they’re doing. Giving them a second chance is the best thing one can do. Horses give you a lot of love, and we’re grateful we were able to give these three a home.”

“I had hoped we’d have a large group of people willing to adopt these three,” Libby adds. “As it turns out, we only needed Gin and Bill.”

May is Adopt a Horse Month, a powerful opportunity to help horses find safe and loving homes. Visit myrighthorse.org to browse hundreds of adoptable horses nationwide by breed, age or discipline.