We’re jumping into January and I have big plans! I always have big plans. Big plans started Bluebonnet. Big plans started the Expo. Big plans started the Training Challenge. Big plans started the Horse Owners Assistance Program. And big plans, created and carried out by a great group of Bluebonnet people, are what has made Bluebonnet what it is today.
And one of my Big Plans – or maybe it should be called instead a Wild Dream – is that we can take in as many, if not more, horses in 2024 than we did in 2023. And 2023 was a record-breaking year for us.
Why do I want to take in even more horses? It sure isn’t because I think we NEED more horses. But instead, it is because I know there are many, many horses who need us. Each year, we turn away horses who need us. And wouldn’t it be amazing not to have to say no? Or to at least say no less often?
So what does it take to make this Big Plan aka Wild Dream happen this year? Well, it is going to take foster homes. If you are already fostering, thank you! You’ll be part of this Wild Dream of mine.
But what if you aren’t fostering? Have you considered it? Fostering is an amazing experience. You get to meet and help horses who were hopeless before you came into their lives. You get to meet other amazing foster homes and fantastic adopters. You might just make some new friends to go ride with. You get to be part of something big and amazing and fun. You’ll get learning opportunities that can make you a better horseperson.
So what does it take to become a foster home for Bluebonnet?
-You’ll need to be in Texas. While we want to welcome everyone who wants to foster, the cost and stress on the horse of transporting horses out of state for foster homes is just too much for us. BUT look around because I bet you’ll find a rescue near you who needs help.
-You’ll need enough land. How much is enough? It depends on how many horses you have/want and how much you want to manage your property. I’ve had as many as 7 horses on 3 acres, but I had to provide supplemental feed and hay all year long, kept them off the pasture at times to allow the grass to rest and grow, and did a lot more cleaning and management. So “how much” is going to be up to you and your situation.
-You’ll need safe horse facilities. We aren’t looking for fancy. We don’t need the Most Amazing Barn Ever. We need safe fences – that means fences in good repair regardless of what they’re made of. Some kind of shelter. It might be heavy tree cover, a run-in shed, a carport they can get into, or a barn.
-You’ll need basic equipment: halter, lead rope, buckets. And if you want to ride, you’ll need the equipment, too. Unfortunately, we’re not at a point where we can provide All The Things.
-Time. You need time to feed, clean up after, provide maintenance, and handle your foster.
Do you notice what I didn’t say you needed? That was knowledge. We get novice horse people who want to foster, and we realize everyone starts somewhere. We are happy to mentor newcomers and don’t think any question is too novice or “silly” or ignorant. I love to teach people about horses. Now, if you are a novice, not every horse is going to work for you. But our fostering coordinator works hard to pair horses and people.
What do we provide?
We pay for all pre-approved veterinary care, hoof trimming, and deworming. We’ll pay for corrective farrier work and/or shoes if medically necessary and pre-approved. We also provide a stipend that ranges from $80-$200/month (paid quarterly) that helps cover some of the cost of feeding the horse. Anything not covered by the stipend may be tax-deductible since we’re a 501c3.
We also provide mentoring and education when needed – not just from folks at Bluebonnet but from trainers and other equine professionals as well.
If you are ready to jump in, what’s the next steps?
Fill out a foster/adoption application. You’ll need to become a member of Bluebonnet which starts at $25 for 12 months, and you’ll need to submit some photos of your property. Once we get everything, our Fostering Coordinator will work with you to find the right horse.
Fostering FAQ:
You don’t have to have a trailer. If you can provide transportation for your foster horse, that’ll likely mean you get one more quickly, but we do work to get horses where they need to go. If you provide transportation, we pay mileage to cover the costs of fuel.
While some horses are broke to ride, we don’t get many “kid safe” or “novice safe” or “bomb proof” horses. When we do get those, they’re adopted very quickly.
We can especially use foster homes who are experienced with handling stallions, can halter train a horse who hasn’t been handled in the past, and/or evaluate horses under saddle to see what they know. If you cannot do those things, we can still find a foster for you.
The length of time you foster will vary on the horse, his/her needs, and his/her adoptability. All horses in Bluebonnet will go up for adoption. I’ve had horses who stayed with me weeks and I’ve had horses who have stayed more than a year and everything in between.
If you fall in love with your foster horse, you can adopt him. For the first two weeks you have him, you’ll be first in line to adopt. After that, if someone else wants to adopt him and is approved, they’ll be first in line and you’ll only be able to adopt if they do not.
Please don’t sign up to foster thinking this is a way to have a free horse that we’ll pay the bills for. The ultimate goal of fostering is to get horses adopted so we can turn around and help more.