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How to Adopt

We are committed to breaking the auction to kill-pen cycle. MSER volunteers are dedicated to rehabbing and training horses to be ready for their perfect home. Meet the animals that have completed our training program and are ready to be adopted, and learn how to adopt below!

Available for Adoption

Riding Horses

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Aengus

Age: 14
Gender: Gelding
Breed: Grade quarter
Height: 15.3 hh

Adopter Level Needed: Confident Intermediate

Adoption fee: $800

Meet Aengus – the Scottish god of love and poetry! This handsome 15.3hh grade quarter horse gelding could use your love as he looks for his new home! Aengus is available for adoption to a training-level home with excellent skills in understanding and working 

fairly but firmly with horse behavior. Aengus came to the rescue with a history of aggression, the cause of which we traced to pain in his body from a legacy of improper hoof care, ill-fitting tack, and abuse. After undergoing corrective trims, body work, and behavioral training, he can now be a real sweetheart with the right person who can read his signals and respond appropriately.

Aengus is a joy to ride with his ground-eating stride and responsiveness to cues with a powerful lope. Due to a clubbed hoof he can occasionally struggle picking up certain leads, but with more work developing the muscles to do it we have no doubt he will come around. He stands quietly for the farrier and loads and trailers smoothly. To help him continue to be comfortable and avoid a recurrence of back issues, his recommended weight limit for a rider is 170 lbs. Although he has done well in consistent work without bodywork and massage, any adopter should be prepared to have him seen to ensure continued comfort with any lifestyle changes. Aengus is not looking for a heavy riding or competitive home, but would love to be your best bud to hit the trails, ride with friends, or attend low-key shows and cattle events. He has even been ridden in a parade with us!

Aengus has gotten along swimmingly with every horse in our herd, making him an excellent companion and turnout buddy. To help Aengus find the right match, additional information may be required in the adoption process.

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Sister

Age: 22
Gender: Mare
Breed: Registered Paint Horse (solid)

Height: 15.1 hh

Adopter Level Needed: Confident Intermediate

Adoption fee: $1000

Hey Soul Sister! She’s the one you’re dreaming of; she’s one of your kind! Your game show love connection, you won’t want to miss a single thing she does, because the way she moves really isn’t fair (shout out to Train)! Sister is looking for her forever home! This in-your-pocket, leggy mare is a forward,

beautiful mover with fluid, comfortable gaits. She is a registered solid paint horse with papers. At 22-years-youngsound, and healthy, Sister would be well-matched with a confident intermediate rider who wants a safe horse who likes to move out but needs some support in new situations that might cause anxiety.

Sister has tons of affection to give and bonds strongly with her person and with her herd-mates. This can cause some buddy sourness but can be worked through by building a solid connection with her and keeping her mind and body active.

Sister does require extra feed to keep her weight up. She is a dominant mare and does not mix well with other dominant mares, but can get along well with those lower in the herd structure. She loads well in a stock trailer and stands for the farrier. She is also safe on the ground and loves kids, so she would be an excellent lead-line prospect when she is in a comfortable environment!

Don’t miss out on your soul connection! Find out more about Sister and how to adopt by following the link in our bio!

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Mesa

Age: 4
Gender: Mare
Breed: Arabian
Height: 14.3 hh

Adopter Level Needed: Confident Intermediate

Adoption fee: $3500

Mesa, a resilient Arabian horse, arrived at Mountain Shadows alongside her companion Dulce, amidst a challenging neglect case. Initially, Mesa bore the scars of her past, evident in her emaciated frame. However, with dedicated care including regular feeding and safe 

shelter, she has been steadily regaining her health.

In the beginning, Mesa exhibited wariness towards human interaction, contrasting Dulce’s more open demeanor. Yet, with each passing day, Mesa’s trust grows as she discovers the comfort of grooming and the reassurance that the halter brings. Despite a health scare with choke early on, Mesa has rebounded admirably and now radiates good health and high spirits.

As Mesa continues to flourish, we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to deepen our bond and understanding of one another. Mesa and Dulce will be showcasing their progress and potential at the CSU Right Horse Adoption Showcase in Fort Collins on May 4 (https://www.facebook.com/csurighthorse/). This event provides a wonderful opportunity to witness firsthand the transformation Mesa has undergone and to potentially welcome her into a loving forever home. Whoever adopts Mesa will not only welcome a beautiful horse into their life but also a survivor who embodies resilience and the capacity for trust and affection.

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Paris

Age: 15
Gender: Mare
Breed: Paint (solid)
Height: 15.2hh

Adopter Level Needed: Advanced rider with saddle starting experience

Adoption fee: $2000

Paris, a stunning Paint horse, boasts an impressive lineage with significant quarter horse and thoroughbred influences, reflecting her outstanding bloodlines. She joins us from a caring home where she lived alongside Sacred, Joe, and Shasta, but due to unforeseen circumstances, her owner 

could no longer provide the care they deserved.

At 15 years old, Paris is a leggy mare with a solid build and a spirited personality. Despite spending her formative years on the same property, she still requires exposure to various stimuli to build her confidence in the world, particularly with human guidance. Nevertheless, she is an affectionate and eager-to-please companion, displaying a gentle demeanor and a strong affinity for human interaction.

While Paris may run a little hot and exhibit anxiousness in new situations, she excels in groundwork and shows promise under saddle. Her initial rides have been calm and relaxed, although she is currently ridden in a halter as she acclimates to the handling of her mouth in preparation for bridling.

Paris does have some minor unsoundness stemming from scar tissue in her left shoulder muscles, causing slight inhibition in full range of motion. However, this issue does not seem to cause her pain and is barely discernable at the trot. Due to this and her age, Paris would thrive best in a non-performance home where she can continue to learn and grow in a trusting partnership.

Managing her health, Paris requires a low starch/sugar and high protein diet to maintain peak condition and regulate enzyme levels. Additionally, she benefits from limited pasture time and may exhibit some assertiveness with dominant mares.

Paris is searching for a dedicated partner who can provide her with the guidance and confidence she needs to navigate the world comfortably. In return, she promises unwavering loyalty and whole-hearted companionship. Paris, along with other adoptable horses, will be showcased at the CSU Right Horse Adoption Showcase in Fort Collins on May 4 (https://www.facebook.com/csurighthorse/). This event provides a unique opportunity to witness Paris’s potential and to potentially welcome her into your loving home. If you believe you could be the one to forge this special bond with Paris, please refer to our adoption process for more information on how to welcome her into your life.

Companion or Advanced Training Home

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Cannary

Age: 15
Gender: Mare
Breed: Grade Quarter Horse
Height: 14.2 hh

Adopter Level Needed: Intermediate

Adoption fee: $300

In May 2020, Cannary found her way to Mountain Shadows from a rescue in Oregon, arriving as a totally unhandled and fear-ridden horse. Since then, this 15-year-old grade mare has transformed into a charming companion with a sweet disposition.

Consider enhancing your horse’s life with a delightful companion like Cannary! A 15-year-old grade mare, Cannary boasts a sweet disposition and a love for playful romps. Despite being treated for ringbone in her front left pastern, she remains active and vibrant.

Cannary is not just a friendly companion but also an easy keeper who loads effortlessly and stands well for the farrier. While she may have some poll sensitivity, she appreciates gentle haltering and is respectful on the ground. Her affectionate nature extends to a love for snuggles, and she even has some knowledge of liberty work.

In a world where everyone needs a buddy, Cannary could be the perfect addition to your horse’s life. Let Cannary become your horse’s new friend, bringing joy, companionship, and a touch of playfulness to their days!

How to Adopt

1
Contact us

Fill out and submit an adoption interest form below. This will get the process started!

2
Get to Know You

We will contact you by phone so that you can ask any questions, and we can talk further about your prior experience with animals, your goals for an adopted animal, and plan for care. This helps us find the best forever home for our animals. We will also ask for two references whom we can contact regarding your experience with animals.

3
Meet

Our board of directors evaluates all applicants for adoption. We will schedule a meet-and-greet with the adopter we feel will be the best match for a given animal. This will take place at our Laramie, Wyoming location. A demonstration of the animal and a riding evaluation, if applicable, is typically involved in this step.

4
Adopt

If you and the animal feel compatible together, you will receive a contract to fill out and sign. This is also when the full adoption fee is due. We will typically provide a Coggins certificate (horses) and will make arrangements for the brand inspector to come out when you pick up your animal (if applicable). Health certificates, if needed, can also be provided upon request for an additional fee.

Enjoy your new forever friend!

Resources for Adopters

Our support doesn’t end when you arrive home with your new companion! We are always available to consult with regarding health, behavioral, care, or training issues with your horse. Other resources include:

  • A Facebook group exclusively dedicated to our adopters where you can post updates, connect, and ask questions!
  • Informational videos on our YouTube channel regarding care and training

Not ready to adopt?

That’s okay! We are glad you take the commitment of adopting a horse seriously. The good news is, you can still help!

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