Every May, Adopt a Horse Month shines a light on the thousands of horses across the United States needing loving, permanent homes. From retired racehorses to rescued animals and companion ponies, these horses come from many different backgrounds, but they all have one thing in common: they deserve a second chance. This month is an opportunity for horse lovers and compassionate individuals to step up and make a real difference! Our shelter has six wonderful equines currently looking to be a part of something special, and we need your help to find their happily ever afters!

Adopt a Horse Month was introduced in 2021 by the ASPCA Right Horse program and has been gaining popularity ever since. May is considered one of the best times to promote adoptable horses to those who are looking to add another horse to their family. This is because equestrians begin to focus on shows, trail rides, and other activities after being cooped up during the winter months. Adopt a Horse Month supports equine rescue groups nationwide that work tirelessly to find safe and loving homes for the horses in their care.

Many people don’t realize just how many horses end up in transition each year. Whether due to financial hardship, changes in life circumstances, or rescue from neglectful situations, horses often find themselves without a place to go. Thankfully, countless nonprofit organizations, sanctuaries, and foster homes work tirelessly to care for these animals until they can be adopted. But the need always outweighs the capacity, and these horses are waiting for someone like you to offer them a fresh start.

Adopting a horse isn’t just about saving a life; it’s also a deeply rewarding personal experience. Horses are intelligent, sensitive creatures that bond closely with humans. When you adopt, you’re not only giving a horse a home—you’re gaining a companion who can enrich your life in countless ways. Whether you’re looking for a gentle trail partner, a pasture buddy, or a horse to work with and train, there’s likely a horse out there who matches your needs and lifestyle.

If you’re considering adoption, start by assessing your readiness. Horses require a significant investment of time, money, and care. Make sure you have the resources and commitment needed for long-term horse ownership. Next, do your research and connect with well-regarded rescues or sanctuaries. Spend time getting to know potential horses, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to seek guidance from trainers or equine professionals during the process.

Even if you’re not in a position to adopt right now, there are still plenty of ways to support horses in need during Adopt a Horse Month. You can volunteer with our horses, donate to support the animals under our care, sponsor a horse in long-term care, or help raise awareness by sharing adoptable horse profiles on social media. Every small action helps increase visibility and opens doors for horses looking for a forever home. Adopting a horse changes more than just one life. It’s an act of compassion that can ripple outward—rescuing a horse makes space for another animal in need and strengthens the bond between people and animals. This May, consider how you can be part of that change. Whether through adoption, advocacy, or support, you have the power to make a difference.

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Meet Our Horses:

Tundra

Help us find long-term resident Tundra his forever home! The 17-year-old Grey Arabian gelding arrived at the HSVC on December 23, 2022, after being rescued by our Humane Officers in a case of abuse and neglect. Despite his past and medical issues of metabolic and thyroid problems, Tundra has a sweet personality and doesn't let his setbacks stop him from trotting around. He would need time to acclimate to new horses, but Tundra would love to be someone's pasture buddy.

Tundra has been saddled and is working with shelter staff to become more comfortable being ridden. He just needs a confident, patient owner who will move slowly with him until he's relaxed. Due to his anxious nature, we don't recommend that he go to a home with a child rider. Tundra is also looking for an owner who will be mindful of his gut health and can supply his metabolic supplements and thyroid medications for the rest of his life.

To learn more about Tundra and to see more pictures, check out his MyRightHorse profile.

Bella

Update (5/2/25): Bella is pending adoption! Bella is a beautiful, resilient mare with a heart of gold. She came to our shelter as part of a severe neglect investigation, where she was found in an emaciated state with a Henneke body score of just 2 out of 9. She was immediately impounded by our Humane Officers along with her one-week-old baby, Canela. After months of dedicated rehabilitation and nearly two years of waiting, Bella is now ready for a fresh start with a loving family.

Bella has proven herself to be an incredible, adaptable horse. She is broke, lunges nicely, and absolutely loves baths. She’s great in the trailer, though she isn't afraid to make herself known. We think she would make an excellent kids’ lesson horse or a dependable partner for trail riding. With her calm nature and "more woah than go" attitude, Bella would thrive in a home with beginner to intermediate riders, especially kids. She’s smart, treat-motivated, loves learning new tricks (ask her to smile!). This sweet and affectionate girl loves people and is always looking to make new friends.

While Bella is a social butterfly with humans, she can be a bit selective with other horses, so a home where she can pick her herd mates or be the star of the show would suit her best. She's also well-behaved for the farrier and is showing great potential to become "bomb-proof" with continued exposure. If you’re looking for a loyal, kind-hearted horse with a true survivor’s spirit, Bella could be the perfect match for your family! 

To learn more about Bella and to see more pictures, check out her MyRightHorse profile.

Canela

Update (5/2/25): Canela is pending adoption! Canela is a sweet, spunky girl with a big personality and even bigger potential! She came to our shelter as part of a severe neglect investigation, where she was found emaciated with her mom, Bella, at just one week old. Upon seeing their condition, our Humane Officers immediately impounded the mother/daughter duo and transported them to HSVC. After months of dedicated rehabilitation and nearly two years of waiting, Canela is now ready for a fresh start with a loving family.

Canela has grown into a lively "sour patch kid" — a little bit sweet, a little bit sassy, and a whole lot of fun. At just under two years old, Canela is very much a teenager: she can be slightly stubborn and protest new things at first, but with patience and consistency, she always comes around. She’s currently working on her basic groundwork skills and is making great progress. While she hasn’t been saddled or ridden yet, her solid foundation and eager-to-please attitude mean she could excel in any discipline with the right training.

This gorgeous gal gets along wonderfully with both horses and people. A social butterfly who loves attention, Canela loads into trailers well and travels relatively calmly for her age. She’s also learning to enjoy water (baths are still a work in progress) and is improving with her farrier visits as she continues to gain confidence. Canela loves to give kisses and is truly the affectionate type!

Because of her young age and spirited nature, Canela would thrive in a home committed to ongoing training. She has fantastic potential to grow into a children’s or beginner’s horse one day, especially with a family willing to work with her and help her blossom alongside a young rider. They can learn and build a beautiful bond together! If you're ready to help Canela write her next chapter, she’s ready to meet you — kisses and all!

To learn more about Canela and to see more pictures, check out her MyRightHorse profile.

Big Guy

Big Guy was signed over in the field to our Humane Officers in April 2024 after his previous owner decided it was in his best interest. The 30-year-old American Quarter Horse has a great disposition and is a very sweet boy. According to his previous owners, he is a retired rodeo horse and is broke to ride. 

A handsome, chatty boy, Big Guy is great in the trailer and in the wash rack. Hw will occasionally talk to other horses and will stop if corrected. Like his name implies, Big Guy is a hungry boy and will need to have his pelleted food and senior soaked.

Though he was recently gelded, Big Guy is looking for an owner with stallion experience and will be adopted into a stallion-approved home only. Please submit an adoption inquiry if you are interested in giving Big Guy the home he deserves!

To learn more about Big Guy and to see more pictures, check out his MyRightHorse profile.

Anaia

Anaia is a 16-year-old Arabian looking to trot her way into your heart! Anaia came to the Humane Society of Ventura County in mid-October 2024 after her previous owner could no longer afford to keep her. A true Arabian, our girl is sassy and spirited. She is hoping to find a home with an owner who has experience handling Arabians and can show her who's boss. Anaia has no current medical issues, though she could use some desensitizing work with her feet and back legs.  

Anaia has never been trained or ridden, but she has lots of potential. Though she knows basic groundwork, her ideal home will have a training program to help her reach her full potential. Due to her spirited nature, our staff feels it is best Anaia go to a home without the potential of kids stressing her out. We think she would do well with other horses in a pasture. However, our bossy girl would make sure she asserts herself high up in the ranking order of the pasture. 

To learn more about Anaia and to see more pictures, check out her MyRightHorse profile.

Beauty

Beauty is a resilient and affectionate 16-year-old mare as gorgeous as her name suggests. She came to us after being surrendered in the field to our Humane Officers during a humane investigation. The lovable Quarterhorse was in rough shape—emaciated and suffering from severe rain rot from head to toe. Thanks to dedicated care, she’s now nearly back to a healthy weight and just needs a little more time to build up her top line. Otherwise, Brauty is in great health!

According to her previous owner, Beauty is broke and has been ridden by both kids and adults. She’s food-motivated and will happily greet you with a knicker at mealtime. A true “people horse,” she loves attention, especially a good brushing, and is sweet and gentle by nature.

Beauty is social with other horses and has even forged a bond with another horse in our barn named Bella, who tends to be selective with her friendships. Beauty’s calm, curious demeanor makes her an excellent role model for younger or less confident horses—she knows the ropes and sets a great example around the barn. While she trailers well with other horses, she may need a little encouragement to go it alone. This inquizative girl enjoys exploring new surroundings and takes in everything with thoughtful curiosity!

An ideal home for Beauty would be one where she can be part of the family. She'd make a great companion for trail rides or relaxed barn life. She does best with other horses and would be especially well-suited to someone looking for a calm, confident horse to help raise or guide younger equines. Whether you’re looking for a steady trail partner or a gentle teacher in the pasture, Beauty is ready to bring love, wisdom, and grace to her next chapter.

To learn more about Beauty and to see more pictures, check out her MyRightHorse profile.