[MyBabyTex]

If you know what you are getting into with an ex race horse, I'd go for it. Not ALL adoption agencies can be that bad! (Ive had a bad experience too and I didnt even get a horse off them!) Besides they have some really cute STBs

Id recommend talking to the people at the agency and explain to them your problem. Im sure they'd set your mind at ease.

Take the chance! You may find an amazing horse! Just because you had one bad experience doesnt mean this will be too. It looks like a very good place

[WhisperingStar]

There are standardbred adoption places out there for retired pacers. I know of a person that actually works with standardbreds, if you are interested I can email her to ask what she knows about these places. Just let me know and I can do that for you.I think adoption is a good option but a word of caution for you, and this is not to detract from reputable adoption places BUT there are some out there that are in it for the money and will try to pull on your heart strings with stories etc, do you research and you will be fine.

Good luck in your search.

[Quiggles]

I think adopting sounds like a really great idea. I would cheak out the agency thoroughly and see if you can talk to other people who have adoped through them.Also a vet cheak would be great. Good luck!

[CJ]

Friends of mine had an offtrack Standardbred, he was sweet, lil bit of an attitude.. As for your other adoption horse, I would say don't offer any stories unprovoked, and if the story does come up, say & show proof that it was a documented medical condition & not your fault. Altho the Equine Grapevine can be impressive I doubt you have been effectively blacklisted from the adoption agencies. You certainly seem to have come across one of those hypervigilant/ militant Animal Nutsy's, tho. I had a non-track adoptee for years; there's no wayto not feel like you've done them a good turn.

[jeda_horse]

Well, I have never had any experiences with adoption centres etc so I can't help you their but my horse Rusty is a standardbred. He is quite old now but I got him fairly cheap and he is great. Im not sure if this is due to the fact that standardbreds are not a highly sort after breed over here or something else.... anyway from the experiences I've had with my standardbred I can tell you they are great.

Good luck with finding one.....

[mylilpony]

I adopted a wonderful Standardbred mare from a rescue centre in langley!!!The people there were wonderful,and charged practically nothing for the horses because they have so many that they are just trying to find good homes for them!I named her Destiny,but unfourtunatly i gave her back to the rescue [with full money back] because she hated Dusty[my spoilt pony],and paced up and down the fence whenever unattended because she missed the horses at the rescue!So the rescue ended up keeping her for a trail riding horse,becasue they loved her so much,and i can go see her whenever i want!

I highly reccomend rescue's!As long as their a good one!U can get some of the best horses ever at them,plus the money u spend on that horse goes towards helping more!

[Lucky Duck]

Thanks everyone for the advice... I really love Standardbreds... I used to spend time in and around the barns at the local track when I was a kid. I just fell in love with those horses!

I have owned and worked TBs off the track before, so I think I would be prepared for it.

[drafts]

I adopted a tB from New Vocations here in Ohio, and I would not recommend them.
I hope this does not come across harsh, but take your previous experience as a lesson learned. I am not for 'adoption'. I think you are better off buying STBD offthe track, or from an Amish auction. At least it will be yours, and you will not have to worryabout ever going through that heartache again.

[Gretajack]

I, myself, have adopted and I have to say that I have nothing but positive things to say about the agency I have used. And they retain ownership for 5 years after the initial adoption. I will once again stress, that when adopting, do your research first. Check them out from every possible angle. Ask for previous adopters to contact as references, check with the BBB, local people that live in the area but not affiliated with the agency. Get a copy of the placement agreement before applying for adoption. Read it thoroughly and then have your spouse or any other adult read it and comment about it. Go visit the agency more than once. First I would make an appointment to help out around the farm and see what actually goes on and it helps learn about what horses you might click with. Most places would love a volunteer even for a day or two. If they don't want you volunteering your time, DO NOT ADOPT!

I have heard good and bad about New Vocations. I have never heard issues with the actual adoption process but more or less with giving 100% info on the health of the horses. You said you have time before getting another horse, all I can say is research, research, research!

[cassidy]

i think you should go to the adotption place nearer the time an have a look round an decide that way!

i mean i am sure not all of the agencys can be bad!