Our adoption process is designed to find the best possible fit between a horse and an adopter. We screen applicants to make sure that the adopter not only has the desire to make a retired race horse's lot a better one, but also the financial and logistical resources to give that horse a good home. This screening starts with completing an application. The application lets us know exactly how you intend to care for and train your horse. Then we interview you to make sure that you understand the requirements of adopting a horse from FLTAP. We use the interview to help match you with the most appropriate horse for your abilities and goals. Once the application is approved and you pay the adoption fee, the horse is held for you and you can arrange for shipping. We will help you find a shipper if you don’t have your own trailer. If you have any questions, feel free to go to our contact page to let us know!
Application (There is a non-refundable $10 fee to process your application)
Online Application
Step One: Download an application. Either complete it online or just fill it in and mail it to us with your payment. If you complete the application online, please send us a signed adoption application so that we have your signature on file.
Include a $10 check or pay through pay pal below.
Our Address:
FLTAP, Inc.
P.O. Box 25043
Farmington, NY 14425
Step Two:
Pay your $10 procesing fee online with Paypal:
OR
Mail us a check
Step Three: Placement Agreement
Once you are approved and you choose your horse, you must sign a placement agreement. This can be done by downloading and mailing us a copy, or come out to the barn and fill it out there.
PLEASE MAKE NOTE OF THE FOLLOWING:
• Off the track thoroughbreds are used to being kept in stalls for the majority of the days. For this reason, it is highly recommended by FLTAP staff that your new horse be given time to slowly become acclimated to larger areas of turnout, as well at the company of other horses.
• Changes in housing and routine may produce changes in the behavior of the horse; therefore additional training for both riding and ground manners may be necessary. Training or consultation by an equine professional is recommended to ease transition stress for both the new owner and horse.
• FLTAP makes no guarantees in writing or verbally on the soundness of any animal available for adoption. FLTAP will gladly honor the Adoptive Owner’s request for a pre-adoption veterinary consultation, to be paid for by the Adoptive Owner.
• Horses are unpredictable animals. Consequently, FLTAP is not responsible for any damages to persons or property once the horse is adopted.
TERMS OF ADOPTION
1. This horse may not be raced or sold at an auction for the remainder of its life.
2. This horse will never be sent to a slaughter facility. If the horse needs to be euthanized, it must be done in a humane way by lethal injection administered by a licensed veterinarian. FLTAP requests to be notified before, if possible, if not, immediately after death of the adopted horse. A death certificate must be provided, such as a veterinarian’s invoice or written statement from a veterinarian.
3. This horse may need additional training for the discipline that Adoptive Owner may be interested in pursuing. It is highly recommended by FLTAP staff that the adopted horse has at least one week to become acclimated to its new home before beginning any training.
4. The adoption is provisional for one year. During that year the prospective owner will report back to FLTAP at regular intervals. FLTAP may make unannounced visits to the horse at any time. If the horse is found to be either in poor condition, such as extremely thin with prominence of ribs, covered with open or healing wounds or other visible signs of poor care or mistreatment, or living in a squalid environment such as a stall clearly packed with feces or in a paddock clearly inundated with manure or water, FLTAP retains the right to repossess the horse without notice. At the end of that year, if all is satisfactory, the horse's papers will be turned over to the adopter.
5. If the horse is deemed to be unsuitable during the probationary year, the horse must be returned to FLTAP at the expense of the Adopter. FLTAP needs at least a 30 day notice before they can take a horse back and will only be able to take the horse when a stall is available. No refunds will be given.
6. If the horse is returned to FLTAP, the horse MUST be returned in the same or better condition as when adopted or the Adoptive Owner is responsible for any costs associated with the horse’s ailment(s). Ailments can be, but are not limited to: cuts and abrasions, respiratory illnesses or other ailments received while in the possession of the Adoptive Owner.
7. If the Adoptive Owner can no longer care for the horse after the probationary year is over, FLTAP must be notified and consulted about the future of the horse.
8. This contract will remain with the horse for life.