How To Adopt

With proper training there are no limits to what an OTTB can do. Many have excelled in hunter/jumpers, dressage, eventing, trail riding, foxhunting, 4H, pleasure riding, pasture companions, and more.

These highly athletic and intelligent horses have a lot to offer individuals who take the time to teach them. We recommend reading the book 'Beyond The Track' prior to adopting an OTTB.

TROTT gives our horses loving, hands-on R&R as we ready them for adoption. Some of them progress quickly to being under saddle, while others are adopted while still in the ground work phase.

Our adoption fees vary, depending on the condition of the horse, the training, and the talents of each one. The fees go up a little as we put more time and training into them. The ones under saddle, who are unrestricted for any discipline, will have a larger fee. All adoption fees are donations, which go to care for the next horse who comes in.

The lucky owners who are approved for a TROTT horse are adopting a valuable, talented athlete, with a willingness to please, and the ability to excel in many disciplines. Please check out our adoption procedures.

Getting pre-approved will put you into our Priority Database on a waiting list to find your perfect match! This ensures you are in the loop for all updates.

Beyond the Track

Thinking of adopting? Check out this wonderful book that focus on retraining Thoroughbred racehorses for riding.

Beyond the Track: Retraining the Thoroughbred from Racehorse to Riding Horse

Adoption Process

#1 Submit an Application

Experienced, previous horse owners may submit a pre-adoption application by downloading it here. Since our goal is to find the right fit for each horse, getting pre-approved will add you to our Priority Database as a potential adopter. This will ensure you get updates on all of our new horses, and on their progress under saddle, etc. The full approval process will not begin until you have requested to adopt a particular horse, and at that time veterinarian and personal references will be required. TROTT horses are high quality athletes who have come straight from the track, and have always been well treated. We get huge numbers of inquiries, and our Priority Database serves as a waiting list for pre-approved adopters waiting for their perfect fit. No ranch visits will be allowed without first being pre-approved.

#2 Approval

Processing time often depends on accessibility of references. Applicants should notify references that they will be contacted. Applicants are notified of status via email or other designated means. Once you have been approved you can shop for your horse with TROTT. When we know your wish list we can help with the best fit.

#3 Choosing a Horse

Available horses are listed on the website complete with multiple photographs and a detailed description. Approved adopters can make an appointment to view the horses or make a commitment based on website information and an interview. Adopters who work with trainers are encouraged to include them in the selection process.

#4 Adoption Fees

Adoption fees range from $500-$2500 depending on the age, training, and soundness of the horse. Fees may be waived on companion horses, the aged and those facing long rehab.

#5 Adoption Contract

The Adoption Contract is a conditional lifetime bill of sale. TROTT will always have first right of refusal, as well as the the right to monitor the horse for the first year. Should the horse prove unsuitable for the purpose adopted, it can be returned for a full refund within 30 days. Please request a copy of the contract if you have questions.

Please contact Trott with any questions or concerns via email at TrottSoCal@gmail.com.