Bright Futures Farm is a sanctuary for retired Thoroughbreds.  We find homes for many horses that have the potential for a new career as a trail horse or family pleasure mount.   Our focus is to save as many horses as we can before  they are faced with neglect or auction. 

We are always in need of foster homes.  When you foster a horse you help us save one more from harm.  Fostering expenses are tax-deductible.  If you have room, please ask us about our foster program.

AVAILABLE HORSES

Horses are listed alphabetically by registered name below.

"New Arrivals" are at the bottom of this page and are not yet available to adopt.  When ready to adopt, they will be moved to the  list of available horses.

Alina  

1989 grey Arabian mare.  14.2 hands.

Alina is a very nice horse who lived her entire life only with her mother.  Her mom just recently passed away.  Alina was on our site once before, but we removed  her.  We felt that it was more important for her mom (32 years old at the time) to have Alina with her until she passed than it was to move Alina.  Alina relied on her mom for guidance and wisdom, and is sometimes confused as to what to do in certain situations.  She has had a saddle on and was ridden briefly by her former owner.  She is best suited to someone who has one other mare.  She has had some schooling.  She responds well to natural horsemanship techniques, and is a beautiful mover. She has always been in an environment where she has free choice access to shelter, but as long as there is another horse in the barn, she will do well in a stall.  She cannot be alone in the barn.  She

Alina's placement fee is a donation to our organization

Alina is being sponsored by C. & J. Haugh of Pennsylvania

Betherunner (Max)  GREAT TEACHER FOR INTERMEDIATE RIDER

(Thunder Runner - Lucinda B)

1987 chestnut Thoroughbred gelding.  16 hands. Star, LH sock.

Max has been a school horse for a number of years and retired from schooling in 2006.  He was adopted, then returned due to economic issues.  He sustained a bow to his RF tendon in 2007 and has been on rehab through the end of Feb. 2008.  Max is completely healed and would make a great "teacher" for the rider who is ready for an intermediate level horse.  Max is patient and kind.  He listens well.  He has jumped in the past and done at least training level Dressage. 

Max would be best suited to flatwork, Dressage, light show at w/t/c and trail riding.  He has had little experience on trails, so he will need a relaxed, confident rider for trail riding as he could become anxious until he's more confident in an open environment himself.  He is ready for ring work and an occasional show now. 

RESPONDS TO: Voice. legs, hands, weight. 

RIDER EXPERIENCE LEVEL:  Confident novice to confident advanced

POTENTIAL DISCIPLINES:   Dressage, trails, flatwork, 2' jumps, hacking.

Max's placement fee is $300

Max is being fostered by C. Chalako of Pennsylvania

MAX NEEDS A HOME BY THE END OF AUGUST 2008

Chief Atreyu Hi Hope (Jake)  TRUE BEGINNER HORSE!

(Skip's Mite - Spirit of Sonny D)

1991 Roan Appaloosa gelding.  16.1 hands. Strawberry. Star, stripe, snip, LH half pastern, RH ankle.

A picture is worth a thousand words!  Jake is a trustworthy mount for anyone.  He is a superb trail horse, and can also do WP classes and beginner w/t.  He is tall, yes, but he's so trustworthy, that his height isn't an issue.  Jake is a perfect mount and has a super personality to boot! 

While Jake has had some navicular changes in his front feet, he IS SOUND for light riding (perfect for a beginner or timid rider).  He will need to wear front shoes and pads, and does need a joint supplement.  His best situation is outdoor 24/7 other than inclement weather so that he is not standing in a stall.  He's healthier when he's out. 

Jake has done entry level Dressage, Junior Equitation, Beginner W/T/C and lead line.  He is up to date on shots and farrier.

Jake is a horse that needs a little bit of extra attention, but you'll get that back a thousand times through his honesty, dedication, and the fact that you can trust him with anyone to ride him.

RESPONDS TO: All aids. 

RIDER EXPERIENCE LEVEL:   Beginner.

POTENTIAL DISCIPLINES:  1st level Dressage, Lead Line, Trails, W/T

Jake's placement fee is $300

Jake is being fostered by D. Baselj of PA

County Treasurer (CT) 

(Bionic Prospect - Joy's Fool)

1996 Thoroughbred gelding. 16.2 hands. Chestnut. IL heel

CT was bought off a kill truck from Texas in 2004.  He raced but when he bowed his LF, our guess is that he was discarded like so many horses that have no further use for their owners.  At some point, he ended up at a horrid feedlot in Texas owned by Munoz.  We know this because he was branded with the Munoz "M".  CT had a suitcase full of fears when his donor bought him, but he's come a long way and is now a very sweet and kind horse. 

CT has beautiful natural movement and has been schooled extensively on the ground with various aids including voice.  He has completed Training Level Dressage.  The old bow is completely healed and he is completely sound.  CT is extremely athletic, and could do a variety of disciplines.

RESPONDS TO: Just about any aid. 

RIDER EXPERIENCE LEVEL:   Intermediate

POTENTIAL DISCIPLINES:  Dressage, Flatwork, Hunter, trails

CT's placement fee is $1900 OBO

CT is being fostered by D. Menkins of Pennsylvania

C.T. NEEDS A HOME BY THE END OF AUGUST 2008

Daisy

1998 Appaloosa mare. 15 hands. Strawberry roan, blaze, two stockings, two socks.

Daisy has been ridden at the home of her former owner.  She needs an experienced rider until she is comfortable with a rider again.  She has nice ground manners and is a very sweet girl.  She has been ridden Western.  Daisy would make a great trail/pleasure horse.

RESPONDS TO: leg, weight, hands but needs experienced rider as she is strong.

RIDER EXPERIENCE LEVEL:   experienced for now 081808

POTENTIAL DISCIPLINES:  Trails, pleasure, really anything she likes.

Daisy's placement fee is $650

Link below to video of Daisy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxBmveRZMZ0

Daisy is being fostered by H. Neumann of NY

Distinct Power (Power) 

(Wolf Power (SAF) - Indistinctly [Vaguely Noble (IRE)])

1996 Thoroughbred gelding.  16.3 hands. Bay. Star, LH sock.

Power raced for six years, then lost his eye due to an injury in a turf race.  He had the appropriate time off and then continued racing.  Power is laid back, and very aware of his limitation.  He is a horse that is very easy to ride, willing to learn, and has an excellent work ethic.  He's, simply put, a great horse! 

Power has had some time under saddle with a professional trainer and can be easily ridden by an amateur or junior with the appropriate trainer supervision.  He can be ridden today by a confident intermediate level rider with the schooling he's had to date.  Power has tremendous natural movement and floats across the ground.  His movement and conformation indicate he'd be a wonderful Dressage prospect.  He's got a superb disposition and he is suitable for most riders.  The loss of his eye may only limit him in the world of competitive jumping. 

He's been desensitized to many sounds, objects and movements.  Not much appears to bother him as long as he trusts you to be his "eye" (be aware of narrow openings on his left, give him a lot of verbal encouragement when riding, allow him freedom to move his head to see, etc.).  Power is a tremendous horse ready to move on to a specialized discipline.  With the appropriate continued schooling, Power has great potential.

Power is currently being ridden on the flat and trails and is doing wonderfully.  This is one great horse!

RESPONDS TO: Voice, leg, hands.  Needs practice on all before reschooling for a particular discipline. 

RIDER EXPERIENCE LEVEL:   Intermediate or confident junior with appropriate supervision.

POTENTIAL DISCIPLINES:  Dressage, EP, Show, Trails.

Power's placement fee is $650

Power is being fostered by J. Brinker of PA

Power is sponsored by Randy Swope

video link: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-BVIORKYWY

Holme On Time (Homer)062708 

HOMER NEEDS A NEW FOSTER HOME ASAP

(Bolting Holme - Feather Bob)

~1996 Chestnut Thoroughbred gelding.  16 hands. Star.

Homer has been ridden both English and Western.  He likes a confident rider and is a good trail horse alone or with another horse.  He has a good foundation on the ground and under saddle and responds to voice as well as leg, hand and weight.  He has a super personality and would be best suited to a home where he gets daily attention.

Homer was repossessed from a negligent adopter in March.  He is in very good shape now and ready to find a new home.  If you are willing to adopt Star Boggs as well (since he and Homer have been together since this unfortunate ordeal and have formed a strong bond), we will reduce Homer's adoption fee to a donation of $200 to our organization.  Star will be a no fee adoption if you adopt both.

RESPONDS TO: Voice, leg, hands.  Homer is not "finished" but responds very well to cues.

RIDER EXPERIENCE LEVEL:   Intermediate or confident junior in the ring with appropriate supervision.

POTENTIAL DISCIPLINES:  Trails, Hack, Flatwork, Dressage

Homer's placement fee is $400

Homer is being cared for by D. Menkins of Pennsylvania

HOMER NEEDS A HOME BY THE END OF AUGUST 2008

Im No Square (Square) SQUARE NEEDS A NEW HOME BY THE END OF AUGUST 2008

(Square Your Hat - Im For The Keys)

~1989 Chestnut Thoroughbred gelding.  15.3 hands. Star, blaze, LH sock, RH stocking.

Square retired from racing a number of years ago and has been cared for by his owner since retiring.  He has not been re-schooled for any discipline.  He's been a family pet.  Although he's been off the track for several years, he is considered to have the attitude and energy level of a recent OTTB, and therefore, Square would be most suited to an intermediate level handler and an experienced rider at this time.  If you are simply looking for a companion horse for a lone horse, he would be a perfect choice.  If you are interested in riding, he will need re-schooled starting with ground training. Square is sound and has been pampered for most of his adult life.  He could be re-schooled for flatwork or pleasure by an experienced instructor with minimal effort.

Square's placement fee is $350

Square is currently being fostered and schooled by J. Morthole of DE

Thanks to our friends, the FOB's !

     ADOPTED BY FREEOM REINS THERAPEUTIC RIDING PROGRAM

Jiminy Cricket. (Titan)     BEGINNER'S HORSE!

~1987 seal bay pony. 14 hands.

Titan is finished English, has done lessons, shows, jumped, and trail rides.  He is very sweet, loves attention, and is a wonderful teacher. He would be a perfect "first horse" for a beginner with appropriate supervision in an arena setting.  He is still a guy who likes to "go" when asked, so if you want to canter, the riders should have a bit more experience and a good seat.  Titan is very responsive to his rider, and he's also a very careful pony.  He can no longer jump competitively due to some arthritis in his right shoulder, so his work load should consist of light riding, light trail riding, flatwork, lessons.   Titan has lost sight in his left eye but it does not bother him or limit his ability at all.  Titan has spent several days with me at our main farm, and he is one super little pony! 

If you are looking for a small horse/pony...this is the guy!

RESPONDS TO: Voice, hands, legs, weight.  

RIDER EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Beginner with supervision, amateur/novice trails.

POTENTIAL DISCIPLINES:  Trails, pleasure, ring work, light lessons.

Titan's placement fee is $550

Video clip available at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRYQYunq-8c

Lady      WONDERFUL DRIVING HORSE!  

1995 bay Standardbred mare. 15.2  hands. No markings.

Lady was a winner at the track and retired sound.  She's very sweet, loves people, wants to please and has no vices.  She needs ground school and transitioned under saddle for pleasure riding.  She has had a rider on her back several times without incident, and while she doesn't understand what is expected of her, she's very sensible and willing to learn. 

With the appropriate schooling, Lady would be a wonderful therapy horse under saddle or in front of a cart.  She's got the personality that tells us that once re-schooled, almost anyone would be able to ride her.  She's an easy driver, and responds to a light touch of the reins.  She has lost some sight in both eyes due to moon blindness, but she's still very laid back and easy to work with.  She's not easily spooked and therefore, the loss of sight does not appear to be an issue for her.

RESPONDS TO: Voice, hands.  

RIDER EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Intermediate now.  Needs to complete re-schooling.

POTENTIAL DISCIPLINES:  Trails, Western Pleasure, English disciplines, youth, 4-H.

Lady's placement fee is $300**

Video clips below...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1hpVOVeQy0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6QF_WrBgnU

Lady is being fostered by C & C Minnick of PA

Life's Pursuit (Rosco)

(Lord - Neone)

1993 Holsteiner gelding. Bay. 15.375 hands.

Rosco has been VERY successful at WEF for several years.  Earlier this year he experienced a slight tear to his suspensory tendon in his LF.  He has received the best care available and is in the final stages of a VERY SUCCESSFUL rehab.  He has been under saddle for two months now, and will start over ground poles in two weeks.  His veterinarian has cleared him, in writing, to jump up to 2'6 once fully rehabbed and conditioned which should be mid to late July.

Rosco is very affectionate and very laid back.  He is a horse that just about anyone can ride.  He needs a job and loves to work - especially jump.   Being a horse that is ridden occasionally would not make him happy.  He needs a "job" at least four days a week and part of that job should be jumping.  He absolutely loves to. 

Rosco can continue successfully at 2'6 Hunters, or he could start a career in Dressage.  His movement is breathtaking and he jumps  confidently.  He is equally comfortable on trails, again, with just about any rider.  Rosco would be a superb lesson horse, or a great first horse for the student new to jumping.  He knows what he's doing, and he is very intelligent...so he can forgive a rider's errors and successfully take you through a course. 

While Rosco is quite capable of continuing his career as a Hunter (with the maximum height being 2'6), he was donated to our charity because his owner needs a horse that can do more than Rosco is now capable of.  Being the intelligent, confident horse he is, he could have easily been sold, but there was no guarantee at all that he would not have been pushed beyond his ability and re-injured, or sold again with no disclosure of the injury. 

Rosco is a tremendous horse.  Most adoption agencies will never be able to offer a horse of his caliber, temperament, and ability. 

Video link below.  The video is of a class earlier this year in Wellington.  In this video, he competed against 30 PROFESSIONALS and WON the class with ease!  Additional video will be available once he begins jumping again in a few weeks (early July).

Rosco will show under Bright Futures Farm USEF number.  Prior show record is available, as is a written copy of his vet's release for work.  Rosco is being offered to adopt at a fraction of his appraised value.  This is a RARE opportunity for you to acquire a very high caliber horse who truly loves his job. 

RESPONDS TO: All aids.

RIDER EXPERIENCE LEVEL:  Novice / Amateur.

POTENTIAL DISCIPLINES:   Hunters, flatwork, Dressage, Trails.

Rosco's Placement fee is $8500   OBO

Please contact us for more information

Rosco is being fostered and rehabbed by L. Snyder in PA

Video link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTk7xsecrpo

Misty's Silver Streak (Steel) 2nd LEVEL DRESSAGE

(Sam's Ransom - My Finale)

1991 grey Thoroughbred gelding.  16.2 hands. 

Steel has wonderful ground manners.  He loves attention, and will warm you with his personality.  He looks forward to interaction with his person on the ground as well as in the saddle.  Steel needs a person who will spend time with  him as well as ride.  He's extremely intelligent and becomes bored easily.  If you use natural horsemanship schooling and riding techniques, this is a fabulous horse to work with.  He enjoys and needs mental stimulation as well as the interaction with you. 

Steel has been ridden by USEF and USDF riders for us and we have been told that he will be a solid 2nd level Dressage horse with a refresher course in Dressage.  He's not been ridden much in the last two years.

He has been ridden successfully by a skilled rider, who had developed a fear of horses, & a man  who is not a skilled rider, but also is not afraid of horses.  He does best with a rider who is confident and relaxed.  You don't necessarily have to have the skill level Steel has to ride him...he is forgiving...but you do have to be calm and confident and have a good seat.  As you see, he is best suited to a relaxed rider and a loose rein. He does not like a "forward" rider.  Anyone can ride this horse if they are confident, relaxed and kind. 

Steel is somewhat insecure.  He needs you to address any concern he has before moving onto the next task and give him ample praise for his accomplishments regularly, he's going to trust and respect you more.  An example of a concern would be that Steel hasn't been on trails much, so many things during that type of ride would be new to him.  He may shy, try to turn around, or simply stand there  not willing to move forward.   If you ignore his concerns and simply ride him without addressing them he will become agitated.  If you address his concerns and then ask him to move on, he will be fine. 

RESPONDS TO: Voice. legs, hands, weight. 

RIDER EXPERIENCE LEVEL:  Confident novice to confident advanced

POTENTIAL DISCIPLINES:   Dressage, trails, flatwork, 2' jumps, hacking.

Video link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wy6g3XZrlK0

Steel's placement fee is  $650

Steel is located at our main facility in Pennsylvania

Mystical Bullet. (Bullet)   

(Buckfinder - Mystical Star)

1991 dark brown/bay Thoroughbred gelding.  16 hands. 

Bullet was adopted several years ago by a wonderful family, but due to circumstances beyond their control, they regretfully asked us to find him a new home.  His previous family would easily ride him through the fields, around the yard, and I believe he was also ridden at a training facility by them.  Both mother, and daughter (10 years old now) rode him without any problem. 

Bullet is a PLEASURE to ride.  He's laid back, stands to mount and dismount.  Good brakes.  Great "whoa".  He needs work on understanding a cue as soon as it's given, but he yields to leg, rein and weight quite well.  Ears are always forward, eye is always soft.  Very attentive.  Very easy going.  Has been ridden English. Not much bothers him.  Great trail, pleasure horse.

RESPONDS TO: Voice. legs, hands, weight.  Needs work on cueing.

RIDER EXPERIENCE LEVEL:  Confident novice w/supervision.  Intermediate on trails.

POTENTIAL DISCIPLINES:   Trails, pleasure, flatwork.

Bullet's placement fee: $650

Bullet is being fostered by M. & M. Vogt of Pennsylvania

Star Boggs (Star)    STAR NEEDS A HOME BY THE END OF  AUGUST 2008

(Valiant Nature - Cosmic Mirage)

1999 bay Thoroughbred gelding.  16 hands.  Star, stripe, snit, RF pastern, LH coronary.

Star has been ridden predominantly English for flatwork.  He's a beautiful mover, and has no vices.  He's got a good work ethic and should be a wonderful English hunter hack, could do Dressage, trails, etc.  He's willing and kind, and has a wonderful personality.  He does need another horse for company.  Star's placement fee is low only because he needs another horse as a buddy.  He was pulled from the same bad adopter that Homer was, and they have formed a strong bond, so if someone is willing to adopt both of them, the placement fee for Both will be $200 total.

RESPONDS TO: Voice. legs, hands, weight. 

RIDER EXPERIENCE LEVEL:  Intermediate.

POTENTIAL DISCIPLINES:   Trails, pleasure, flatwork.

Star's placement fee is $200

Star is being fostered by D. Menkins of Pennsylvania

ADOPTED BY K CRAWFORD

Street Commander (Commander)  

(Wall Street Dancer - Clearly Dear)

1996 bay Thoroughbred gelding.  15.3 hands.  Blaze 

Commander is a very kind horse who needs a patient and kind handler.  He has been abused in the past, and is head shy and apprehensive of new people until he trusts them.  He is a beautiful mover and would be a great horse for flatwork, pleasure, trails.  He has not been transitioned from racing as yet.  If he is still with us (not yet placed in a home) once the weather breaks, we will begin reschooling him from the ground up.  Commander will need an experienced rider and handler due to his lack of trust.

RESPONDS TO: Voice. legs, hands.  Needs work on all.

RIDER EXPERIENCE LEVEL:  Experienced to finish his schooling.  Intermediate thereafter.

POTENTIAL DISCIPLINES:   Trails, pleasure, flatwork.

Commander's placement fee: $450

Commander is being fostered and evaluated by K. Crawford of Ohio

Shakespeare (William)

1998 bay Thoroughbred gelding.  16.2 hands.  Blaze, muzzle, four socks. 

William is sound, flashy and a wonderful mover.  He's USEF registered and currently showing successfully in  2'6 and 2'9 Hunters.  William approaches his jumps with ease and confidence.  He is well schooled through gymnastics, executes flawless lead changes and has a good temperament.  He has no vices, and he loves kids.  William is a professional when working.  He's been trail ridden a few times, and therefore will most likely need an intermediate rider on trails.  However, in an arena, he could easily take an advanced beginner through flatwork.   He has predominantly been a hunter, but has basic knowledge of Dressage.  He really enjoys young riders.  And, for a confident advanced beginner with a good seat and supervision, he could carry them over jumps successfully.  William is up to date on vaccines, dental, and farrier. 

Video link below.  This is not a clear video, but we hope to get a better copy on CD that we will send to any interested individuals. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpoCX47bFj0

William's placement fee is $5000 OBO

William is being fostered by A. Howes and is located in NC

To see our adopted horses, other horses available and the horses in our sanctuary, please choose a button below:

NEW ARRIVALS

Bloodstock "Banner" (Graustark - Buck The Tide (Buckpasser)     Banner is owned by Equine Advocates.  He is not available to adopt.

Tessa

(Barefoot Hanover - Flying Speed)

Photos:  06-17-08 arrival

= = =

Photos:  06-18-08

Clean and looking much better

= = =

L. Photo below: 07-04-08    R. Photo below:  07-10-08

Great progress with weight gain. Wounds from feedlot are still visible.  Hair has not grown back yet on all wounds, but she's starting to dapple!

1995 bay Standardbred mare

Rescued from New Holland Dealer 06/16/08

She was ready to go to a Canadian slaughterhouse on Monday night (06/16/08). She was within a week or so of foaling, underweight, and covered in bites and scrapes.  Her right nostril was ripped and she needs some TLC...

It could have been Tessa and Pistol. 

Saving them is bittersweet.  It wasn't them that went to Canada to slaughter...but another horse was forced to take their place on that horrid truck.

Until we say enough is enough, it is another horse...another mare, foal, pregnant mare, stallion, gelding...somewhere...

= = =

Thanks to K. Young for telling us about her situation so we could have the opportunity to save this beautiful girl., And, thank you to the following friends who contributed

...the funds to buy her ...

Amanda, Melody, Janet, Jen S., Marcia, Karen, Jenn M.

...and, to bring her home...

Margaret, Bev, Jennifer B., Mary, Jen S., Katherine, Kathleen D., Shirley, Kathleen P., Deb R., Jeannette, Karen

...and, the friends to help with her first month's care...

Christine, Jamie, Mary

Baby FOB

               Day 1   06-24-08          Day 16  07-10-08

Day 30  07-23-08

On June 24,I put Tessa in her paddock at 8am like I always do.  No signs at all of being ready to foal.  I looked out the office window a number of times...like I always do.  Fourth or fifth time, I saw her standing over "something".  I must be sleep deprived...it didn't register at first, then.....OMGosh! ! !  It's a baby!! 

Moma and baby are doing fine.  We got them inside the barn into a stall and both are just tuckered out...especially Baby FOB!

There is some blood on him in some of the photos...nothing to worry about.  Tessa somehow ripped the torn nostril during birth and some of the blood got onto the baby.  Her nostril is fine, and the baby is fine too.  He's letting me handle him and rub him all over and she's being very good about it too!

Vet is coming later this afternoon but all appears to be just fine.  He's nursing, and he pooped!!

Born 06/24/08 9:30 am

Have a cigar.....................It's a boy ! ! !

###

Below are photos from 06/26/08:

08/03/08

Meeting Gordy 08/16/08:

Brittney's Joy (Summer)

(Brahms - Tarnished Lady)

2004 bay Thoroughbred filly

Summer was rescued by Dave Smith and his girlfriend.  She sustained a slab fracture to her LF knee in March which ended her racing career.  Her then owner, told Dave to "send her to New Holland".  Well, her racing career may have ended, but she with time off and reschooling, she can certainly be a pleasure and trail horse.  Dave knew that she was a good horse, and held onto her as long as he could.  Another trainer at Penn heard about Dave and Summer and contacted the R.A.C.E. FUND about her.

Summer is the first horse to benefit from Penn National HBPA's support program for retirement alternatives for Thoroughbreds through R.A.C.E. FUND.  R.A.C.E. FUND is a non profit Thoroughbred Foundation based in Pennsylvania.

Summer is a beautiful and well built filly.  She's currently 15.1 hands, but will most likely grow a bit more.  She will probably mature to 15.3 hands.  She's very kind, and intelligent.  She will need several months of rest/rehab and will then begin a reschooling program for pleasure riding.