July 21, 2025
Adoptable Xanthus
No matter if they’re 30 days or 30 years old, we believe every adoptable equine friend who finds their way to Longmeadow deserves the chance to find a loving forever home. This summer, we’re running a special promotion to support the adoption of our senior equines! All horses, donkeys and mules aged 18 and older available for adoption at Longmeadow will have $100 off their listed adoption fees.
As a large animal rescue, being a resource for those who are forced to make the difficult decision of rehoming their well-loved senior equine can often be difficult, especially when we are asked to take in animals who have lived in the same home for most of their lives. However, the happiness felt when seeing those senior horses, donkeys, and mules load onto the trailer to their forever homes to begin their next chapter is remarkable. And while many may believe the mind, body, and energy of equine only go “downhill” when they hit their golden years, we are here to tell you that we have seen quite the opposite! Every adoptable senior horse here at Longmeadow is still full of love and life, just waiting for their next adventure!
There are numerous benefits that can come with owning a senior horse. Many senior horses bring with them a history of experience and desensitization, often making them calm, steady, and dependable. Having hit their “retirement” age, they can be great for a life of leisure as trail-riding partners or liberty companions. We’ve also found that older horses who find their way to Longmeadow after being cared for by loving owners have a gentle disposition, making them a forgiving and patient partner for both novice and seasoned equestrians. These horses can be great for those who are looking for the perfect lead line horse for their children, as well as those looking for an equine partner to slow down with.
At times, senior equines may require more advanced care than younger ones. They may need more grain to maintain a healthy weight, daily medication to help their age-related arthritis, or even more frequent dental checkups from the vet to ensure their teeth are still functioning properly, but we believe these necessities are the key to ensuring our older equine friends live the longest and healthiest life possible in their forever homes – the life they deserve. With the right vet and care plan, these conditions can be managed to create a comfortable and willing partner.
Here at Longmeadow, we want to make the transition as easy as possible for those looking to give our seniors a second chance. We provide documented notes and a medical history for each horse, donkey, and mule, noting what each individual equine needs in their new home to keep them healthy and comfortable. This ensures that our adopters know and understand how to best to care for their new friend.
No matter the age, our rescued horses, donkeys, and mules deserve a forever home of love and deserving care. If you are interested in adopting a senior equine, click here to view adoptable animals!
