FAQ’s

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do you get the horses that are at the center?

Answer: The horses here at the center are surrendered to us by the individual owner or through another agency, such as Animal Control, Animal Shelter or the Sheriff or Police department. A surrender form is completed for each hrose which legally transfers ownership from that person/agency to the Kentucky Equine Humane Center. At that point, the KyEHC becomes the legal owner of the horse(s). Each horse also has to have a current negative coggins certificate. There is no fee for surrender. We only take horses from within the state of Kentucky. 

Can you go and get horses that are in trouble, or that are being abused/neglected?

Answer: No. The KyEHC has no authority or jurisdiction to investigate or seize horses. We are a private non-profit and do not have any law enforcement capabilities. 

I live out of state, can I adopt from you?

Answer:  Yes! We adopt to any state in the U.S. We have adopted horses to all four corners and in between! 

What do I need to do to adopt a horse?

Answer: Fill out an adoption application, which you can get off of our website. (HERE) It can be emailed, snail mailed, or filled in and submitted online, and please include everything that we ask for that is itemized in the top paragraph on the first page. A staff member processes the application which generally takes a few days depending on how quickly your references call back. It is a good idea to let your references know that we will be calling them, so that the process goes quickly.  After the application is approved, the Executive Director will call you and you will make an appointment to come see/try any of the horses that interest you.

Will I get to ride the horse I want to adopt?

Answer: Yes, we most definitely want you to ride!  Our trainer will usually ride first, and then you will have an opportunity.  Please remember to bring a helmet with you.  We also encourage your trainer, or an instructor to come with you

How much does it cost to adopt a horse?

Answer: The adoption fees range from about $150 to $1500 with the average being around $350-$550.

Can I make payments on my adoption fee?

Answer: No – we require payment in full at the time of adoption.

I’m a kid – can I adopt a horse?

Answer: Yes!!  We frequently have young people who want to adopt.  You need to be 21 yrs of age or older to adopt.  If you are younger than that, a parent or guardian must sign the adoption application.  This happens frequently, and we have had many horses go to young riders.

Where is the farm physically located?

Answer: Our street address is 1713 Catnip Hill, Nicholasville, KY  40356

How much does it cost each month to take care of a horse?

Answer: Our average cost per horse per month is $500.

​How do I donate to you?

Answer: It is easy – you can click on the donate button found throughout our website, or simply go to our Donate page. You can also go to our Facebook page and click on the blue donate button.  In addition to financial donations, we also appreciate in-kind donations, and those can be found on the Wish List. We are a 501c(3) non-profit, so consult your accountant on our tax deductibility.

Are you open for tours?

Answer: Yes! We are members of Horse Country Tours, so you can go to their website to see which days we have available through them. We also host monthly Open Houses on the third Saturday of every month starting in May and ending in October. Check out our Events calendar or sign up for email newsletters for more information on our Open House activities. If you are interested in a tour, you can call the office at 859-881-5849 and ask for the Executive Director, and make an appointment.

I’d like to be an intern. Do you have an internship program?

Answer: We are always interested in young people who want to do internships, and we are flexible as to when the internship begins and ends.  Call the office at 859-881-5849 to speak with the Executive Director about the possibility for an internship.

After I adopt, is there some kind of agreement or contract I sign?

Answer: Yes, an adoption contract is drawn up and one of the requirements of the contract is that a veterinary check be completed at six months and 12 months.  The Center reminds the adopter and sends a form at both of those times.  At the end of the 12 months, if the veterinary checks are satisfactory, then the Center sends the adopter a transfer letter.  If things do not work out within the first 12 months, the Adopter is required to return the horse to the Center.

How do I volunteer?

Answer: We love volunteers and have a very active program!  Each person who wants to volunteer must receive an orientation. You can find an application on this site under the Support tab (HERE) and schedule a one-on-one orientation with our Volunteer Coordinator by calling 859-881-5849.

Do I have to have my own farm in order to adopt a horse?

Answer: No, the horse can be boarded at a boarding facility.

​Can I breed or race my horse that I adopt?

​Answer: No, our contract specifically states that the horse cannot be used for breeding or racing.