Earlier this month, six horses strutted across the orange carpet and onto trailers destined for new homes. It was another successful Adoption Affaire.

From November 7-10, 2024, thousands of people descended on West Springfield, Massachusetts, for a weekend of expositions and equestrian events at the Equine Affaire. Guests of all ages explored the event’s Adoption Affaire — a barn where the ASPCA sponsors stalls for ASPCA Right Horse Partners to showcase adoptable equines. The ASPCA and three Right Horse Partners — MSPCA at Nevins Farm, Susquehanna SPCA and Horses’ Haven — were onsite to help families find their #RightHorse.

“Adoption events like the Equine Affaire are an exciting way to connect horses to potential homes,” explains ASPCA Right Horse Program Director, Cailin Caldwell. “The event educates hundreds of attendees and inspires them to explore equine adoption — some for the first time. It is a powerful way to help horses and make adoption more common.”

Stars of the Show

As guests walked through the space adorned with festive orange flags and vibrant signs, they first encountered Cajun, a 28-year-old palomino gelding from MSPCA at Nevins Farm. Cajun captured everyone’s hearts with his gentle demeanor, blonde mane and knack for striking just the right pose in every photo. Cajun’s riding days are behind him, but it wasn’t long before he caught the eye of someone looking for their perfect equine companion.

Just beyond Cajun stood three horses who came to Massachusetts from Michigan. Sadie, Holly and Atticus were available for adoption through Horses' Haven. Sadie amused people with her playful personality. Standing at the door of her stall, she tossed her hanging hay bale from left to right and encouraged everyone to scratch her ears, which they obliged. To make sure everyone nearby was paying attention, she let out an enthusiastic whinny every so often.

Adoption was on the horizon for Sadie and her road trip companions, Holly and Atticus.

Towards the end of the aisle were Feta and Swiss, two senior horses from Susquehanna SPCA. Feta wore purple flowers in her mane, a touch of color in her speckled black and white coat. Their friendship stole the show. Feta and Swiss were positioned across from one another and always in each other’s line of sight. When out for hand walks or at the Adoption Showcase — a special event that introduces the Equine Affaire’s adoptable horses — the two affectionately nudged each other’s noses and stood together as a pair.

While they could be adopted individually, everyone held their breath in hopes that Feta and Swiss would go home together.

In Just Two Days …

The ASPCA’s adoption bell rang out six times as Cajun, Sadie, Holly, Atticus, Feta and Swiss all found homes! Halfway through the event, the stalls were empty and the ASPCA, Susquehanna SPCA, Horses’ Haven and MSPCA at Nevins Farm teams collectively celebrated a successful and heartwarming weekend. Their hard work had paid off.

Atticus

Every year, we see hopeful families hurry through the barn hoping that the horse they spotted online is still available for adoption. On November 8, a couple came to the event from Connecticut with a sticky note in hand. On it, they had scribbled “Atticus,” having fallen in love with his online adoption profile before the event. They were relieved and excited to find him standing proudly in his stall, as if he had been waiting for them the entire time.

Swiss and Feta

It was a long road to adoption for Swiss and Feta, who were among a large group of farm animals rescued by the ASPCA last winter. They were transferred to Susquehanna SPCA where they became friends during their rehabilitation. At the Equine Affaire, a horse owner from New Hampshire visited each stall several times to get to know the six horses and decide if one was her #RightHorse. Undeterred by his senior mash diet and medical needs, she fell in love with Swiss. After learning that Swiss and Feta were so fond of each other, she decided to adopt Feta, too! It was the moment everyone had hoped for.

Inspired to adopt? Plan your trip to Equine Affaire in 2025, or visit myrighthorse.org to browse hundreds of adoptable horses today.