Good Things Happen in Threes!

Brianne R. moved to Nashville, Tennessee, in the early months of 2023. Living in ‘horse country’ brought back fond memories of trail rides and equine companions, and it reignited her interest in horsemanship.

“You can spend your entire life learning about [horses] and still learn something new,” Brianne said.

In hopes of adopting a horse, Brianne researched how to care for them and what supplies are needed. She followed the social media pages of horsemanship groups and adoption programs, including the ASPCA Right Horse program.

“I found myself on the ASPCA Right Horse webpage, reading a guide that lists the things you need before you adopt,” she said. “I read about what age range to adopt and how to pick the price point that works for me.”

Brianne clicked through the site, scrolling through hundreds of adoptable horses from Massachusetts to California and everywhere in between.

Tootsie Roll

A senior, bay-colored — dark brown hair and a black mane — Standardbred named Tootsie Roll caught Brianne’s eye. Recently retired from a career pulling buggies, Tootsie Roll was available for adoption through the ASPCA Equine Transition and Adoption Center (ETAC) in Oklahoma and would be attending an upcoming Equine Affaire.

Brianne spent weeks learning about Tootsie Roll and absorbing every tip and tool the ETAC team suggested to prepare for owning a retired senior horse. Convinced that Tootsie Roll was the horse she’d dreamed of, Brianne drove to Ohio’s 2023 Equine Affaire to meet and adopt Tootsie Roll.

Brianne was patient and loving; she and Tootsie Roll bonded quickly.

“I would sit in front of her stall for hours each day so she could learn who I was,” Brianne recalled. “I would pet her, feed her, talk to her, play music, eat my dinner and just keep her company.”

Tootsie Roll’s working days are long gone, traded for companionship and trail rides. A social and gentle horse, Tootsie Roll runs to Brianne when she sees food or hears her name. She loves attention.

“If I am brushing her and stop, she’ll walk in front of me to make me keep brushing her and give her more attention,” Brianne said.

Déjà Vu – From One to Two!

Just a few months after adopting Tootsie Roll, Brianne welcomed a second senior horse! Brianne had friends who wanted to join her on trail rides with Tootsie Roll, so she reconnected with the ETAC team to learn about more adoptable horses. The team sent Brianne a description and photos of a spunky Arabian horse named Theo.

“I looked at his face, and there was no saying ‘no’ to that!” Brianne recalled.

Theo arrived in Nashville in November and immediately made himself at home. He and Tootsie Roll were instant friends, and he relished the attention he received from his new family.

“Theo is a mama’s boy,” Brianne said. “Every time I’m with him, he’ll place his head on my back and rub it against me like I’m a scratching post. He’ll put himself between me and other horses to get all the attention.”

The Rescue Effect

Adopting a horse frees up space and resources to help other animals in need. That’s The Rescue Effect. The positive impact of Brianne’s decision to adopt had gone beyond Tootsie Roll and Theo, but Brianne wanted to do more.

Shortly after welcoming Theo, she volunteered at the Equine Affaire’s Adoption Affaire to help other families find their Right Horse.

“Adopting Tootsie Roll and Theo gave me a greater perspective on adoption,” Brianne said. “Being a part of this world is now a huge part of who I am.”

Third Time’s the Charm

Having adopted two horses in under a year, Brianne had no intention of adopting again when she volunteered at the 2024 Equine Affaire. She arrived early each day to help prep the horses and stayed until the events of each day wrapped up. With her help, nearly all the adoptable horses on site found homes.

Almost immediately, Brianne noticed a senior horse named Toledo who was at the event with ASPCA Right Horse Partner, Happy Trails. Like Tootsie Roll, Toledo is a retired buggy horse. Though she had healed from injuries sustained in an accident before retiring, Toledo’s age and background made it harder for her to attract potential adopters.

“I stood by her stall all day trying to get people to see her and meet her, hoping they would take interest,” said Brianne.

As time passed and Toledo’s adoption prospects dwindled, a woman came forward to adopt her. When volunteers brought Toledo out for photos, they surprised Brianne with the news that the woman was not planning to adopt after all — Brianne would be taking Toledo home! Unbeknownst to Brianne, her friend had arranged a “fake adoption” to surprise Brianne after seeing how much she loved and advocated for Toledo. Brianne was shocked, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the barn.

“I had absolutely no expectation to adopt again,” she said. “When they pretended [Toledo] was adopted by someone else, I was excited and happy, but sad that she wasn’t coming home with me. When everyone flipped the script, it was a happy surprise!”

Inseparable Seniors

In the years following their adoption, Tootsie Roll, Theo and Toledo have been inseparable, enjoying their golden years in green pastures and good company; they have shared pastures with three other horses owned by a family friend.

“It’s definitely a lot — three horses and two dogs — but I wouldn’t want it any other way,” Brianne said. “Without them, I would not be the person I am.”

Feeling inspired to adopt a horse of your own? Visit myrighthorse.org to browse hundreds of adoptable horses nationwide by breed, gender or discipline. Brianne has advice for anyone considering equine adoption:

“Take the leap and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Professionals like the staff at ETAC are full of information and happy to help. It’s nice to see people putting in the time and effort to give these horses homes.”

For those who are not ready to adopt, there are other ways to make a difference for at-risk horses. Volunteering at events like the Equine Affaire and sharing posts of adoptable equines on social media can go a long way. Families can also join the ASPCA Horse Action Team, a special remote team of ASPCA volunteers who advocate for better laws that protect horses from cruelty.

Farewell, Sweet Friend

With Brianne at her side and surrounded by love, Toledo recently passed away. By adopting her in her senior years, Brianne gave Toledo the ultimate gifts: empathy, a caring retirement home, equine companions, days on pasture in the warm Nashville sun and a peaceful goodbye. She was a lucky horse.