Horses are among some of the most popular pets in Missouri, with over 200,000 residing within the state. Unfortunately, not every horse in Missouri has a loving home and can find itself abandoned, abused, or neglected.
However, you can find several horse rescues in Missouri that strive to save horses from countless unfortunate situations and give them veterinary care, love, and attention before going to a new owner.
In addition, most rescues let you adopt horses for a lower fee than buying from responsible breeders.
Other articles you would like: Best Horse Rescues In Georgia and Best Horse Rescues In Pennsylvania.
Why Do Horses in Missouri Wind Up in Horse Rescues?
Despite many people loving horses for their 20-to-30-year lifespan, majestic looks, and trainability, over 200,000 horses get abandoned yearly throughout the country, including Missouri.
As a result, many equines wind up in sanctuaries or rescue organizations for several reasons. Some examples include:
- Their previous owner surrendered them because they can’t afford to care for the horse
- Abuse or neglect
- The horse is too old, sick, or injured to ride or use for work
- Their previous owner died
- The horse has behavioral issues that the owner can’t resolve
- Their previous owner loses interest in caring for their horse
- Their previous owner moved or lost their property
The Top 11 Horse Rescues in Missouri
Are you interested in adopting a mini horse or normal sized horse, but need help finding a place offering them? If so, check out our list of the best horse rescues in Missouri.
Adopting a horse is a life-changing experience, so if you think you’re ready for one, you’ll need to evaluate each rescue’s adoption application thoroughly before making your decision.
1. Warriors of the Rainbow Horse Sanctuary
First up on this list of excellent horse rescues in Missouri is Warriors of the Rainbow Horse Sanctuary, located in Southwest Missouri.
This non-profit rescue prioritizes rescuing neglected and abandoned horses and rehabilitating them before finding new homes for them. They also rescue Mustangs from kill pens.
People interested in adopting horses from this rescue must agree to an on-site facility inspection to ensure that it’s safe for their new horse. They must also send photos of the horse every summer and fall to provide updates to the rescue.
Adoption fees vary based on how long the horses stay at the sanctuary. For example, horses that stayed at the rescue for longer than three years cost more than those that stayed for at least a year.
Warriors of the Rainbow Horse Sanctuary Details:
- Location: Reeds, MO
- Phone Number: 417-246-1143
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Warriors of the Rainbow Horse Sanctuary
2. Whiskey Ridge Rescue
Next up on our list of horse rescues in Missouri is Whiskey Ridge Rescue, a non-profit organization located in Central Missouri.
They prioritize rehabilitating abused and neglected horses before choosing the perfect forever home that matches their physical and emotional needs.
Whiskey Ridge Rescue also has a training program where volunteers can train and care for the rescue’s horses before rehoming them.
Applicants interested in a rescue horse must schedule a meet and greet after submitting their adoption applications and have a horse-friendly property with stalls, a pasture, and fencing that match the rescue’s standards.
Each horse’s adoption fee varies based on age, training, and limitations, so you can expect companion horses to cost less than rideable ones.
Whiskey Ridge Rescue Details:
- Location: Green Ridge, MO
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Whiskey Ridge Rescue
3. Longmeadow Rescue Ranch
One of the best horse rescues found in Northern Missouri is Longmeadow Rescue Ranch.
This non-profit rescue saves and rehabilitates several abused and neglected horses and prioritizes teaching adults and children how to care for horses and other farm animals properly.
Longmeadow Rescue Ranch also encourages potential adopters to visit and take riding lessons before adopting one of their horses.
Their horse adoption policy requires applicants to be at least 18, have a valid photo ID, stable fencing, and a spacious pasture and shelter that accommodates the number of horses they have.
Longmeadow Rescue Ranch Details:
- Location: Union, MO
- Phone Number: 636-583-8759
- Website: Longmeadow Rescue Ranch
4. Missouri Forget-Me-Not Horse Rescue and Sanctuary
Since 2011, Missouri Forget-Me-Not Horse Rescue and Sanctuary has rescued hundreds of abused, neglected, and surrendered horses.
This non-profit, no-kill organization prioritizes rehabilitating each equine before sending them to a new forever home.
All adoptable horses receive up-to-date vaccinations and undergo thorough testing for several fatal viral equine diseases, like rabies and equine infectious anemia.
Eligible adopters must be at least 18, provide information about their veterinarian and farrier, live on the property where they keep their horses, and submit three personal, non-family references with their application.
Missouri Forget-Me-Not Horse Rescue and Sanctuary Details:
- Location: Linn Creek, MO
- Phone Number: 573-216-3838
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Missouri Forget-Me-Knot Horse Rescue and Sanctuary
5. Equine Collective, Inc.
The Equine Collective, Inc., located in Southwestern Missouri, specializes in rescuing horses and ponies from abandonment and kill pens. This non-profit rescue also participates in equine-assisted therapy for people of any age.
Equine Collective, Inc. encourages the public to donate supplies on their Amazon wishlist whenever they have the time and money. They also accept sponsorship donations for their resident equines.
Interested horse adoption applicants must get their adopted unaltered stud colt gelded and shouldn’t use their adopted mares for breeding. The rescue also forbids adopters from selling their horses.
Equine Collective, Inc. Details:
- Location: Rogersville, MO
- Phone Number: 417-827-4044
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Equine Collective, Inc.
6. Dreamchaser PMU Rescue and Rehabilitation
Another one of the best horse rescues in Missouri you should consider visiting if you’re interested in horse adoption is Dreamchaser PMU Rescue and Rehabilitation.
They focus on rescuing abused, abandoned, and slaughter-bound horses and foals.
If you’re interested in adopting a horse from this rescue, you must be at least 18 and have at least five years of experience raising a horse on your property. The rescue has a strict no-breeding policy for all potential adopters.
Dreamchaser PMU Rescue and Rehabilitation Details:
- Location: Falcon, MO
- Phone Number: 417-259-9676
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Dreamchaser PMU Rescue and Rehabilitation
7. Risen From The Ashes Horse Rescue
Located in Western Missouri, Risen From The Ashes Horse Rescue is your best option for adopting a rescue horse.
This non-profit organization saves at-risk horses, like seniors, from abuse, neglect, and slaughter and rehabilitates them until they’re ready for a new forever home.
All adoption applicants must provide contact information for their equine veterinarian, farrier, equine trainer, and two personal references. Like most rescues, they don’t allow adopters to breed, sell, or transfer ownership of their horses.
Risen From The Ashes Horse Rescue Details:
- Location: Centerview, MO
- Phone Number: 816-654-4881
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Risen From The Ashes Horse Rescue
8. HERO Barn Equine Rescue
Located about an hour north of Kansas City, HERO Barn Equine Rescue is another excellent rescue option for anyone interested in adopting horses. They provide sanctuary and rehabilitate rescued horses from abuse, neglect, and abandonment.
After emailing your application and visiting the rescue to meet their adoptable horses, the rescue evaluates each application before approving the most eligible applicants.
They require each eligible applicant to submit photos of other horses or pets on their property and where they plan on keeping their horse on their property, such as their stall and turnout.
HERO Barn Equine Rescue Details:
- Location: De Kalb, MO
- Phone Number: 816-294-8185Â
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: HERO Barn Equine Rescue
9. Angel Wings Equine Rescue
Angel Wings Equine Rescue prioritizes rescuing horses from neglect, abuse, and starvation, especially ones at-risk of getting slaughtered.
They provide excellent veterinary care and nutrition to each horse to ensure they’re healthy and happy before deeming them ready to adopt.
Adoption fees vary from horse to horse, depending on their training or health conditions. They require all applicants to submit information about their farrier and veterinarian. They prohibit anyone from selling or breeding their horses.
Angel Wings Equine Rescue Details:
- Location: Stotts City, MO
- Phone Number: 661-378-6272
- Email: [email protected]
- Social Media: Facebook
10. Blue Haven Equine Sanctuary and Rescue
You can find Blue Haven Equine Sanctuary and Rescue in Central Missouri, nestled within Dent County.
This non-profit rescue’s volunteers dedicate their time and resources to saving neglected, abandoned, and abused horses across Missouri. They also rescue donkeys in need of a new home.
Like most reputable horse rescues in Missouri, they evaluate each horse’s health, temperament, and trainability before choosing their perfect home.
All interested applicants must provide information about their veterinarian and farrier to qualify for adopting a horse.
Blue Haven Equine Sanctuary and Rescue Details:
- Location: Salem, MO
- Email: [email protected]
- Social Media: Facebook
11. God’s Grace Animal Rescue
Last on the list of horse rescues in Missouri is God’s Grace Animal Rescue. Consider visiting God’s Grace Animal Rescue if you’re looking for rescues near St. Louis. This non-profit rescue prioritizes rescuing abused, unwanted, and neglected horses. They also provide sanctuary for other farm animals.
They offer adoption and fostering services to anyone interested in raising a horse in Missouri. Interested adopters must provide their veterinarian’s contact information and three personal references when submitting their applications.
They accept donated items purchased from their Amazon wishlist and money via PayPal to support their rescues.
God’s Grace Animal Rescue Details:
- Location: High Ridge, MO
- Phone Number: 314-220-8966
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: God’s Grace Animal Rescue
Conclusion For “Best Horse Rescues in Missouri”
Caring for a horse is a long-term responsibility, so if you’re interested in adopting a horse, you’ll need to consider where and how you’ll care for them.
You can find plenty of horse rescues in Missouri dedicated to finding perfect, new homes for equines who’ve endured cruelty and neglect.
We hope this list of horse rescues can help you decide which ones in the state match your adoption preferences if you think you’re ready for life with a new horse.
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