PRESERVING
AN AMERICAN
TRADITION…

One Equine at a time!

What states does BEHS operate in?

BEHS operates throughout Texas. We also conduct adoptions throughout parts of Oklahoma and Louisiana that are near the Texas border.

How long has the organization been in existence?

BEHS was formed in February 2005. Many of BEHS’ officers, directors and volunteers have been involved with rescue work for much longer.

Is my donation tax deductible?

Yes. Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) organization so monetary donations and donations of goods are tax-deductible.

Does Bluebonnet accept donated goods?

Bluebonnet accepts donations of hay, grain, de-wormers, vaccinations and other medical supplies as well as feed supplements and medications. These items will be used to care for horses in the rescue. You can also donate new and used tack, farm/ranch equipment and horse/stock trailers which may be used for the horses in the rescue or sold at a fundraiser to raise money. Donations of horse or ranch themed art, home decor, jewelry or clothing will be sold at a BEHS fundraiser to raise money to care for the horses. Other donations will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

How do I make a monetary donation to Bluebonnet?

You can make a monetary donation using Paypal by visiting our donation page or you can mail in a donation to BEHS at P.O. Box 632, College Station, Texas 77841-0632.

Can I specify how I want my donation allocated?

Yes. If you would like your donation allocated to a particular horse or program, please include a note specifying where you would like your money to go.

What are the advantages of adoption?

Adoption is a wonderful way to get a horse. Bluebonnet horses have gone on to make great companions, trail horses, children’s horses and show horses. When you adopt, not only do you get a great horse but also you know you are helping a formerly abused or neglected horse find a great home. When you adopt, you get a horse who has current vaccinations and a current Coggins test. The horse has had his teeth examined and floated if needed and is current on de-wormer and farrier work. The horse has been evaluated to the best of our abilities, and if your adopted horse doesn’t work out, you can return him for a full refund of your adoption fee in the first 30 days and a partial refund during the first year.

Are there any restrictions on what I can do with an adopted horse?

Bluebonnet does not allow adopters to breed their adopted horses or sell them or give them away. However there are no restrictions on the type of riding, showing, competing or work adopters can do with their horse as long as the horse is properly cared for.

How do I adopt a horse?

Adopters must complete an adoption application. Once BEHS receives a complete  adoption application and membership fee, the Adoption Coordinator will contact the potential adopter to discuss any issues or to arrange for a meeting between the adopter and the horse(s) he/she is interested in. When the adopter meets a horse he/she wishes to adopt, he/she will sign an adoption contract, pay an adoption fee and transport the horse home.

How long does it take to adopt?

It varies. Some adoptions take as little as a few days to complete while others may take several weeks. If the adopter is flexible with when he can schedule the home visit, the adoption often occurs very quickly.

What qualifications does it take to adopt?

Adopters must have a safe place to keep their horse. Fences should be in good repair and the horse needs access to shelter and plentiful water. The adopter should have another horse to serve as a companion to the adopted horse or be prepared to adopt a companion.

Can I meet the horse I want to adopt before I apply?

Bluebonnet requires potential adopters to be approved before going to meet the horses they are interested in. This protects the rescue from liability issues.

How much does it cost to adopt?

Adoption fees vary. Non-ridable/companion only horses do not have an adoption fee. Other fees are based on the horse’s health, abilities, training and age. Adoption fees are not negotiable.

Why do I need to pay a membership fee in order to adopt?

The membership fee helps cover the cost of getting adopters approved. We used to charge a processing fee, but we changed that to a membership fee instead. Memberships are good for twelve months (instead of a calendar year) and members receive free admission to some events and discounted admission to others.

What areas do you adopt to?

We adopt horses throughout Texas.  We will also consider adoptions parts of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma that border Texas.

I can’t keep my horse. Can I donate him to Bluebonnet?

Generally Bluebonnet stays full of horses from neglect cases and abandoned/estray horses. It is very rare that we have the room to take in a donated horse.

Can I specify in my will that my horses go to Bluebonnet in case of my untimely death?

Since Bluebonnet stays full of horses from neglect cases, abandoned horses and estray horses, we do not accept horses who are willed to us.

What are the requirements for fostering a Bluebonnet equine?

We ask that all potential foster homes  join the rescue and apply to become a foster home. Foster homes must be able to provide safe fencing, shelter (in many situations trees can provide adequate shelter), water and hay and grain for their fostered horses. Potential foster homes who have little horse experience or little experience rehabilitating horses are mentored by more experienced foster homes.

Does Bluebonnet cover the cost of care for fostering a horse and will I be reimbursed for out of pocket expenses?

Currently, BEHS pays or reimburses for pre-approved veterinary expenses, pre-approved medications, pre-approved supplements, and pre-approved corrective farrier work. BEHS also reimburses for paste de-worming and for hoof trimming.  BEHS reimburses for pre-approved corrective shoeing (if medically necessary).

Beginning in 2016, BEHS also offers a stipend of $60/month/foster horse to offset the cost of hay and grain.

Over time, BEHS plans to reimburse for more expenses as the organization brings in more funds.

Can I foster a horse that I would like to adopt?

If a horse already has a foster home, we do not move him to a new home so that they can test him out before adoption. Exceptions may be made if the current foster home has requested that the horse be moved.  The adoption contract does include a trial period of 30 days:  if an adopted horse is returned for any reason during those 30 days the adopter may receive a full refund of the adoption fee.

Can you limit your fostering care to emergency circumstances only? Such as hurricanes, floods, tornados?

We don’t make demands on our foster homes – they can foster as much or as little as they like. If you prefer only to be available for natural disasters or similar emergencies, you can do that. You’ll be placed on the fostering email list once approved to foster and you can volunteer in any situation or for any horse you feel comfortable with.

Can I use my veterinarian to treat the horses I foster or must I use a vet approved by the rescue?

You can use any vet you like to treat the horses you foster. You must, however, get pre-approval for all veterinary work. For non-emergency work, you may get approval by emailing the President or Foster Home Coordinator. For emergencies, contact the emergency contact person.

If the fostered equine dies, who is responsible for the animals disposal?

The rescue will cover the cost of disposal. We may need your assistance locating disposal options.

In an emergency, who makes the decision to have the animal euthanized in an extreme medical situation?

BEHS’ Euthanasia Procedure Policy states that in a life-threatening emergency the foster home should attempt to contact the emergency contact person for euthanasia approval. If the foster home cannot reach any of the listed emergency contacts, he or she shall attempt to contact an officer or director for approval. If he or she cannot reach the emergency contacts, an officer, or a director, the foster home may authorize euthanasia if the attending veterinarian feels the equine needs to be euthanized immediately to prevent suffering. The foster home must then either email or call and leave a message for the emergency contact person within four hours.

What is the average turnover time for an equine in foster care?

There really is no average time. Some horses are with their foster homes only a few weeks while others have stayed with a foster home for years. Generally horses with severe behavioral problems stay in foster care much longer than those with physical problems that can be fixed.

This fostering applications seems long!  Isn’t there a shorter version?

Our application used to be shorter, but when we eliminated the pre-foster home visit/inspection, we had to add the information we normally would gather during that visit (such as questions about your facility) to the application.  It made it longer, but it means you don’t have to have a pre-foster home visit and can get approved to foster more quickly.

Are there any tax benefits to fostering?

Yes!  Since Bluebonnet is a 501(c)(3), tax-exempt organization, expenses incurred on behalf of your foster horses may be tax deductible.  This includes hay, grain, fly spray, halters, leads, dhavings, etc.  You cannot deduct additions to your property such as stalls, fences, barns, etc. – even if they are used for fostering horses – since these are permanent additions to your property.  Save your receipts and keep a list of expenses for your accountant when it is tax time.

I don’t ride or train, can I still foster?

Yes!  We have plenty of horses who need a place to live and people who will feed them, but who don’t need to be ridden or trained.  In fact, a lot of our foster homes don’t ride or train but are still great foster homes.  If we have a horse needing training or riding, we’ll include that in his description.

I’m not a very experienced horse person, can I foster?

Yes!  We do have horses who need to be moved from a current foster home or who are being returned that are easy to handle and well known in the rescue. Our less experienced foster homes can foster these guys.

I haven’t rehabilitated a horse before, can you help me?

Definitely.  Everyone has to start somewhere, and we’re happy to provide mentoring and education on rehabilitation and refeeding.

Do foster horses have current coggins, vaccinations, etc,?

When horses come in from sheriff’s departments/seizures, they may not be current.  If you aren’t comfortable taking one of those, just let the Fostering Coordinator know.  When horses come in who aren’t current on coggins and/or vaccinations, Bluebonnet does pay for their veterinary work and we make it a priority to get it done ASAP.

How can I arrange for an annual donation to Bluebonnet?

You can arrange for a monthly or annual contribution to Bluebonnet by visiting our donation page.

Can I have Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society  specified in my will when I die?

Yes. You can bequest a monetary gift or other types of gifts in your will. Please discuss this with your estate planning attorney.