AVAILABLE HORSES (current as of 10 September 2026)
Buster Welch (BW)
BW (Buster Welch) is a 20-year-old, 15-hand dun Quarter Horse gelding who was once a fancy, high-dollar, exceptionally well-broke horse—and he still remembers everything he knows. A true gentleman with plenty of buttons, BW is best suited for light riding due to a large knee and requires daily maintenance to keep him comfortable. For casual riding around the farm, he may be suitable for an advanced beginner; for trails and pleasure riding, an intermediate rider is recommended because of his level of training. He is also beginner-friendly for leadline rides or ponying children with an experienced handler on the ground. BW is kind, educated, experienced, and has happily taken on the role of Official Evening Fly Mask Retrieval Horse. His one notable quirk is that he has strong opinions about having his hind feet handled by the farrier. He will pick them up for his foster mom, but requires a patient, understanding farrier for his back feet. BW would be a wonderful match for someone who appreciates a wise older horse with a little personality, a lot of experience, and an even bigger heart. None of us are perfect, but BW comes pretty darn close.
Maple
Maple is a stunning 18-year-old, 16.1hh Suffolk Cross mare with a heart of gold. This quiet, reserved girl has blossomed with just a little rest and good care. Maple is a total sweetheart to handle - she saddled up and rode right off like a pro. She is more whoa than go, and is as sweet and safe as they come. She truly loves people.
Like many drafts as they age, Maple does have some arthritis in her right front. With rest, her lameness is already much improved. As with people, movement, good nutrition, and pain management as needed go a long way, and Maple would make a wonderful walk/trail partner for someone looking for a kind, steady mount.
Looking for Us?
Thanks to our amazing foster families, horses like these have a safe place to land. While we don't have any horses currently seeking foster placement, owner-direct placement opportunities do arise from time to time. Be sure to follow our Facebook page and check back often—the next horse may need you. ❤️🐴
Please read!
Our horses are not for sale. We place horses only in carefully screened private homes, with the expectation that they will remain there for the duration of their lives. Horses will not be placed in for-profit lesson programs, therapy programs, or similar operations. We also do not offer short-term foster placements unless the horse is entering a training program or requires urgent care due to extenuating circumstances.
Our placement agreements are legally binding and mirror the terms of a full adoption. The term “foster” is used solely for the caregiver's benefit, allowing them to track and deduct the horse’s annual expenses for tax purposes.
Foster Responsibilities and Expenses
- Fosters are responsible for arranging the transportation of the horse to their property.
- All care-related expenses—including grain, hay, farrier, veterinary care, and routine maintenance—are the responsibility of the foster home.
- Foster care expenses are tax-deductible under current IRS guidelines.
Geographic and Housing Requirements
We place horses in fully screened homes located within a four-hour radius of Hughesville, MD (ZIP: 20637), covering parts of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Homes must meet or exceed Maryland’s Standards of Care, including:
- Safe, well-maintained fencing (no barbed wire or single-strand electric).
- A permanent, structurally sound three-sided shelter of at least 10x10 feet per horse.
Application Process
To begin the screening process:
- Complete the form below and click submit.
- Email us at trfsanctuary@gmail.com with clear, recent pictures of the fencing and shelter where the horse will reside, and include your response to "Is there anything you want us to know?" if you click "Yes".
- Be advised: We contact all provided references as part of our screening process.
