After reading all the above comments, I don't know quite what to think or say. IMHO there are already enough unwanted dogs, cats and horses in the world. I imagine that whether your "rescue" an animal or buy one from a breeder depends on what you want to do with the horse and what kind of experience you are hoping for. My first miniature horse was given to me by my farrier after my riding horse Chico died. It was his daughter's horse. She had outgrown her so she was now designated to a small round pen on their side lawn. When I went to visit her before deciding as to whether I wanted a mini, she often had no water and you could tell that she was neglected (not abused, just forgotten). I had never had a mini and actually never thought about getting one, but I couldn't say no, knowing that she would continue living in that tiny pen. She was originally from a breeder (Laurel Acres, NJ), had good lineage and great training, so I've had the experience of having a "good" mini. My farrier is a breeder of Percherons (he supplies Disney with many of their teams.). Anyway, she was given to me and as far as minis go, I've never looked back. She was the best horse I've ever had. When my last riding horse died, I got my 2 donkeys to keep Lady company. When Lady died at 27 I waited almost a year, then started looking for another mini. I am a big advocate for either adopting from a rescue or acquiring an animal that needs to rehomed. I'm no longer riding, I love having horses in my back yard, so for me, it was a no brainer to adopt. My horses, nor I know how to drive, do any tricks or anything special or spectacular. If I aspired to do any of these things, I may have looked a bit harder for someone looking to rehome their horse. As it is, I wanted to adopt animals that were, perhaps, not up to par in another's eyes. Neither one of my boys has what would even be called mediocre confirmation. Rocky is short and stout and has a Napoleon complex. Cooper, is too tall (38"), cow hocked (hocks are also low, I thought he might have DSLD when I got him (he does not). Neither one of my boys could win the best of anything, but they're the best horses in my back yard! I could have paid less for horses from a breeder than I did from the rescue where I "adopted" them. The rescue organization is an award winning "charity," but it has left me with a lot of regret. I don't think they actually are in the business to place horses in good homes, as much as they're in the business to size you up and see what they can get from you, etc. They haven't come to my farm even once to see if I am really taking good care of my boys. I wouldn't go to this specific Rescue again, but I wouldn't change getting a horse from somewhere that was trying to find an animal a good home, for the animals sake. Side Note: After reading everyone's adventures on this site, I now take walks with the boys and am trying new things to engage with them. Like I said, you won't see us in any show ring, but I love my boys and I love taking care of and playing with my little motley crew.
(it's pretty unlikely I would have a horse of breeding quality anyway).
