About Us

Care For The Horses is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit program run entirely by volunteers.  The program began in 2002 when Ann Jost, founder of CFH discovered eleven starving horses while trail riding in southeastern Arizona.  Those were the first of many that CFH has rescued.

Many of the horses who come into our program are in a severe state of starvation.   Special attention is given to the nutritional requirements  that need to be met to bring the horse back to good health.  This may take several weeks to months for the horse to recover.  Once the horse is healthy again it is then evaluated to determine it's ride-ability and temperament so that the right home can be found for permanent placement. 

Give A Horse A Chance

If you love horses, you have come to the right place.  Care For The Horses (CFH) is a non-profit organization run solely by volunteers who are committed to rescuing abused and neglected horses, and coming to the aid of horse owners who either can no longer care for their horses or who need short-term assistance with the cost of feed or veterinary care.  Our services are entirely free.*  So what's in it for us?  We are awarded for our efforts every time a sick horse becomes healthy, a starving horse becomes nourished, and an abused horse learns to trust.  For us, that is reward enough.

*CFH does not charge a fee for its services.  However, owners whose horses are in our Feed and Veterinary Assistance Program are required to reimburse CFH for veterinary and farrier care, as well as feed.

How You Can Help

There are many ways you can help horses through our program, from making a donation to adopting a horse.  Whichever you choose, you will be making a big difference in the life of a horse.

Make a Tax-Deductible* Donation

Care For The Horses is funded solely through donations.  Gifts of money, items for our garage sales and items on our Wish List are always appreciated.

*Care For The Horses does not offer tax advice.  Please ask your financial planner or accountant about tax-deductible donations.

Our Most Recent Rescue - Angel's Story

Angel was only 17 years old when she came into the program a few weeks ago.  It was lucky for her that her owner's could no longer care for her.  She was in poor weight and extremely lame.  Please click here http://careforthehorses.blogspot.com/ to read her story.

Ponygirl Is Now Getting Training

It has been almost a year now that 3-4 year old Ponygirl has been waiting for a new home.  This mare had not been touched by humans until she came into the CFH program.  Being very leery and not trusting of people it was a real challenge.  Even after all these months have gone by she had only allowed someone to halter her twice.  All her handling which was very limited was without a halter and lead rope. Not being able to find her a home was something we just hated the idea of facing.  Many members of the board contacted sanctuaries all across the nation hoping someone would take her - we had no luck. 

We were then contacted by Buddy Defenbaugh who relocated here from WA state  and had training experience.   Buddy was willing to take Ponygirl and work with her to see if he could train her.  Well what a surprise, in just one day she was haltered and leading quietly.  In two days she had a saddle on and much to our surprise she was riding just a few days later,  She is relaxed and willing to learn and we cannot wait to see what progress she will make in the coming months.  To see the videos of her daily progress please click here http://www.youtube.com/user/mahaffeypride84.

Feed and Veterinary Assistance Program

Our Feed and Veterinary Assistance Program offers assistance to individuals who may have come into temporary financial difficulties due to loss of a job, illness, divorce or some other reason, thus causing hardship in keeping up with the cost of feeding their horses(s).

Individuals may contact us via e-mail or by phone to request assistance. After discussing what type of assistance is requested a contract is signed to verify that both parties are in agreement of the assistance that will be received. The contract clarifies what type of feed or veterinary assistance will be provided and for the length of time it will be offered. Terms also cover the repayment of the funds used for assistance; generally this will be $25 per month until the assistance is paid in full. In cases of veterinary emergencies, your vet may contact us and we will pay the bill so care can be immediately provided to your horse.

Farrier assistance can also be provided if your horse(s) needs hoof care. We can either pay your farrier or can arrange for a farrier for you. The standard contract would apply for repayment.

ALL CONTRACTS FOR ASSISTANCE ARE FOR REPAYMENT OF THE ACTUAL COSTS ONLY - WE DO NOT CHARGE ANY MORE FOR OFFERING YOU ASSISTANCE.

Currently Available for Adoption

Horses Currently Available for Adoption

After being rehabilitated, our horses are ready to be adopted by good and loving owners-like you!  Adopting one of these animals is easy and the adoption fee is only $250.00-$400.00. Members of the program conduct interviews of applicants seeking to adopt the horses. These interviews are done to ensure that the best match is made both for the horse and the perspective new adopter, and to see where the horse will be stabled. This assures that the needs of the horse will be adequately met prior to placement. Upon completion of the 1-year trial period, the ownership is turned over to the adopter if the care provided has been consistent per the contract. Prior to adoption horses are vet checked, wormed, teeth floated, feet trimmed, and shots brought up to date. Please fill out our Adoption Questionnaire to get the adoption process started.

Have You Found A Horse Or Lost One?

If you find a stray horse or have lost your horse you can call the Arizona State Agriculture office, Livestock Division at 1-800-294-0305 for assistance.  You may also contact Care for The Horses at 520-559-224 if it is an emergency on the weekend.  If you have lost your horse and want to know if it has been found, you can check the Arizona State Livestock Lost and Found website at http://www.azda.gov/lostFound/webView.aspx to see if the horse has been located and who to contact to get it back.

Care for the Horses Officers and Board Members 2009 - 2010

President:  Ann Jost
Directors: Cyndi McLemore, Vicky Rae, Thomas Schumacher, Shawna McHargue, Ruth Graber, Tammy Slough, Sheri Lipscomb