MIFFLIN COUNTY, Pa. — Nine Morgan horses are available for adoption at the Humane Society of Greater Harrisburg after being cared for more than 10 years.
More than 20 horses were rescued from a property in Derry Township in 2013.
“They were seized from a property for medical neglect [and] unsanitary conditions. They’ve been in our care for the last ten years, most of them have been in boarding facilities for most of that time,” said Aspasia Yeager, the director of operations for the Human Society of Greater Harrisburg.
Several of the animals were eventually adopted, but the Humane Society felt some needed additional therapy before moving on.
“This is really a core group that had more, maybe behavior challenges, were not rideable, had some medical issues. So, these were a little bit more of the harder cases and that’s why we held on to them for a little bit longer,” Yeager said.
Buttons and Sassy are two of nine Morgan horses available for adoption, but before you take these big personalities home, there are a few things you should know.
“These horses are not going to necessarily be rideable. They’re very friendly and sociable. They’re used to being groomed and having human companionship. But they’re probably not your first-time horse owner horses,” Yeager said.
Buttons and Sassy are both 17 years old.
Yeager said that potential adopters may be hard to find because of the horses’ ages.
“A Morgan horse can live to be 20 to 30 years old, so they still have plenty of years left, so I think they’re definitely adoptable, they’re just going to take a special kind of person with a special home,” Yeager said,
Anyone interested in adopting will have to complete an application form.
“And then a member of our team is going to individually contact everybody to provide more information, talk about the home that they have and make a good match just like what we do with any other animals here at the shelter,” Yeager added.
Read the full list of horses available for adoption:
Penny: A 17-year-old female, Penny was pregnant when she arrived at HSHA. She is an easy keeper who can resist handling at times but is generally easygoing and just needs a place to spend her days.
Frankie: 12-year-old gelding, Penny's offspring- born in HSHA's care. Frankie can be ridden but it's been a while. He's an easy keeper who has only ever lived at the facility where he was born.
Poppy: 12-year-old female, Penny's offspring- born in HSHA's care. Frankie's sibling, Poppy can be ridden and is very friendly and an easy keeper.
Buttons: 17-year-old female. Buttons is very social with humans and horses, loads easily, and loves grooming and brushing, but Buttons has an old stifle injury and can't be ridden. She needs a nice pasture to spend her days. She has been living with Sassy and we'd love to see them stay together.
Sassy: 17-year-old female. Sassy likes other horses and has been living with Buttons, so we'd love to see them stay together. Sassy likes grooming and loves apples, but hasn't been under saddle for many years, and can be skittish around people. She needs a calm pasture and barn to spend her days.
Peaches: 15-year-old female
Penny: 15-year-old female
Spring (Sam): 15-year-old gelding
Jack: 11-year-old gelding, Jack is silly and curious. He loves other horses but will need skilled owners who understand his needs. He has never been ridden, only pasture boarded.