Invitation for Rescue Organization Participation

The Heart of the Horse Trainers Challenge spans a relatively short period of time, just 120 days. Therefore, the horses chosen for the Challenge must already be sound and in relatively good body condition rather than in need of rehabilitation. Horses with no training (other than minimal halter training) are preferred. Age for Challenge horses is restricted to 3 – 12 years old.

Rescue organizations are welcome to apply to enter one or more of their horses into the HOTH Trainers Challenge. Application does not guarantee selection into the program, since there are a limited number of equine needed. Equines selected will be based upon their suitability for the HOTH Trainers Challenge, not upon the merits of the organization submitting the application. If your organization’s application is accepted, there are several participation options available: 

1.  Registered 501c3 non-profit rescues have two participation options:

a.  Elect to retain ownership and financial responsibility for the animal for the duration of the Trainer’s Challenge (to  include vet and farrier fees) and to enter it in the Heart of the Horse Safe Horse Auction on May 20,2023. The Safe Horse Project/Mississippi Horses will have no responsibility for, or claim to, any horse entered into the Heart of the Horse Trainer’s Challenge under this option.

1. Participating rescue agrees that it will allow bids from any individual that qualifies as a potential adopter (as per application screening performed by Mississippi Horses/The Safe Horse Project). However, the rescue, along with the trainer, will have the right to accept of reject any qualified bidder if they determine (in advance of commencement of bidding) that rejection to be in the best interest of the horse. 
2.  If the horse is adopted at the HOTH Expo, or at any time within 90 days after, the rescue agrees to pay the percentage of the adoption fee as promised to the trainer in the HOTH Trainer’s Challenge contract, and the adoption will be conducted under the respective rescue’s contract. The rescue will be entitled to any adoption fees received over and above that portion due the trainer. 
3. If the horse is not adopted at the Heart of the Horse Expo, the rescue must take the horse back at the conclusion of the event (unless an alternate agreement is made with the trainer). 

b.   Elect to transfer the rescue horse to The Safe Horse Project/Mississippi Horses.

1. If this option is chosen, the surrendering rescue will deliver the horse to Mississippi Horses Rescue no later than December 15, 2022 for examination by a veterinarian for soundness, health and age verification. The horse must pass this examination before a transfer agreement will be signed. If the horse does not meet the examination criteria, Mississippi Horses is not obligated to accept the horse.
2. The horse must have a current negative Coggins and proof of core vaccinations (EWT + WN) within the previous 3 months at the time the transfer agreement is signed. The cost of the Coggins and vaccinations is to be paid by the organization transferring the horse unless MHR elects to cover those expenses.
3. Upon transfer, the horse becomes the property of Mississippi Horses Rescue, who will be responsible for the safety and welfare of the animal from that point forward, including any decisions regarding any adoption.
4. If the horse is adopted at the Heart of the Horse Safe Horse Auction, the surrendering rescue will receive 50% of any amount received over minimum starting bid.
5. If the horse is not adopted at the Heart of the Horse Safe Horse Auction, Mississippi Horses MAY offer to return the horse to the original rescue. (Original rescue is not obligated to take the horse back.)

2.   Rescue organizations that do not have a verifiable IRS non-profit status (as established by copy of IRS declaration letter) may apply to transfer a rescue horse from their organization to Mississippi Horses Rescue for entry into the Heart of the Horse Trainer’s Challenge. 

1. The surrendering rescue will deliver the horse to Mississippi Horses Rescue no later than December 15, 2022, for examination by a veterinarian for soundness, health and age verification. The horse must pass this examination before a transfer agreement will be signed. If the horse does not meet the examination criteria, Mississippi Horses is not obligated to accept the horse.
2. The horse must have a current negative Coggins and proof of core vaccinations (EWT + WN) within the previous 3 months at the time the transfer agreement is signed. The cost of the Coggins and vaccinations is to be paid by the organization transferring the horse unless MHR elects to cover those expenses.
3. Upon transfer, the horse becomes the property of Mississippi Horses Rescue, who will be responsible for the safety and welfare of the animal from that point forward, including any decisions regarding any adoption.
4. If the horse is adopted at the HOTH Safe Horse Auction, the surrendering rescue will receive 50% of any amount received over minimum starting bid.
5. If the horse is not adopted at the Heart of the Horse Safe Horse Auction, Mississippi Horses MAY offer to return the horse to the original rescue. (Original rescue is not obligated to take the horse back.)

Click here to complete Rescue Horse Application