Horse Lover Runs Adoption Service

Horse lover runs adoption service AG WORLD Ag World 13-6-19 For two years Linda Kuhn has been giving away Arabian horses - purebred mares, geldings and colts, some with papers and shots and some worth as much as $2,500. Kuhn runs an 11-stall stable where she sells riding and breeding stock and markets other people's horses. Her "adoption" service is a sideline community service project she came up with on her own. In two years, she has placed 28 animals with deserving people ranging in age from 11 to over 60. The whole project started more than two years ago when a young couple came to her 10-acre horse farm near Downing, Wis., looking for a horse. Kuhn knew they didn't have the money to buy a good horse. She also knew of large Arabian stables and private parties that simply wanted to find a good home for a favorite horse that had passed its prime, so she matched them up. Both parties were delighted. Kuhn matches personalities. After an interview to see what kind of horse accommodations the applicant has, and what activities they want the horse for, she reviews her list of available horses and makes a choice. Donors range from single-horse owners to large metropolitan stables. So far, she has dealt only in Arabians, but she's not limited to that breed. The donors are guaranteed that they'll hear from the new owner, that Kuhn will visit the new owner at least three times the first year, and that she'll hold the papers for one year. After a year, the new owners can do as they please with the horse. Her giveaway program is good for the Arabian breed, says Kuhn. The flashy breed has an undeserved reputation for being dangerous. By placing the gentle, intelligent horses with families, she helps dispel that notion. In addition, she says, people who couldn't normally afford a good horse receive a qualtity animal. Rhea DeBoer and her husband, Russell, received a horse from Kuhn. They owned draft horses when they moved to the farm in the 1970s but had not owned a horse for 15 years. Rhea yearned to have a horse again. A mutual friend put her in touch with Kuhn, who gave the couple a tall, energetic gelding to use to pull a buggy. Kuhn says she welcomes inquiries from anyone interested in donating horses to her adoption service or in adopting a horse. For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Linda Kuhn, Rt. 1, Box 7, Downing, Wis. 54734 (ph 715 265-7200). Story and photo reprinted with permission from The Country Today, Eau Claire, Wis.

To read the rest of this story, download this issue below or click here to register with your account number.