Generic horses as bale of hay.

HELPING HOOF FEED & HAY SUPPORT

Generic horse with trainer.

Our Helping Hoof Program provides temporary feed assistance for horse owners facing financial hardship and working through a difficult season in life. The program can provide hay and grain for up to two horses for a limited time, helping owners keep their horses safe, healthy, and at home while they regain stability.

Our goal is to prevent neglect, unnecessary surrender, and owner hardship by offering a helping hand when it is needed most.

Close-up of a white horse with light brown spots.

SECOND CHANCE TRAINING

Every horse deserves a second chance.

Occasionally, equines arrive at Horse Haven with minimal or no training, making it challenging to find them suitable homes. To enhance their adoptability, Horse Haven of Tennessee collaborates with local horse trainers to work on essential handling skills. If a trainer achieves significant improvement within 30 to 90 days, they may adopt the animal without an adoption fee

ULTIMATE ACT OF KINDNESS END OF LIFE

When a horse has no safe future and all options have been exhausted, humane euthanasia may be the kindest choice.

This program helps responsible horse owners by providing affordable transportation, euthanasia, and disposal services—preventing suffering, abandonment, and entry into the slaughter pipeline.

Am I Eligible?

Qualifications

  • Tennessee resident

  • Personal horse owner (professional horse operations are not eligible)

  • Maximum of two horses per household

  • Job loss, injury, or other significant financial hardship within the past 90 days

Required References

  • Employment reference (for job loss) or medical reference (for injury-related situations)

  • Veterinarian reference

  • Feed store or hay provider reference

Program Requirements

  • Feed is provided through an approved local feed store using a Horse Haven voucher

  • Applicants must read and sign the program feeding guidelines

  • Approved participants must complete 8 volunteer hours for Horse Haven of Tennessee

  • Recipients may not reapply for assistance for 12 months

  • Approval is granted at the sole discretion of Horse Haven of Tennessee

  • Applicants with other unusual financial circumstances are encouraged to contact us for consideration