National Adopt A Horse Month is here. Celebrate May by adopting rescue, shelter horses in Kentucky.

It's National Adopt A Horse Month, and with National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day recently passing, there's no better time to consider opening your home to a new pet. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the month-long adoption campaign was introduced in 2021 to find homes for at-risk horses nationally and spread awareness about equine shelters and rescues.

For those able to adopt, there are plenty of horses in Kentucky to consider. Some even call Lexington the "horse capital of the world," after all. If you can't adopt, consider alternatives like volunteering your time or money to a local shelter. Here's what we know.

Adoptable Kentucky pets: Cats and dogs available at Kentucky rescues

When is National Adopt A Horse Month 2024?

National Adopt A Horse Month takes place in May each year, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

What is National Adopt A Horse Month?

National Adopt A Horse Month is a campaign promoting horse adoptions, shelters and rescues during May. The campaign was introduced by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in 2021 following Help a Horse Day on April 26. It's intended to increase successful adoptions and positive outcomes for the horses while matching the potential adopter with the best horse based on experience and skill level. Furthermore, the month spreads awareness about the adoption process and equine care.

Kentucky horses available for adoption

The Kentucky Humane Society, a nonprofit and the state's largest pet adoption agency has horses available for adoption.

Kusama

Kusama is a 7-year-old grade horse brought to the shelter from a free-roaming herd. Staff describes her as a "flashy gal who just needs some training and a chance to shine." She joined the shelter on Feb. 14, 2023, and had a colt during her time with the Kentucky Humane Society. She would do best in a home with a patient, experienced human, or someone willing to work with a trainer. Her adoption fee is $800 and she's at Willow Hope Farm at 4416 Todds Point Road in Simpsonville.

Ezekiel

Ezekiel is a 10-month-old grade horse who joined the shelter on Dec. 4, 2023. He is a "curious guy who’s looking for a patient home to grow with training that can develop him into a good citizen," according to staff. When Ezekiel arrived he had parasites and was underweight, but is now ready to go home after rehabilitation. He would do best in a home with someone who has experience working with young horses, or someone willing to work with a trainer frequently. His adoption fee is $600 and he's at Willow Hope Farm at 4416 Todds Point Road.

Harry Trotter

Harry Trotter is an 11-month-old grade horse described by staff as "a curious and soft-hearted little guy who we think will really blossom in time with an adopter." He was brought to the shelter as a free-roaming horse on Dec. 4, 2023, and has since started on handling, catching and leading. He would be a good future riding prospect for an adult or a child with additional training. He would do best in a home with someone with experience working with young horses, or someone willing to work with a trainer frequently. His adoption fee is $600 and he's at Willow Hope Farm at 4416 Todds Point Road.

Tater Tot

Tater Tot is a 1-year-old gaited saddle-bred horse who is "young, curious and eager to learn." She was brought to the shelter on Dec. 4, 2023, as a foal and is ready for a forever home. She would do best in a home with an experienced human to help her continue her training. Her adoption fee is $600 and she's at Willow Hope Farm at 4416 Todds Point Road.

Pippy

Pippy is a 2-year-old Rocky Mountain and grade horse known as "a bright and enthusiastic learner who enjoys attention from humans." She was brought to the shelter on Dec. 4, 2023, and would do best in a home with an experienced human to help her continue her training into adulthood. Her adoption fee is $1,000 and she's at Willow Hope Farm at 4416 Todds Point Road.

Danny

Danny is a 16-year-old Mustang horse who is "well-traveled" and "a good friend to other horses." He previously worked at the Kentucky Horse Park's Mustang Troop, working with inner-city and at-risk youth. Staff says he would be content with a job for a while longer, but is looking for an experienced owner willing to monitor his health and act accordingly when he can't continue working. He would also do best with at least one experienced person keeping a check on his ground manners so he doesn't become pushier with time. His adoption fee is $800 and he's at Willow Hope Farm at 4416 Todds Point Road.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: May Is National Adopt A Horse Month: Adopt Rescue Horses From Kentucky Shelter