Get to Know Us
Founded in 1994, HPL provides a home for horses, donkeys, and mules whose owners have surrendered them, as well as those seized by court orders or humane societies. Working with veterinarians and experts in the field, The Horse Protection League provides equines with a balanced diet, medical and farrier care, training, a social life, and opportunities to graze in open pasture.
Our Mission
The HPL exists to provide a safe haven for equines in need. We work tirelessly towards ending the mistreatment and neglect of horses and other equines. The Horse Protection League is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming horses, donkeys and burros that have been abused, abandoned or neglected. We provide them with necessary medical care, nutrition, exercise, love and attention they need to thrive.
The key to protecting these magnificent animals is a strong community. The HPL is a volunteer-driven organization committed to educating the public about responsible equine ownership, and to advocating for equine welfare at the local, state, and national levels. We partner with colleges, universities, municipalities, government offices and local businesses to achieve these goals.
Our Success
We celebrate when our horses “graduate” – that is, when they are adopted to a farm or family to serve a useful purpose. The healing and growth that constitutes our core values extends to our corps of volunteers. Their hard work and “horse sense” is rewarded with something greater than dollars or words can convey. They love horses, and they know that their efforts and energy make a difference.
2024 marks the 30th anniversary of The Horse Protection League. In that time, we’ve overcome many hurdles. None of those can dull the accomplishment of rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming of our equine friends. We’re ready to saddle up for the next 30 years.
Adoption
Give Them a Forever Home!
Experience the profound joy of horse adoption and bring boundless love and companionship into your life by providing a forever home to a rescued horse, giving them a second chance to flourish in a nurturing environment filled with care and understanding.
Available Horses
Annie is a 10-year-old mare that has been started under saddle. She struggles with her confidence, but she is very intelligent and learns quickly. She has learned and improved so much in only a few months. She forms strong bonds with her herd mates and her people. She needs someone who can continue her training and improve her confidence. She will be able to do great things in her forever home.
Sterling is a young thoroughbred gelding and is as sweet as can be. He has a deformed hind leg, likely since birth, and therefore is unable to ever be ridden or perform physically taxing tasks. What he lacks in physical abilities he more than makes up for with his personality. He adores attention and is a cuddle-bug! He loves other horses and wants to be friends and play with everyone, but he definitely is still a baby and sometimes annoys his herd mates with his endless energy. He does best in a herd with other geldings, but can be turned out with mares if they set boundaries with him.
Izzy is a 22-year-old Pinto mare with beautiful blue eyes. Due to lameness issues, Izzy isn’t able to take the weight of a human. She has, however, proven her abilities in the ground training arena. She learns ground liberty and other ground skills very quickly. Izzy usually gets along with other horses, but can be dominant. She loves her food, so attention to diet and physical fitness are a must. Izzy is in need of further guidance from a more experienced handler.
Princess is a 24-year-old mare who is beautiful and a sweetheart. She came from a Spanish speaking home and responds to “Hola Princessa!” She is gentle and a volunteer favorite, and wears a protective eye mask for a sensitive eye. Princess is an attentive listener during training and is lightly ridable. She does best out on the trail and is a blast! She gets along with all of her pen mates and would be a wonderful addition to any herd.
Tinkerbell, a 17-year-old, is a blue-eyed paint with a very sweet disposition. She came to The HPL with an older untreated scar on her face that needs sun protection. Tinkerbell requires an experienced farrier due to knee issues which make hoof maintenance difficult. Tinkerbell loves attention of all types and does well in her training sessions. She would prosper with the opportunity to be a companion.
Mystic is a 24-year-old gray mare who steals the hearts of everyone she meets. She is well mannered and a sweetheart. She is very responsive during training and loves attention. She and Duke adore each other and we hope that they will be adopted together (and Duke's adoption fee will be waived if adopted with Mystic), but that is negotiable.
Duke is a 24-year-old gelding and is as sweet as can be. He is always very patient with our less experienced volunteers and is easy to handle despite his size. Due to health issues, Duke is not ridable and is on medication. He and Mystic adore each other and we hope that they will be adopted together (and Duke's adoption fee will be waived if adopted with Mystic), but that is negotiable.
Hope is a 21-year-old roan mare and is drop dead gorgeous! This spunky girl is an instant volunteer favorite. She is lightly ridable and attentive during training, but definitely has her own ideas on what she should be doing instead.
Pepper is a gorgeous 9-year-old dapple grey Thoroughbred mare. She is a retired hunter jumper with minor osteoarthritis, so she is no longer able to jump. Although she has retired from her career, she is still energetic and has been medically cleared for light riding. During her time at HPL she will be learning relaxation and working to improve her balance in the lope. She becomes anxious when she is separated from her friends and needs a human partner who can give her reassurance with strong boundaries, so she can be her best horse self. Pepper is searching for a human who has experience with high-spirited horses, has patience, and has room in their heart to welcome a beautiful and loving mare.
Upcoming Events
Arvada, 80403 United States
Get a jump on spring cleaning, bring your old documents and papers to our Shred Event. HPL is teaming up with DocuVault for an on-site shredding event; space may be limited, first come, first served! This event will be held at The Horse Protection League 17999 W. 60th Ave., Arvada, CO 80403 from 10am to 1pm on May 31. This is a free event, although donations are greatly appreciated. All donations go directly to support our herd.
Arvada, 80403 United States
Join us to learn about volunteering at the HPL! We begin promptly at 10 and will run an hour and a half. Please dress for ranch work with closed toed shoes and long pants. Please sign up in advance by filling out the volunteer application found here: https://www.thehpl.org/volunteer-or-visit/
Arvada, 80403 United States
Join us for a movie night under the stars! Refreshments available for purchase.
Arvada, 80403 United States
Join us to learn about volunteering at the HPL! We begin promptly at 10 and will run an hour and a half. Please dress for ranch work with closed toed shoes and long pants. Please sign up in advance by filling out the volunteer application found here: https://www.thehpl.org/volunteer-or-visit/
Donate
HELP HORSES BY HELPING The HPL
MEET THEIR SPECIFIC NEEDS!
Your generous donations can make a life-change different for surrendered horses, helping our horse rescue provide vital care, rehabilitation, and a second chance at a loving home.
Volunteer
You Can Be The Change!
Join our horse recuse organization as a dedicated volunteer/member and be a compassionate force in the lives of horses in need, contributing your time, skills, and passion to create a brighter future for these majestic creatures.
The HPL conducts monthly volunteer orientations and handler training. Participants must register. Click here for details.
CERTIFICATIONS
Candid / Guidestar
The Candid Silver seal on a profile denote a higher level of transparency, including comprehensive details about finances, Board of Directors, staff and overall demographics.
EQUUS Foundation
Guardians are organizations on the Equine Welfare Network that demonstrate a commitment to public transparency by their willingness to make comprehensive data about their programs, horse care practices, and governance available for public scrutiny.
The HPL is a 501(c)3 nonprofit tax-exempt organization, located at the historic Churches Ranch in Arvada, Colorado.