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.
Cowboy is a 16-year-old gelding companion horse. He is a registered dark bay quarter horse and a big boy, with an even bigger heart. He is always the first horse to greet you when you enter his pen. He forms very strong bonds with other horses and can be affected by changes to his herd. He adjusts to changes, but would be happiest if he could find a forever home where pen-mates don’t change as often as at a shelter. Cowboy has a bad knee and is unable to be ridden, but would be such a wonderful companion to humans and horses alike. He loves attention in any form, grooming, walking in hand, pasture time, training and even chest scratches.
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 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.
Chief is a paint gelding and is such a good boy we almost decided to keep him! He is a sweetheart and gets along well with all his herd mates. He is lightly ridable and does best on the trail with other horses to follow.
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.
Iris is a 5-year-old feral mare that came to us through auction, and we believe she is pregnant. She has likely had very little handling in her life and struggles to trust people. That being said, she is smart, curious and has been steadily improving while being with us. She needs an experienced, patient trainer that will be able to build her confidence and trust from the ground up.
Daisy is a young filly and she is growing up fast! She is sassy, confident, and such a fast learner. She is excelling in her training and once she trusts you she will follow you anywhere. She needs someone who will be able to continue her training and make sure she continues to be prepared for everything life has to offer.
Mystic is a 24-year-old gray mare who steals the hearts of everyone she meets. She is well mannered and ridable. She is very responsive during riding and rides amazingly in both the arena and on trails. 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 ridable and attentive during training, but definitely has her own ideas on what she should be doing instead.
Upcoming Events
Arvada, 80403 United States
Come check out our annual Fall Tack Sale! We are very excited to be partnering with The Grey Tail tack shop this year. You never know what you'll find in our collection, we have a little bit of everything. The sale will last two days, Friday and Saturday, 10/18 - 10/19 at 10 am - 4 pm at the ranch. All proceeds go directly to supporting our herd.
Arvada, 80403 United States
Join us for a day of fun, food, and festivities! Come meet our horses and enjoy live music by The Humbuckers, activities, and fun for the whole family. There will be a selection of delicious food, as well as local beer and beverages, available for purchase. We will also be selling pumpkins for decoration grown on property in our very own garden! Attendance is free, but donations are greatly appreciated! All proceeds will go directly to supporting our rescue horses. We hope to see you there!
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.