Do you have the heart to train a rescue horse?

Mississippi Horses is proud to announce that the Heart of the Horse Trainers Challenge has grown into its own organization and is now an independent 501(c)(3)!

What began as a program created by Mississippi Horses to help rescue horses through training has grown into something much bigger — bringing together rescues and trainers to give horses safer, more secure futures.

Beginning this year, every horse accepted as a Challenge Horse or Diamond Project will receive the added protection of the Heart of the Horse freeze brand and a registered microchip.

The brand does not mean Heart of the Horse retains ownership of the horse for life. Once adopted, ownership transfers according to the adoption agreement. The brand and microchip provide something different: a permanent connection to the horse’s history and an added lifetime safety net.

No matter how many times a horse changes hands, its identity doesn’t change. If one of these horses ever falls through the cracks — ending up at an auction, in a neglect situation, lost, abandoned or simply in need of help — the freeze brand lets people know there is an organization connected to that horse that can be contacted.

It means this horse has a history. This horse has someone to call. And this horse has a place to stand.

That added layer of protection is at the heart of what we want Heart of the Horse to become — not just helping horses find homes, but helping give them a safer future long after the Challenge is over.

• Trainer applications: August – October
• Horse selection: January
• Finals competition: May

For full details, visit the Heart of the Horse Trainers Challenge website.

Become a Diamond Horse Trainer

Do you have the heart to change a horse’s destiny? The Diamond Project pairs trainers with horses that need a fresh start—whether untrained, needing retraining, or just looking for a new purpose.

Trainers can choose a horse to adopt for themselves or prepare it for an approved adopter. This is not a competition; timelines vary from weeks to a year, depending on the horse.

Foster to Train/Adopt Contract

• Works like our Foster to Adopt contract, but designed for trainers.

• Adoption fee is set in advance ($200–$800+, depending on age, training, and health).

• Contract length: 3–12 months.

• If your horse is adopted (to you or another approved adopter), you only pay the original contract fee. Any amount above that is yours to keep.

• You set the adoption fee and help choose the adopter (must be MS Horses–approved).

Costs & Care

• MHR covers routine vet and farrier trimming (special care must be pre-approved).

• Trainer provides feed, shelter, and daily care.

• You may return the horse anytime. If returned after the full contract, and adopted within 90 days, you keep 75% of the adoption fee above the base contract amount.

• Eligible expenses may be tax-deductible, including boarding costs.

Apply to become a diamond project trainer

Do you have the heart to train a rescue horse?

Become a Diamond Horse Trainer

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