ADOPT

Alberta's wild horses are shaped by centuries of life in the foothills of the Rockies. Hardy, intelligent, and loyal — they are unlike any horse you have met before. Adopting one is a serious commitment and one of the most rewarding things you will ever do.

Alberta’s wild horses are a unique type, shaped by centuries of life in the foothills of the Rockies. They stand on average between 13.5 and 15 hands high (54–60 inches at the shoulder) and typically weigh 800–1,000 pounds. Their mixed ancestry—Spanish bloodlines, draft horses, and ranch stock—gives them a wide variety of colours, from bays and blacks to chestnuts, greys, and paints. What they all share is hardiness, strong feet, and an adaptable nature.

These horses are sure-footed, intelligent, and loyal, with calm temperaments once gentled. Their size and build make them versatile: sturdy enough for ranch or trail work, yet agile and athletic for pleasure riding. Adopting one means gaining not just a capable partner, but a living piece of Alberta’s heritage.

Iver

Iver is a 7-year-old wild horse who came to WHOAS in 2023, arriving on his own. From the start, it was clear he’s a thinker—very smart and careful about who he gives his trust to. With time and patience, Iver reveals the depth of his gentle, steady nature.

Early in life, Iver sustained an injury that left him with a fused pastern joint. While fully sound on it, he does require a little extra care: he receives a daily ¼ tablet of Previcox and will need regular, attentive hoof care to keep him comfortable long-term.

When it comes to herd life, Iver shows his true wild stallion roots. In an all-mare herd or an all-gelding herd, he settles beautifully and makes an excellent companion. In mixed groups, however, his instincts kick in—he’ll try to separate mares from geldings, just as he once would have done in the wild.

With the right herd and a caring adopter, he’ll thrive as a loyal companion and a living reminder of Alberta’s wild horse spirit.

Kyle

Once known for his wild streak, Kyle has settled into a whole new rhythm of life. These days, the only thing he's chasing is attention from anyone willing to offer it. He's calm, affectionate, and happiest when someone takes the time to give him a good scratch or quiet cuddle.

Kyle has a solid foundation in place. He accepts a halter willingly, leads well, ties safely, and stands quietly for grooming. He's the kind of horse who thinks before he reacts—quiet-minded and confident in his approach to new situations. But he's also sensitive, tuned in to subtle cues, and responsive to light handling. That means he needs someone who can match his awareness with patience and consistency.

This is a horse who thrives with calm, experienced hands.

Kyle has a blemish on his knee, but he's sound.

He's a project horse with heart. If you're looking for a partner who's already come a long way and is ready to keep building with the right person, Kyle might be yours.

Training Level: Halter Trained • Ties Safely • Leads Well • Stands for Grooming
Temperament: Confident • Sensitive • Quiet-Minded

Soundness Note: Cosmetic blemish on knee; sound for work
Best Suited For: Experienced Handler

Karl

Karl is a thoughtful, soft-hearted gelding who's still learning to trust the world around him. He's halter-broke and making steady progress, especially when his days follow a familiar routine.

He might hang back at first, watching quietly from the sidelines, but give him time and you'll see his confidence grow. Karl finds comfort in calm voices, gentle hands, and consistency—he's the kind of horse who blossoms when he knows what to expect. With patience and kindness, he'll meet you halfway every time.

Karl catches easily, ties safely, and leads well. He stands for grooming and is comfortable with saddle pads. He's good in a herd and has a basic foundation in groundwork and desensitization. But this is still a horse in progress. He needs someone who understands that building trust takes time, and that quiet persistence matters more than speed.

Karl is a project horse for an experienced handler—someone who knows how to read hesitation, how to wait, and how to let a horse find his own courage. If you're looking for a partner who will reward your patience with steady, honest progress, Karl might be the one.

Training Level: Halter Trained • Catches Easily • Ties Safely • Leads Well • Basic Groundwork & Desensitization • Stands for Grooming • Comfortable with Saddle Pads
Temperament: Thoughtful • Soft-Hearted • Good in Herd
Best Suited For: Experienced Handler • Project Horse

Jade

This curious little yearling has a calm, thoughtful nature and is already halter trained, leading well, and learning to trust new people. Jade is gentle, willing, and eager to figure out what you're asking of her. She's the kind of young horse who makes training feel like a conversation.

Jade has a locking stifle—a condition where the kneecap occasionally catches and temporarily locks in place. It's something to be aware of and manage thoughtfully. While some horses with this condition go on to do light work comfortably, Jade is best suited as a companion horse. She may be able to handle light riding down the road with proper conditioning, veterinary guidance, and realistic expectations, but she's not a performance prospect.

What she offers is companionship, presence, and a sweet disposition. She'd thrive in a home where she's valued for who she is—not what job she can do. If you're looking for a pasture buddy, a gentle project to work with on the ground, or a young horse to simply share space with, Jade could be a wonderful fit.

She's still growing, still learning, and ready to continue her journey with someone who understands her limitations and appreciates her heart.

Training Level: Halter Trained • Ties Safely • Leads Well • Stands for Grooming
Temperament: Calm • Thoughtful • Curious
Soundness Note: Locking stifle; best suited as companion horse with possible light riding
Best Suited For: Companion Home

Ivan

Adoption Pending

Ivan is one of our shining success stories. After coming into WHOAS care, he completed professional training with Diamond R Horse Training, where he learned the foundations of trust, responsiveness, and partnership with people.

He was also a featured horse in our WHOAS Trainers Challenge, where the audience got to see his progress first-hand as he worked with a trainer in real time. Ivan’s calm nature, curiosity, and steady willingness to learn made him a favourite to watch.

Now, Ivan stands as a wonderful example of how Alberta’s wild horses can thrive when given a chance. With his training and big heart, he’s well on his way to becoming a loyal partner for the right home.

Apply here

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Why do you want to adopt a wild horse? What age and sex of wild horse would you be able to adopt?

Tell us about your circumstances: Do you now own any other horses? How much land do you have? Is there shelter, access to water and feed?

Adopting a wild horse requires consistent time, financial commitment, and real skill. Can you commit to lifelong care for this animal?

How would you rate your horse expertise and knowledge? Are you able to train your horse, or do you have a trainer whom you trust to work with you and your horse? If you have previous horse experiences, please provide a brief summary.

Describe the types of fences and paddocks you currently have for housing your horses, including where you will be housing your wild horse.

Please provide us with any additional information you feel may help WHOAS in approving your application. Any information you provide will remain confidential.