Hope

*Photo is from the time of rescue. Will be updating as soon as we have new available pictures!<br/><br/>Hope – A Gentle Soul Ready to Learn What Love Feels Like<br/><br/>Quick Facts<br/>Age: Approximately 6 years old<br/>Gender: Female<br/>Breed: Grade Palomino Mare<br/>Height: Approximately 14 hands<br/>Vaccinations: Up to date<br/>Training Level: Unstarted / Very Green<br/>Good With: Horses, calm handlers, patient environments<br/><br/>Hope’s story could have gone very differently.<br/><br/>On the day she was rescued, Hope had burdocks matted into her forelock so badly that it looked like she had a horn. Everyone started calling her “The Unicorn.”<br/><br/>And honestly, it turns out she really is one.<br/><br/>When Hope first arrived in rescue, she was severely underweight and suffering from muscle wasting, overgrown hooves, rain rot, missing patches of fur, and the effects of long-term neglect. But despite everything she had endured, the veterinary team described her as bright, alert, responsive, and easy to handle.<br/><br/>That says a lot about who Hope truly is.<br/><br/>Even after surviving incredibly difficult circumstances, Hope has shown herself to be a kind, gentle mare who is willing to trust and learn. She is currently working on grooming, hoof handling, and the basics of consistent care and routine. Every day, she continues to gain confidence and discover what it feels like to finally be safe.<br/><br/>There is something incredibly special about an animal who can come from such a horrible situation and still choose kindness. That is who Hope is.<br/><br/>Hope is considered unstarted and very green, meaning she will need a patient and experienced adopter who understands that she is still learning. She would do best with someone willing to continue her groundwork, build trust slowly, and give her the time she deserves to grow into the horse she was always meant to be.<br/><br/>She may not know everything yet, but she has already shown us that she has a soft heart and a gentle soul.<br/><br/>If You’re Thinking About Adopting Me, I Think You Should Know<br/><br/>I’m still learning that people can be kind. Some things are brand new to me, and I’ll need patience as I continue to build confidence and trust. The people caring for me say I’m gentle and willing, and I’m looking for a forever home where I can keep healing, learning, and finally just enjoy being a horse.<br/><br/>Important Adoption Information and Next Steps:<br/>All animals adopted through the Oswego County SPCA (OCAWL) are:<br/>Spayed or neutered<br/>Up to date on age-appropriate vaccinations<br/>Microchipped prior to adoption<br/>Cats are FeLV/FIV tested, and dogs are heartworm tested (if age-appropriate).<br/>Our animals are cared for in loving foster homes — they are not housed in a shelter environment.<br/>We review all applications thoroughly to ensure the best match for both animal and adopter.<br/>Our adoption fees help cover the cost of veterinary care, food, and rescue operations so we can continue saving animals throughout Oswego County.<br/><br/>To apply to adopt, please visit www.oswegocountyspca.org and complete our adoption application.<br/><br/>After Submitting Your Application:<br/>Please make sure you have notified your veterinarian that we will be calling and that it is okay to speak with us. If you do not currently have a vet, please determine which one you will be using and set up care in advance so we can confirm your new pet will receive medical attention when needed.<br/><br/>For Pets Already in the Home:<br/>Because the number of homeless animals in our area is so large, we adopt only to homes where current pets are spayed or neutered, with documented medical exceptions. We also require that all resident pets be up to date on their vaccinations to help ensure that everyone — both new and existing family members — stays healthy and safe.<br/><br/>Keep in Mind:<br/>We are 100 percent foster-based and 100 percent volunteer-operated, from the top down. Our team works hard to get animals into their forever homes as quickly as possible. Please be patient with us — but if you do not hear back within a few days, feel free to message us on our Facebook page to confirm your application went through.

*Photo is from the time of rescue. Will be updating as soon as we have new available pictures!

Hope – A Gentle Soul Ready to Learn What Love Feels Like

Quick Facts
Age: Approximately 6 years old
Gender: Female
Breed: Grade Palomino Mare
Height: Approximately 14 hands
Vaccinations: Up to date
Training Level: Unstarted / Very Green
Good With: Horses, calm handlers, patient environments

Hope’s story could have gone very differently.

On the day she was rescued, Hope had burdocks matted into her forelock so badly that it looked like she had a horn. Everyone started calling her “The Unicorn.”

And honestly, it turns out she really is one.

When Hope first arrived in rescue, she was severely underweight and suffering from muscle wasting, overgrown hooves, rain rot, missing patches of fur, and the effects of long-term neglect. But despite everything she had endured, the veterinary team described her as bright, alert, responsive, and easy to handle.
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*Photo is from the time of rescue. Will be updating as soon as we have new available pictures!

Hope – A Gentle Soul Ready to Learn What Love Feels Like

Quick Facts
Age: Approximately 6 years old
Gender: Female
Breed: Grade Palomino Mare
Height: Approximately 14 hands
Vaccinations: Up to date
Training Level: Unstarted / Very Green
Good With: Horses, calm handlers, patient environments

Hope’s story could have gone very differently.

On the day she was rescued, Hope had burdocks matted into her forelock so badly that it looked like she had a horn. Everyone started calling her “The Unicorn.”

And honestly, it turns out she really is one.

When Hope first arrived in rescue, she was severely underweight and suffering from muscle wasting, overgrown hooves, rain rot, missing patches of fur, and the effects of long-term neglect. But despite everything she had endured, the veterinary team described her as bright, alert, responsive, and easy to handle.

That says a lot about who Hope truly is.

Even after surviving incredibly difficult circumstances, Hope has shown herself to be a kind, gentle mare who is willing to trust and learn. She is currently working on grooming, hoof handling, and the basics of consistent care and routine. Every day, she continues to gain confidence and discover what it feels like to finally be safe.