The small family gazed longingly at the bay tobiano gelding racing around the arena with the speed and elegance of an Olympic skater. They watch as he snorted at the wind and chased an imaginary foe.

While the family would have loved to take the proud gelding into their home, they chose instead to focus on a calmer, older overo mare that was more suited to younger children. Gracefully, the mare approached the family and put her muzzle next to the daughter’s hand and breathed in deeply.

With one shared look, the family knew this was their horse to love and care for—this is the horse they were destined to adopt.

In today’s turbulent economy, horses available for adoption come in all breeds, sizes, ages and temperaments. With so many choices, it’s often hard to remember what’s important when looking to adopt a horse. Making the decision even more difficult are the stories behind some horses that tug even harder at one’s heartstrings.