Helping Horses in Need

At HAPI Trails, our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome horses who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected—as well as those whose owners have passed away or are no longer able to provide the care they need. We also proudly welcome retired Forest Service and National Park Service horses, many of whom would not otherwise have access to a well-deserved retirement.

We are currently at capacity for companion horses—those who are not rideable but still have so much love to give. While we are unable to take in additional companion horses at this time, we remain committed to supporting each horse in our care with compassion, purpose, and dignity.

If you are in need of assistance with end-of-life care, transportation, or help facilitating a direct owner-to-owner adoption, we may be able to assist. Please reach out—we’re here to help.

Please Note:
Horses not currently listed on our website are not available for adoption at this time. Horses designated as “Needs Training” or slated for training will require professional training, either provided by HAPI Trails or completed by the adopter within one year of adoption.

Our goal is to ensure that every horse that comes through HAPI Trails is set up for a positive, healthy, and active future.

Meet Juanita

Meet Juanita — a glossy gem ready to shine in her next chapter.

Quick Facts

• Name: Juanita

• Age: 8-10

• Breed: Paint

• Sex: Mare

• Height: 15.3

• Registration: Not registered

• Training Level: Under saddle, trained to pack, highlines, stands tied, and loads

• Special Needs: None

• Adoption Fee: $2000
• ADOPTION PENDING

Backstory

Juanita came to HAPI Trails last summer from a breeding situation in Boise that unraveled after the passing of her former owner. While she arrived alongside a group of paint broodmares, Juanita immediately stood out — not only because she didn’t look like a paint and never a broodmare, but because of her stunning presence and quiet strength.

Personality & Temperament

With her rich, glossy liver-colored coat and soulful dark eyes, Juanita is a true head-turner. She’s a sensitive, kind-hearted mare with a gentle nature. Volunteers describe her as thoughtful and responsive, always eager to try her best.

Training / Abilities

Juanita has just completed professional training and is returning to HAPI ready for adoption. She is:

• Under saddle and gaining confidence as a riding horse

• Experienced as a pack horse

• Comfortable highlining and standing tied

• Trailer loads with ease

• Easy to handle for vet care, still working on farrier

Her strong mind and willingness make her a versatile prospect for trail riding, ranch work, or simply as a reliable partner to enjoy.

Health & Care

Though she faced hoof issues when she first arrived, Juanita has bounced back beautifully and is now sound and thriving. She is up to date on vaccinations, dental, deworming, and farrier care.

Ideal Home / Adoption Vision

Juanita is ready for her forever home with someone who can continue her development and give her the consistency she deserves. She will shine with an adopter who appreciates her sweet spirit and is excited to build a lasting partnership.

Why Juanita

If you’re searching for a kind-hearted mare with beauty, brains, and a bright future ahead — Juanita could be your perfect match.

Meet Traveler

A loyal partner with miles of experience, a big personality, and a few quirks — meet Traveler.

Quick Facts

• Name: Traveler

• Age: 28 years old

• Breed: John Mule

• Sex: Gelding

• Height: ~16 hands

• Registration: Not registered

• Training Level: Experienced pack mule; ridden extensively

• Special Needs: Dental maintenance; requires secure fencing (5 ft+ or electric)

• Adoption Type: Direct-to-Adopter (from Gardiner, MT Ranger District)

• Adoption Fee: TBD

Backstory

Traveler has spent nearly his entire life serving the Gardiner Ranger District. Arriving as a 4-year-old in 2001, he became a cornerstone of the district’s pack string — trusted, steady, and endlessly capable.

True to his name, Traveler always had a wanderer’s spirit. For years he was known for hopping low fences and taking solo tours of the forest. Though he now prefers to stay with his herd, he still enjoys being on the “wrong” side of the fence just for fun. Despite his independence, he has always returned home — and always carried his weight as a valued working mule.

After 24 years of service and partnership, Traveler’s long-time handler wants nothing more than to see him retire in the right home, where he can enjoy the next chapter with dignity and good company.

Personality & Temperament

Traveler is a delightful combination of social, independent, and mischievous. He enjoys being around people, appreciates kind handling, and has been described as having a lot of personality.

He is confident, smart, and engaged — a mule who knows his job and knows himself. While generally respectful, Traveler has one trademark quirk: he will jump fences lower than five feet if the mood strikes. Electric fencing works well to keep his curious side in check.

Underneath it all, he’s a steady, good-natured partner with a soft heart and a lifetime of experience to share.

Training / Abilities

With decades of real-world experience, Traveler comes with a deep toolbox of skills. He:

• Has extensive packing experience

• Rides well

• Has carried just about anything the district needed

• Is sure-footed and confident in varied terrain

• Is accustomed to long workdays, handling, and backcountry routines

At 28, he is ready for a lighter lifestyle — but his resume speaks for itself.

Health & Care

Traveler is sound with strong, healthy feet and a durable build typical of a seasoned pack mule. Over the past year, he has had dental floats, and the vet recommends possible tooth extractions, which may explain his difficulty holding weight during winter/early spring.

He will do best with:

• Thoughtful dental follow-up

• A high-quality senior diet

• A slow, gentle reintroduction to regular work, if desired

Overall, he is bright, active, and ready for a comfortable, well-supported semi-retirement.

Ideal Home / Adoption Vision

Traveler is not a beginner’s mule — he needs an adopter who understands mules, respects their intelligence, and can provide secure fencing.

His ideal home will:

• Offer 5 ft+ or electric fencing

• Appreciate an older mule with a strong independent streak

• Provide companionship (he does best near a herd)

• Allow him to settle into a slower, easier life

• Enjoy a mule with humor, history, and soul

With the right person, Traveler will be a loyal, entertaining, deeply rewarding partner.

Why Traveler?

If you’re looking for a seasoned, charismatic mule with a lifetime of stories and a heart full of character, Traveler may be the perfect addition to your herd.

He has spent 24 years taking care of his people — now he’s ready for someone who will take care of him.

Meet Dusty

I’m a sidekick! Meet Dusty — a survivor with spirit, heart, and a whole lot of personality.

Quick Facts

• Name: Dusty

• Age: 21

• Breed: Quarter Horse (ex-barrel racing background)

• Sex: Mare

• Height: 15.4

• Registration: Not registered

• Training Level: Retired barrel horse; light rides possible

• Special Needs: Companion or light riding only due to knee injury

• Adoption Fee: $750

Backstory

Dusty won our hearts the moment she stepped off the trailer. Emaciated and weak, she had fought hard to stay standing through a two-hour haul to HAPI — determined not to give up. Thanks to the tireless effort of our vet team and dedicated volunteers, Dusty has bounced back into a full-bodied mare with bright eyes and a zest for life.

Personality & Temperament

Dusty is vocal, engaging, and eager — especially if you’re carrying treats! She loves attention and thrives on being part of the action, making her the perfect pasture buddy and people horse. She still carries the fire of her barrel-racing days, but channels it now into being everyone’s favorite sidekick.

Training / Abilities

Dusty’s past as a barrel horse shows in her willingness to go and her responsive nature. Due to a bum knee, she can no longer handle consistent or strenuous riding. Light, casual rides may be possible with the right adopter who understands her limits and respects her comfort.

Health & Care

Dusty is sound and thriving in her new weight and condition, but her knee injury prevents her from returning to full riding work. She is otherwise healthy, up to date on all basic care, and easy to handle.

Ideal Home / Adoption Vision

Dusty would make a wonderful companion horse and a devoted pasture mate. She’ll thrive in a home where she’s given attention, snacks, and love — and perhaps the occasional light ride with someone who understands her past as a high-powered barrel horse.

Why Dusty?

Looking for a loyal, lively sidekick with a big personality? Dusty is ready to be your partner in fun.

Meet Juniper

Meet Juniper — a survivor with a heart of gold and the quiet magic of second chances.

Quick Facts

• Name: Juniper

• Age: 11 years old

• Breed: (to be added if known)

• Sex: Mare

• Height: (to be added if known)

• Registration: Not registered

• Training Level: Halter broke; calm and easy to handle

• Special Needs: Companion only (non-riding) due to old hip injury

Backstory

Juniper’s story is one of strength and survival. A local girl through and through, she was heartbreakingly abandoned at the start of winter, left to face the cold alone. Thankfully, she was discovered just in time and brought to HAPI Trails, where she fought her way back to health with resilience and quiet determination.

Personality & Temperament

Juniper is a beautiful bay mare who carries both her strength and her scars with grace. Wary of people at first, she prefers to keep her distance — but once she’s caught, she reveals a calm, gentle, and respectful nature. She’s the kind of horse who chooses carefully, but when she chooses you, her loyalty runs deep.

Training / Abilities

While Juniper is not a riding horse, she is cooperative and easy to handle:

• Can be hard to catch

• Leads well and is easy to handle, once caught

• Stands quietly for FRONT trims

• Accepts medication when needed

She may not want to be the first to greet you, but her steady presence and quiet cooperation shine once she’s in your care.

Health & Care

Juniper is healthy and thriving despite an old hip injury. The injury does not affect her day-to-day life — in fact, you’d hardly notice it when she’s galloping full-speed across the pasture, especially if she suspects you’re carrying a halter! She is up to date on veterinary, dental, and farrier care.

Ideal Home / Adoption Vision

Juniper is looking for a patient, understanding adopter who values the quiet magic of earning a horse’s trust. She will thrive as a non-riding companion in a home where she can feel secure and appreciated for the survivor she is.

Why Juniper?

If you believe in second chances and the bond that comes from patience and trust, Juniper might just be your girl.

Meet Rocket

Meet Rocket — a true Texas gentleman with a heart as big as the Lone Star sky.

Quick Facts

• Name: Rocket

• Age: 19–20 years old

• Breed: Paint Horse

• Sex: Gelding

• Height: 16+ hands

• Registration: Not registered

• Training Level: Still under assessment; gentle and easy to handle

• Special Needs: Occasional hoof soundness management; wears boots as needed

Backstory

Rocket is a striking black-and-white paint gelding who came to HAPI Trails after the passing of his beloved owner in Texas. His family, now local to our valley, wanted to honor his legacy by ensuring Rocket had the best chance at a second chapter. Though they are unable to adopt him, they remain devoted to his well-being and are fully sponsoring his care as we help him find his forever home.

Personality & Temperament

Tall, handsome, and calm, Rocket is the definition of a gentleman. He’s easygoing, affectionate, and loves human interaction. Whether it’s standing quietly for the farrier, soaking up grooming sessions, or strolling at sunrise and sunset, Rocket thrives on companionship. He’s especially fond of massages and knows when he’s being pampered.

Training / Abilities

Rocket is still under assessment for his riding capabilities. He comes with his saddle — a little piece of Texas history to carry with him — and has the demeanor of a horse who’s been well-handled throughout his life. While he’s not a fan of tube medications, he’s cooperative with most other aspects of handling.

Health & Care

Rocket is healthy and thriving for his age. He does have occasional hoof soundness issues that are managed with the use of boots, and he’s otherwise in good condition. He is up to date on veterinary and farrier care.

Ideal Home / Adoption Vision

Rocket would be best suited for an adopter seeking a steady, affectionate companion who brings both presence and kindness to the pasture. With his loyal “fan club” still nearby, he carries both his Texas roots and a community of supporters into his next chapter.

Why Rocket

If you’re looking for a gentle partner with classic cowboy charm and a big heart, Rocket might just be your ride-or-die.

FOSTER CARE

Saddle up and make your adoption dreams a reality at MyRightHorse.org! Explore HAPI Trails’ available horses alongside an incredible nationwide network of adoptable equines. If a horse catches your eye but isn’t in our area, don’t worry—we’re happy to help bring them home to you. Let us guide you on the trail to finding your perfect partner!