Diamond Project Trainer Information

This program is for horses that either didn't get chosen by a Challenge Trainer, do not fit the age, physical, emotional or behavioral profile to be successful in an intensive short-term training program, or who have prior training that disqualifies them from the Trainer Challenge. These horses may have no training, or holes in their training, or just need retraining to find a  new purpose and better future.  

If you are a trainer with the heart to change the destiny of unwanted horses and the desire to polish a diamond in the rough until it shines,  please consider taking on a Diamond Project horse as a Foster to  Train/Adopt. This program is not a competition.  Horses in the Diamond Project program can be made available for adoption to  approved homes at any time their trainer and/or with the Contracting Organization to determine that they are ready for their new vocation – it may be a matter of weeks, or it may be many months to a year – depending on the horse chosen to work with. 

The  Foster to Train/Adopt contract is similar to a standard Foster to Adopt contract, in that the adoption fee due to the Contracting Organization is stated in advance  (generally a fee of $200 – $600, but may be more depending upon the age,  health, and amount of pre-existing training) along with a specified foster period. The time period of the contract may vary, ranging from  3-4 months up to a year, depending on the horse. If you decide that the horse is ready for adoption (either to yourself or to another approved party) at any time during the contract period,  the only fee you owe the Contracting Organization is the amount stated in the contract. Assuming that the value of the animal will increase due to your training, all fees collected above the original contract amount are yours to keep. For the duration of the contract period, you have the final say over the adoption fee charged and what person is able to adopt the horse  (provided that person has gone through the Heart of the Horse  application process and is approved). 

As a Foster, you are responsible for all veterinary care, farrier services, feed, and other care and maintenance expenses. You may return the horse at any time during the contract period to the rescue, organization, or other entity identified in the Foster to Train/Adopt Agreement as the horse’s owner or Contracting Organization.

If the horse has not been adopted by the end of the contract period, you must return it to the Contracting Organization unless both parties mutually agree in writing to extend the contract.

If you train the horse for the entire contract period and then return it, you will be entitled to 75% of any adoption fee received above the base amount stated in the Foster to Train/Adopt Agreement, provided the horse is adopted within 90 days after its return.

If you would like to become a Diamond Project Trainer, please fill out The Diamond Project Horse Trainer Application on-line form. Required photos and videos should be sent via our Contact Us Form