When the Humane Society of Louisiana Director Jeff Dorson learned that many of the horses that rode in Mardi Gras were later sold for slaughter, he wanted to change that. So he helped create the Mardi Gras Horses Adoption Program.

“We work very hard to develop a profile for each horse, post on our Facebook page, interview potential adopters, do background checks and then we agree on an adoption fee and they come and pick them up and it’s worked really well,” said Dorson.

HSLA- Facebook
HSLA- Facebook
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Through the program, Dorsan said since 2017, more than 70 horses have found new homes.  He said this is actually a small component of parade season that animal lovers look forward to and they want a horse that has the distinction of being a Mardi Gras horse.

“They like bragging rights that they can tell their grandkids you’re riding on one of the majestic Mardi Gras parade horses and it really works,” said Dorson.

Since the program began, homes for the horses have been found in multiple states, including Mississippi, Oklahoma, and even as far away as Massachusetts. Dorsan reminds readers that even if you aren't able to purchase one of the horses, you can still make a difference by donating to the program.

“And that will absorb some of the costs of running this program. Humane Society of Louisiana is our website, any and all donations are appreciated,” said Dorson.

If you'd like to find more information about how you can own one of the horses, or to make a donation, visit their Facebook page at Humane Society of Louisiana's Mardi Gras Horses Adoption Program.

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