Home Animal Tales Humane Society Has Saved 100+ Homeless Mardi Gras Horses Since 2017

Humane Society Has Saved 100+ Homeless Mardi Gras Horses Since 2017

Pinterest – The Heart of Lousiana

Mardis Gras, “Fat Tuesday”, is a French celebration during which people consume overly fatty foods, red meat especially, before the Christian fasting season of Lent. Most horses used during Mardi Gras parades were subject to a dark future. But since 2017, the Humane Society of Louisiana has rescued over one hundred parade horses.

The Negative Impact of Mardi Gras Celebrations

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Behind the glitter and fanfare, many parade horses face a grim future. Some are brought into the city for the festivities, then sold for slaughter after the party is over.

The Humane Society Steps In

Facebook – The Louisiana SPCA

The Humane Society of Louisiana is headed by Jeff Dorson. He remembers witnessing decorated parade horses being taken to slaughterhouses in Mexico, which propelled him and his organization to act, thus forming the Mardi Gras Horse Adoption Program.

Over 100 Horses Saved

Facebook – The Louisiana SPCA

The Mardi Gras Horse Adoption Program has been in existence since 2017 and has adopted 106 parade horses. These animals are not consigned to a dismal destiny anymore; they are offered a chance at a better life and a permanent home.

Rescues in 2025

Facebook – Humane Society of Louisiana s Mardi Gras Horses Adoption Program

The first group of horses was brought to the stables this year. Among them was Olaf, a white quarter horse, Buttercup, a shaggy brown mare and Pongo, a spotted saddle horse. Each has a story, and is no longer in danger.

How the Adoption Process Works

Facebook – Humane Society of Louisiana s Mardi Gras Horses Adoption Program

The Humane Society expected to pre-adopt 20 horses before Mardi Gras festivities began on March 4th. Adopters could visit the stables by appointment and have their new horse examined by a vet.

Health & Safety Process

Facebook – Humane Society of Louisiana s Mardi Gras Horses Adoption Program

First, a vet from the Louisiana SPCA examines each horse to determine if they are healthy enough to be adopted. Some of them may need further therapy, but adopters are told to work with trainers to assist these horses to smoothly adapt to their new environments.

A Warning for First-Time Owners

Facebook – Humane Society of Louisiana s Mardi Gras Horses Adoption Program

“As for the horses, these are rescue horses,” the Humane Society says. Some of them have an unknown past and need experienced people to handle them. If first-time horse owners aren’t planning to work with a professional trainer after adoption, horse handling is not recommended.

Community Support & Gratitude

Youtube – Little Mountain Homestead

The adoption program has received a lot of support from the community. People post adoption photos and thank the organization for saving the horses, prompting many people to post kind words on the Human Society social networks. “It really makes me happy to see these posts every year,” one supporter wrote.

Thanks to Spreading Awareness

Youtube – Little Mountain Homestead

More people are now becoming more aware about the plight of Mardi Gras parade horses thanks to social media. The Humane Society is still making people aware of what happens to these horses after the celebration, with a mission to ensure that no horse is forgotten after the celebrations.

How You Can Help

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If adopting one of the horses isn’t logistically possible for you, there are other ways to help. Donation, volunteering and raising awareness are useful. You can find out what horses are available and how to assist by visiting the Mardi Gras Horses Adoption Program Facebook page.

A Future Without Parade Horse Neglect

Flickr – cajunzydecophotos

The Humane Society is fighting for lasting change. For this reason, they are hopeful that through continued support, brokers will stop discarding parade horses so that every horse has a bright future after Mardi Gras.

A Happy Ending for Many

Facebook – Humane Society of Louisiana s Mardi Gras Horses Adoption Program

Thanks to the Humane Society of Louisiana, more than one hundred Mardi Gras horses have already been rescued and found new homes. This life-saving mission will hopefully continue to receive community support, so that these majestic animals will get the futures they deserve.

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