The Humane Society of Louisiana is once again helping horses purchased to ride in Mardi Gras parades find homes, so carnival season isn’t their last. HSLA Director Jeff Dorson said when they learned that many of the horses were often sold for slaughter, they created 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. Since 2017, he said, more than 70 horses have found new homes.

“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.

Over the years horses have found homes in Mississippi, Oklahoma, and even Massachusetts. Dorson said even if you aren’t able to purchase a horse you can donate 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.

You can find more information on their Facebook page at Humane Society of Louisiana’s Mardi Gras Horses Adoption Program.