Adopting a Rescue Horse
If you are looking for a horse, it is worth checking out the local horse rescue associations and any animal rescues which deal with horses. Such organizations are often looking to re-home horses and will normally give you a horse for free (although some charge a small administration fee). The reason for this is that they can only take on so many horses due to limitations in terms of space (stables and pasture), staff time and money. Consequently, if you take one of their horses, it frees up resources for them to take on another horse.
In addition to getting a horse very cheaply, you are also doing a good deed by adopting the horse. In so doing, you free up the rescue association’s resources, allowing them to take on other animals.
Of course, any rescue organization will want to be sure that the horse is going to a good home, before they consider giving it away. Expect to be interviewed to determine your fitness to take on a horse. Typical questions are whether you have the commitment, time, money and facilities (e.g. box and pasture) to take on a horse long-term. They will also want to know if you have the knowledge and experience to take care of a horse, or as a minimum that someone will work with you to teach you the required basics.
On your side, you need to make sure that the horse does not have any unacceptable faults, either health wise or in terms of behavior. One should discuss the horse’s current condition and its background. You should ask about the conclusions of any examinations (including veterinary) done for the association, as well as the general opinion of the staff who are taking care of the horse.
In particular, one should ask why the horse has been taken into care. If it was simply because the owner could no longer keep it (e.g. due to financial difficulties) or lost interest in it (a common situation with horses purchased for young children), then the horse is probably sound. However, if the horse was rescued because it was neglected or abused, then it may have longer term physical or behavioral issues that you need to be aware of. Likewise, if the owner gave up the horse because it was sick or no longer suitable for riding.
It is also important to be clear about your requirements. If you are looking for a companion horse, then age and riding ability are not that important. However, if you intend to ride the horse regularly, then it should be reasonably young and fit, preferably well trained as well. It may be that the rescue centre does not have a horse which meets your requirements. In this case, rather than compromise on your requirements, it is best to wait. Make sure that the staff know that you will provide a good home for the right horse, and provide in writing both your requirements and your contact information. Given the frequency with which horses are rescued, it is quite likely that the horse you are looking for will become available in a few weeks or months, unless your requirements are unusual.
Duber Stewart wrote Free Horses and is a regular author for Horses for Sale and similar websites.
categories: horse,horses,pets,animals,rescue
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