This is a fairly long article since there is a lot to cover, but please do read it all if you’re serious about rehoming one of our horses.
Our aim is to rehome our horses into good, safe and caring homes when we feel they are ready.We do our best to ensure the horse is suitable to you and that you are made aware of any particular medical or behavioral requirements of the horse. Not all of our horses are able to be rehomed, but we keep the website up to date. See who’s looking for a home today.
Common questions:
- Why do we rehome? To put it simply, we cannot help as many horses and ponies if we keep them on our own premises. The costs involved are high, the space limited and we also think it’s better for the horse’s quality of life to be used – riding, driving, showing etc. (Although we are also happy to rehome as companions!) The more horses we rehome successfully, the more we can rescue or help. Without our large and enthusiastic group of carers we could not have helped so many horses and ponies in need.
- How much does it cost? Keeping a horse is expensive. Hay, feed, transport, veterinary costs, tack, bedding… The costs all mount up and if you’re not financially secure it may be better to wait until there is no doubt you can afford to keep a horse for the near future (We understand things change, but please do be realistic). We make you aware of this early for the horse’s sake – we don’t want to have to take the horse back and further unsettle them.
We are fairly unusual in the Animal Welfare area in that we do not require a “Rehoming fee”, “Mandatory Donation” or similar to rehome our animals. Some carers choose to donate, but we won’t pester you for a donation. - Would I then own the horse? No. Legal ownership of any horses belonging to the Mare & Foal Sanctuary stays with the Sanctuary. We do not, have not and never will sell or trade in horses. What you agree to, if you decide to rehome one of our horses, is a loan.
- Could I loan the horse to a friend? No. The loan agreement is with you and you are responsible for the horse. It may be possible to create a new loan agreement for the horse with your friend, but they would have to apply and be approved – although it may be possible to do without moving the horse. If you’re unsure about any aspect of the loan agreement then please contact us.
- What happens if I move house? You’ll need to let us know so we can homecheck your new fields and stables to ensure they’re safe for the horse.
- Can I use the horse in a riding stables? No.
- Will I need insurance? Yes, you’ll need to provide your own Public Liability insurance for the horse.
- Can I keep your horse on its own? Sorry but no. Horses are herd animals and we insist they are kept with other horses.
- Can I take the horse to shows and events? Yes, as long as the horse is capable, safe and confident. Some of our horses are doing very well in national competitions and we’re very proud of them!
- What if I no longer want the horse? If you no longer wish to keep the horse for whatever reason, we will always take it back.
Some restrictions:
Not everyone can look after a horse. We want you to be aware of the downsides of owning a horse.
- You MUST be over 18. We’re not anti-children but we do need an adult to accept responsibility. We can loan to a parent but we must be satisfied that the person who signs the Loan Agreement form is competent to look after the horse themselves – a parent signing and expecting a child to take full care of our horse without supervision is not acceptable.
- You MUST be in the South West of England. Our policy is to physically visit each of our horses at regular intervals to ensure they are fit, well and settled at their loan home. This means we can only rehome within reasonable travelling distance of our base in Devon. It just takes us too long, sorry. At present, we rehome to Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire.
- You should be financially secure. Horses cost money to keep and if you’re struggling with the bills already then sadly it is unlikely you can afford to keep a horse as well. We insist on good veterinary care, regular worming, tetanus injections, farrier visits, teeth checks, adequate stabling, all transport and bedding. Please take an honest look at your finances for the forseeable future to prevent us wasting our time, your time and disrupting the welbeing of the horse.
- You must be committed. As well as being expensive, a horse demands a lot of time! Even when it’s rainy and cold you will still need to ensure your horse is healthy and well tended. All horse people know that your horse’s comfort comes before your own.