Has anyone got a horse from a rescue organisation?

Grumpy Herbert

Grumpy Herbert

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After reading the ex-racehorse post, I was wondering if anyone had got a horse on loan from the ILPH/Redwings/Blue Cross etc. How did you go about getting the horse and how has it worked out?

I think I might go down this route the next time I'm looking for a horse, so would be interested to know what the procedure is.
 
yes - a companion pony
You need to apply to them and give them details of your experience, facilties, etc.
You are then assessed with the intended horse, and if apprved, there wil be a a formal contract to sign.
Most will epxect a suitable ''donation'' and then you will need to provide transport. Your premises will be inspected and the horses re-visited after a few months and then at least once a year.
You mayhave to give 3 months or more notice to end the loan, to give them a chance to rehome
Vets bills etc wil be up to you, but we have had no problem insuring a loan pony,with the organisation listed as formal owner.
 
Not me personally but my friend has a gorgeous gelding on loan from the ILPH.

She saw him on their website and sent off her application form. Then they invited her to come and meet him etc. Whilst there they did a sort of general horse knowledge info test and assessed her riding & stable management skills.
She had to go back a couple of times for various bits of paperwork assessments etc and then had to have her yard vetted but it was all worth it.

You do have to pay a fee but i don't know how much and it's worth bearing in mind the horse isn't yours just on loan (although i don't know if that's the case with every charity or just the ILPH.)

I think it’s a fab idea and admire anyone who can offer a horse a home this way.
 
Yes, my pony came from a rescue centre (Animal Arc). They had to do a home check, evaluate my riding ability and I had the pony on trial at the centre for three months before taking her on loan.
The pony lacked confidence, had to be sedated to be shod, had never been schooled and had problems with her teeth. It took a long while to bond with her and two years for her ridden problems to get sorted and she did need an operation to remove a tooth, investigating for hormonal problems etc so the vets fees were quite expensive.
Ten years on we have a great bond, I love her to bits and she will be with me until the day she dies.
 
One of my friend's has had several from Ada Cole, all have gone on to compete successfully within Pony Club. Ada Cole has now merged with Redwings but still do rehoming. They do expect you to be knowledgeable and provide a good home and will do checks etc. but has been very worth it for her.
 
Me! I took two on a month ago, though i have had loan horses from the ILPH before. So worthwhile giving a home to an unfortunate horse that had been through hard times. My little companion was literally starved to death and despite having gone through so much she never puts an ear back or raises a leg, she is wonderful.
I paid £200 donation for a ridden and £20 for Melba (as they said they couldnt charge anymore) they had trouble rehoming her as she was difficult to catch and put a headcollar on.
You have to be prepared for the charity horses to be a little screwed up in some instances after what they've been trhough but generally they are so loving and trusting and obviously you probably wont get some showy animal that will win you lots.

I went through a rigorous riding and stable management assessment and had to go back four times (140 mile round trip each time) and they get inundated for ridden horses so be prepared to be turned down... pm if you need any more info i could talk about my two all day!!!
smile.gif
 
I did have, just check that you can meet the animal before you take it. I applied for a very quiet pony as a companion, preferably something elderly. they sent me an unhandled pony off the moors - no notice, just sent it. This was a lesser known Charity here in the South West and god forbid there are any other charities like this!!
 
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