Has anyone here re-homed a horse from a charity?

L

lh1975

Well-Known Member
Joined
4 February 2009
Messages
279
Location
S.E.
Visit site
Hi,

I'm thinking about long-term loaning a horse from either a horse welfare or ex-racehorse charity. I'm desperate to own a horse again but with job security being as rubbish as it is at the moment, I'm not very comfortable with blowing my not-very-large life savings.

I've looked at a few websites and only 1 of them listed the donation/loan fee - to be honest with you, although it was a bit cheaper than buying a horse, it was still pretty expensive!

Anyway, I'd really appreciate it if anyone who has re-homed a horse from a charity could perhaps give me an idea of the size of donation/fee required and just the general loan process experience.

I'm looking for a horse of 4 years old upwards, 15.2hh minimum who would be suitable for RC activities/competitions/fun rides.

Thanks!
 
I've known other people who have adopted and think they have paid about £250 - £400 depending ont he type of horse. Each charity website usually gives the info needed.
 
There are quite a few smaller charitys that you can loan horses from. Yes a lot of them ask for a donation. From what iv seen the bigger charitys cost more. Depending on where you are in the conutry - this one might be worth a go? http://www.swhp.co.uk/

I have had a few companions from them before, they are excelent!
 
I have had my cob for nearly 10 years now! Don't expect to get a 'made' horse though - you will probably have to do the schooling etc for yourself as they tend to have the basics and thats it.

When I got mine on loan there was no fee - although I would have happily paid - and they do spot checks approx 3 times are year - usually tell me I'm spoiling her!! Essentially I do everything for her as if she was my own - I would only contact them if she had a health issue - like when she had laminitis - as they are always her 'owners' so they need to know in the event she had to go back to them for any reason.

I told them I was interested in having a horse as part of their adoption scheme - they came and did a thorough home check before she arrived - wanted to make sure there was no barbed wire, ragwort etc and then I signed the loan agreement.

I have no doubt it is probably more thorough/complicated these days.
 
both of mine are from charity, not very schooled when i got them as they were just broken. But i love them to bits.

My friend has got a horse from darley rehoming - and hes gorgeous :)
 
I have an ex-racehorse on permanent loan from a racehorse welfare centre. Literally had the basics when I got him but they were very helpful with everything - I tried him several times aswell as out hacking and jumping. It cost basically the same as buying a horse of his ability (around £1000 because he was fully rideable and able to jump when some charity horses are only able to hack etc - this was w/o tack or anything). However it is like owning your own - they do visits every 3 months? I think. The good thing about this is that, if it comes to desperate measures and you simply cant afford it anymore, then the charity will take them back, so you know they are going to be well cared for etc. I love it - most of the time I forget he is on loan - it is really like buying it just means that if you cannot care for them anymore you can take them back. They also told me that if you dont get on with said horse after taking it back to yard they will obv. take it back. I have had my boy a year and a bit now. Hope the search is successful! :D
 
My sister rehomed one (donation of £500 I think) but he was a bit loopy and went back after about 6 months. We spent lots on X-rays and meds etc as well. I think you'll have to be much more flexible about what you are looking for as well. I can't imagine many are going to "give away" a four year RC type horse but you never know!!
 
After a hellish time of selling my horse last year, I really thought that loaning an ex racehorse from a charity would be great, no buying or selling for a start! I have already backed and brought on a number of thoroughbreds and other horses but particularly love TBs. I sent my details to one of the centres by email and they phoned and left a message very quickly to say they thought they had a horse that would suit me (I had said I wanted a horse to bring on for mainly dressage but to do a bit of everything with). I rang to find out details and discovered that the horse was 12. When I said that I was really looking for something younger, the lady was decidely shirty "how dare I write off a 12 yr old' etc. This charity was asking the market value for the horse. I'm afraid it put me off and I've now got my own again and he's great! Not suggesting that all centres are like this and sure it works for a lot of people
 
Thanks for all of your replies - definitely helped me! I've decided to give some a call and see what they have for offer and of course, how much it will cost.
Thanks again!
 
When i was looking for an ex racer i looked into alot of the charities. I found that most wanted a large amount just to loan the horse. I actually went out and bought my own for less than many were asking for an adoption fee. On top of that there was also the £30 monthly donation which was expected every month.
 
Ive had a few, but recently it got so expensive something like £500 to loan a horse that I could buy one with similar issues giving it a long term home so although I think its a good thing, some have really high costs
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top