Rehoming horses from charities - success stories and advice needed

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ChestnutConvert

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I was thinking of rehoming a horse from a charity and was wondering if anyone can give examples of their success stories. Also any tips on what charities, how, what to do/expect.

I would be looking for a ridden horse for hacking/light schooling and while i know they don't come up everyday, i have the time to wait and time to give to the horse.
 
I have loaned 2 horses in the past from a local charity near to me. I would say if you have the opportunity and are willing to wait for the right horse then go for it.

I would loan again from a charity but possibly not from the one I have gone to before as I didn't feel I got much support when I needed it and their 'suggested loan donation' is very steep for a horse / pony suitable for doing RC type activities (£1000 in one case :eek:) I could have bought one for that money. I didn't like to haggle on the donation as you feel bad as it's for 'charity'.

Normally you will get a home check to ensure they are happy with where you want to keep the horse / pony and then 6 monthly checks. Some charities then extend that to yearly checks if they are happy you are coping etc.

Am now on the look out for something I can ride as I retired by old boy back at the beginning of the year and now have itchy feet to do something. Am keeping an eye on the local horse charity websites.
 
My cob is on a Foster scheme from Bransby Home of Rest for Horses - i have had her for about 10 years:)

They try and ensure that you are well matched with horse/pony and that it has some asic schooling to e ridden but expect to have to put in some work:) Bransby do an initial home check and then do a home check approx 3 times a year - no notice - if you have any issues and want help/support they are on the end of the phone. In the 10 years I have had mine the foster 'service' and support has grown and changed to give more help and advice which can only be a good thing as it means that the horses and ponies with quirks maybe given more oc a chance - and it makes sense for the rescue as they would rather they were in a constructive loving home than in their fields mooching!!:)
 
A friend of ours has a horse on loan from Blue Cross & they are getting on famously & having a great time. She waited for a while to find the one she wanted but it was worth it. I can't remember what she actually gave financially to the charity but I know they came out & vet where you will be keeping the horse & they deliver in their transport. She actually moved from her first yard & Blue Cross again vetted where she was moving to & also moved the horse for her.

Her horse came from the Rolleston on Dove centre & we donated a pile of horsey stuff we no longer needed to them. At that time they were full with over 50 horses with other horses/ponies were on a waiting list to come for rehoming. If you are after a loan horse then they are well worth a visit. Many horses/ponies are there through no fault of their own i.e. change of circumstances or even berevement.Some horses will live out their days there but others are waiting new homes.
 
I would second Bransbys scheme. They really do work hard on the horses and quite frankly they have some stunners in at the moment.
They are not all abandoned horse with horrific backgrounds (although some are) some have been born there, some the owners have died etc.
It's always worth giving them a call because i know of a fair few they have at the moment that aren't on the website. Sarah (the lead rider at the rehab yard) is lovely and will spend as much time with you as possible. The support they offer is fab.
 
We have had a couple of ponies that we 'foster' from a local rescue centre in Essex. The lady who runs the centre is fantastic and she has many horses out on foster and all have regular home checks as well as the inital check to ensure you are suitable. Many of the horses are companion / non rideable only but they do also have youngsters who are backed by them and then go to homes for further education etc. You do have to have pay a donation fee (£100 for non ridden and more for ridden).

We had a little Welsh A for a year who was very sweet but he couldnt bear to be apart from my mare and was going through fences / over stable doors and he wasnt happy or safe so he went back to them and we took on a little young gypsy cob who so far is proving fab
 
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