Is it a good idea to donate your horse to a horse welfare foundation ?

Question

i have 5 horses that are all over the age of twenty and some have health problems including founder and ringbone. we cant afford them anymore. my mom laughed at the idea and said that they already have to much horse and don't care for them very well.

heres the website:http://www.equineadoption.com/donate.htm

Answer 1

Unfortunately with the age and condition of your horses, they probably are not great candidates for "adoption".  Most places like this will take in a horse in hopes of finding it a future home.  Most adopters are looking for a horse that can be ridden or have a more productive future.

I think you need to find a place that specializes in retirement for elderly and not as "useful" horses.  Just to live out their senior years in safety.

Where do you live...I recently saw a location that was going to be opened and run by the Humane Society in I think Idaho.  I'll see if I can find it.  

I hope you put some effort into this to find them a safe home..what about a therapeutic riding program...Do they all have issues?  What breeds?

This is a very unfortunate situation for these horses....please don't make any hasty decisions.

Answer 2

It never hurts to call and talk to them and explain the situation.  If they can't take the horses, maybe they can guide you to some place who will.  There are many horse rescue sites and it is a good idea to talk to some of the sites.  You never know where it will lead.

Answer 3

i doubt they would have enough money to keep proper care of the horses. if you're looking to give them up sell them to someone or give them to an animal shelter.

Answer 4

They may take your horses in but in Asutralia if an animal doesnt get adopted with in a few months they get put down and it would be harder for your horses to be adopted. Why dont you put advertisments in your local saddlery and barns about free horses for good companionship but you could tyr the animal welfare

Goodluck

Answer 5

Visit the facility and see how their horses are cared for.  Also, ask plenty of questions about hoof care, vet care, wormings, feeding, etc.  If you like what you see and hear, go for it, and if not, look elsewhere.

Answer 6

I board my horses at a rescue facility and I have to say Maribeth is sorely mistaken. Money is always an issue at those places but the horses where I am at get very good care. Lots of attention from volunteers, excellent vet care, and regular farrier work. They also get training from a very good trainer who gets them ready for adoption to new homes.

Horses that are 20+ are not necessarily done for. I have a quarter horse that is 25  and he is in excellent shape because I work him regularly. In fact I ride him twice a week, both in the arena and on long trail rides.

I agree with the other poster who suggested visiting the location. Go look around and see the conditions the horses are living in, find out about their diet, vet care and all that. Check the fencing and look for safety issues and talk to the people that work at the facility to get a sense what they are like.

Cheers,

David

http://gentlenaturalhorseman.blogspot.co...

Answer 7

i think you should donate them to an organisation.think about how much little kids would like to see them.sometimes theres animal clubs or scouts that would take them.

Answer 8

That looks like a great place for your horses- if they would be willing to accept them. It seems like a good program to donate them to... Perhaps you could try visiting their facility first to see if it would make a good home if you are concerned? They may not be as able to take care of them as the website makes it seem. :)