Criteria for the successful re-homing of ISPCA equines
Facilities
Many of our equines have been rescued from cruel and neglectful situations, some are very nervous, or have behavioural problems, and some of them have chronic health issues.
We try to find homes for our equines which will meet their needs, and provide a good experience for the equine and the foster person. We do not take ‘reserves’ on the equines, but try to match the correct animal to the perfect home!
Each individual equine has specific requirements, and each application will be dealt with appropriately for that animal. This will involve talking with you about the equine and your situation, a home visit, and if approved, time spent by you handling the equine before you take it home, and then we both sign a Fostering Agreement.
We do not have 'fees' for our equines, but we ask you for a suitable donation to help with the costs we have incurred in bringing that animal back to health. We rely on the generosity of the general public for funding of the equine units, so all donations are very welcome.
Your reason for wanting an ISPCA equine
The homes we seek are those with a strong welfare commitment, where the needs of the equine come before the wants of the owner.
Please note: it is unlikely that any of our equines will be suitable for riding by novice children with inexperienced parents.
* We require that stabling be available to all equines on site, even if they live out, in case they all need stabling due to illness.
* Stabling must be safe, and large enough for the animals that use it.
* Grazing must be sufficient for all the animals that use it, or safe facilities provided for feeding hay out. Provision must be available for rotation of grazing.
Safe fencing:
* Secure natural hedges, banks, post and rails, walls, electric fencing, are all acceptable.
* Straight wire and sheep wire need to be protected by electric fencing inside, to prevent equines getting their legs caught in the wire.
* Barbed wire is not acceptable.
* Adequate shelter: high hedges, banks, trees, walls, fences or a field shelter.
* A supply of fresh water must be available in stables and grazing.
* Equines may not be tethered.
Expertise
* A sound understanding of stable management, equine health and veterinary care is desirable. Experience in keeping, riding and training horses may be necessary for some of the more difficult equines.
* Willingness to learn and be guided by our staff would be acceptable with some animals, if you don’t have a lot of experience.
* A commitment to follow a regular routine of vaccination, worming, farrier and dental care, together with any specific routine for an individual equine (for example: ability to manage laminitic ponies, sweet itch, arthritis etc)
* A commitment to provide necessary veterinary and nursing care should the equine become injured or sick.
* If fostering an untrained animal, or a riding animal, you will need to demonstrate your ability to handle it.
* You will need a commitment to give the equine a dignified ending when its quality of life has deteriorated, where a veterinary surgeon recommends euthanasia, in consultation with the ISPCA, except in emergency situations.
Basic Rules
* No equine will be re-homed to be kept on its own; it must have suitable company of at least one other equine. Equines are herd animals.
* The ISPCA retains ownership of the equines.
* The ISPCA retains the right to repossess the equine, if the terms of the fostering agreement are not being adhered to, or if we have any other concerns about the equine.
* ISPCA equines cannot be used for:
Hunting live quarry.
Hire and reward.
Breeding. (There are too many unwanted equines; we are not going to add to their number by allowing our rescue mares to breed. If you would like another equine, please consider another rescue animal!)
Apart from the above stipulations, the equine is ‘yours’ for its lifetime, as long as we are satisfied you are adhering to the fostering agreement. We are happy for our equines to be ridden, driven and competed with, as long as their welfare comes first.
