Responsible equine rehoming

There are many reasons why you may need to rehome your horse. You may have outgrown them, no longer need them, or do not have the financial means to keep them. But we all have a responsibility to ensure the best possible outcome for our horses if we need to rehome them.

Thinking about rehoming your horse

If you are starting to struggle financially and have exhausted cost cutting possibilities, the sooner you investigate the rehoming options the better the chances of securing a positive outcome for you and your horse. Remember that all horses must have a microchip and passport to be sold or rehomed via a charity.

If you have a ridden horse and it’s possible and appropriate, try to keep them in work. This is so potential rehomers can see their fitness level and working potential. 

Equine charities

Rehoming to a charity can help to secure your horse’s future. Each charity has its own criteria for accepting horses and most would expect you to sign ownership over to the organisation. Charities may have limited space but are more than happy to discuss the options available to you in more detail. Blue Cross has a Home Direct scheme, so your horse can be rehomed directly from their current location (without needing to come to a centre).

It’s important to research and, if possible, visit the organisation before rehoming your horse to them. We advise checking that the charity is a member of the National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC). This provides some assurance on their standards of care and rehoming procedures.

Most charities will charge a small fee to rehome your horse. But if you’re struggling financially, we encourage you to still contact a charity for help.

Selling your horse

If your horse is fit and healthy, selling them may be the most straightforward option. There are many responsible people looking to buy a horse. But it’s essential to be honest about your horse’s health, temperament and needs to find them the best home. Once you have sold your horse you will have no control over what happens to them in the future.

Most people are looking to take on a straightforward healthy horse. You should think very carefully before selling your horse if they:

• are elderly
• have severe behavioural problems
• have a recurrent health or lameness problem

These horses may be at an increased risk of receiving sub-standard care or being passed on. In these cases, you should ask your vet for advice on your horse’s situation.

Preparing to sell your horse

Always word your horse’s advert carefully. Avoid using phrases such as ‘reduced for quick sale’ or ‘free to a good home’ even if you are not concerned about money. These phrases are unlikely to attract genuine buyers. Think carefully before you sell at a market or online.

To secure a suitable home for your horse, it’s a good idea to:

• make sure the person visits your horse in their current home and rides them a few times (if applicable). This is to ensure they are compatible and that the rider can handle your horse. Discuss the personality and needs of your horse.
• try to find out as much as possible about their level of horse knowledge and previous experience
• ask for references (perhaps from their vet, farrier or livery yard manager). Follow up the references with a phone call.
• if possible, visit the potential home beforehand to check if it's suitable 

Loaning horses

Loaning can work well if it's carefully arranged. There are three common types of loan:

• Full or permanent loan – your horse is moved to the loanees yard, where the loanee takes full financial responsibility and care for your horse full time
• Part loan – your horse stays at your yard, where the loanee visits and cares for your horse on agreed days. They will also usually contribute to financial costs for your horse.
• College loan – your horse is loaned to an equine college to be ridden and cared for

It’s important to remember that, although another person will be caring for your horse, as the owner, you retain a legal responsibility for the welfare of your horse.

There are risks involved in asking another person to take on the time and expense of caring for your horse. But those risks can be reduced with careful planning from the start.

When putting your horse on loan, you can follow the same steps above. But you can also:

• look for a local home. This makes it easier to keep in touch with your horse and the borrower.
• always put a written loan agreement in place to define exactly what is expected of each party, including regular visits. But remember that the borrower will have their own routine and ways of doing things. The agreement should be signed by both parties and a copy kept by each.
• ensure you have a contingency plan should the loan home wish to return your horse. This could happen at any time, so you must be prepared to take your horse back or secure another home.

Companion homes for horses

In some cases, it may be possible to find a suitable home for a non-ridden horse as a companion. But fewer people are willing to take on the cost of a horse they cannot ride. People who are looking for a companion generally look for a horse who is straightforward and requires minimal management and expense.  

You also need to consider whether rehoming as a companion is the right thing for your horse. Older horses may find a new home unsettling and stressful, so this may not be the kindest option for them. Even when rehoming your horse as a companion, think about the tips above.

Commercial retirement homes for horses

Retirement homes are generally full livery yards, which cater specifically for elderly or retired horses. They can be an expensive option depending on how the horses are managed.  

Make sure you research and visit any yard before putting your horse in their care. It's vital to have a formal agreement signed by both parties. This should outline how the arrangement will work.

Equine euthanasia

Rehoming is not always a responsible or realistic option for your horse. In these cases, having your horse put to sleep may be the kindest thing to do if you can no longer meet their needs yourself.

You may feel guilty even considering this option. But it’s one of the most responsible decisions you can make when you cannot safeguard your horse’s future welfare by any other means. It’s also certainly not the worst possible outcome for your horse.  

It’s always better to have your horse put to sleep in familiar surroundings instead of rehoming them unwisely. Speak to your vet for help if you’re in this situation.

More on saying goodbye to your horse