| If you are looking for a free (or very inexpensive) | | | | regard, one should ask about the results of any |
| horse, one of the best places to look is rescue | | | | veterinary examinations and the experiences of the |
| associations, or animal rescue groups which also deal | | | | staff when dealing with the horse while it was in their |
| with horses. These associations take on horses but | | | | care. |
| have limited resources to take care of them in terms | | | | In particular, one should ask why the horse has been |
| of space (stalls, pasture), money (food, bedding, etc.) | | | | taken into care. If it was simply because the owner |
| and staff time (mucking out, general care). | | | | could no longer keep it (e.g. due to financial difficulties) |
| Consequently, they are normally looking for good | | | | or lost interest in it (a common situation with horses |
| homes to pass the horses onto, so that they can free | | | | purchased for young children), then the horse is |
| up their scare resources to care for others. Therefore, | | | | probably sound. However, if the horse was rescued |
| they will usually pass the horses on for free, or for a | | | | because it was neglected or abused, then it may have |
| nominal amount (to recover some of their direct costs). | | | | longer term physical or behavioral issues that you need |
| In addition to getting a horse very cheaply, you are | | | | to be aware of. Likewise, if the owner gave up the |
| also doing a good deed by adopting the horse. In so | | | | horse because it was sick or no longer suitable for |
| doing, you free up the rescue association's resources, | | | | riding. |
| allowing them to take on other animals. | | | | One also needs to think carefully about the horse's |
| Before they give a horse to a new owner, the | | | | current capabilities in terms of what you will use it for. |
| association will need assurances that the horse will be | | | | Many rescue horses are old; if you only want the |
| well taken care of. You will need to show them that | | | | horse as a companion horse then this is not a problem |
| you have the facilities (e.g. stall, pasture) to take care | | | | but if you want to ride it regularly then an elderly horse |
| of the horse, or that you will be renting adequate | | | | is likely unsuitable. If the local rescue organizations don't |
| facilities (e.g. at a professional horse boarding business). | | | | have a horse that meets your requirements, the best |
| They will also want to be assured that you have the | | | | solution is to wait. Leave them your contact details and |
| time, money and commitment to take care of the | | | | your requirements, after assuring them that you will |
| horse long term. | | | | provide a good home for the right horse. You may |
| Before taking a horse from a rescue organization, you | | | | need to wait a few months, but with so many horses |
| should learn as much about the horse and its history | | | | being rescued for a variety of reasons, there is a very |
| as you can. This will help you understand its capabilities | | | | good chance that one which meets your requirements |
| (e.g. how much training it has), physical health, any | | | | will become available. |
| behavioral issues, and any health concerns. In this | | | | |