Horse Loan Scheme FAQ
Why does World Horse Welfare have a loan scheme?
World Horse Welfare has a horse loan scheme to allow each horse to lead a useful life as well as making space for more horses to come into our centres. The centres can hold around 300 horses at any one time but World Horse Welfare owns just over 2000 horses. This is only possible thanks to our Horse Loan Scheme.
Where do the horses come from?
World Horse Welfare primarily takes in horses from welfare situations and, if we have space, some may come in requiring rehabilitation. We also have some horses that have been left to the charity in a supporter's will.
How many horses does World Horse Welfare put out on loan each year?
We rehome around 250 horses each year through the Horse Loan Scheme.
Can I apply for more than one horse at a time?
Yes - if you see more than one horse that you are interested in, you can make an application for each horse.
Can I put my name on a waiting list?
Unfortunately we are unable to hold a waiting list of people looking to take a horse on loan.
If I think I like a horse, but have a few questions, what should I do?
We would recommend that you make an application for the horse. If your application is successful a member of the yard staff will contact you and be able to answer any questions you may have. Our aim is to find the best match between horse and borrower so should you decide that this is not the horse for you, simply let us know. This will not affect any future applications you may make.
Are there any horses in my area that I could take on loan?
Due to the rehabilitation process that we follow for each of our horses they are only rehomed from one of our four centres.
How often are horses added to the website?
Horses are added to the Horse Loan Scheme as soon as their rehabilitation is complete. The website is updated once a week at about midday on Wednesday.
Will World Horse Welfare visit the horse whilst in my care?
Each part of the country has a World Horse Welfare Field Officer or Loan Visits Officer who will make several unannounced visits a year to each horse on the loan scheme.
If I have a problem with my World Horse Welfare horse who should I contact?
If you have any concerns with your World Horse Welfare horse you should contact our Head Office on 01953 497238 during office hours. If you have an emergency we recommend that you follow the advice of your vet and inform us as soon as possible.
How much do I have to pay to take a World Horse Welfare horse on loan?
We do ask for a loan agreement fee for each horse. This will vary from £20 to £400, depending on the horse that you are taking on loan.
Who is responsible for transporting the horse?
It is the responsibility of the borrower to provide transport to and from the centre. They must also transport the horse back to the centre if it is returned - this may be to a different farm to the one that the horse came from.
Do I have to insure the horse?
One of the terms of the loan agreement is that the borrower must be a ChampionPlus member of World Horse Welfare for the duration of the loan. This membership includes public liability insurance to a value of £10 million and personal accident insurance to a value of £15,000. As veterinary bills are the responsibility of the borrower we advise that you consider insuring separately for this as well.
Do I have to be a member of World Horse Welfare?
We do insist that all new borrowers are ChampionPlus members of World Horse Welfare. This is only £52 per year by Direct Debit. By becoming a member of World Horse Welfare you are supporting our work in helping horses worldwide. To become a member simply click here.
Do the horses come with tack or equipment?
We are unable to put the horses out on loan with any tack or equipment.
What bills will I be responsible for?
As the borrower you will be responsible for all costs incurred for the horse during the time it is in your care, including vet bills.
What is a home check?
Before the horse is moved from the World Horse Welfare centre to its new home, the local field officer will check the premises where it is to be kept for safety and suitability.
When will my home check be done?
The home check is done once both parties are happy that this is the right horse for you.
Is there any restriction on the type of yard where I can keep a World Horse Welfare horse and what it can be used for?
We have no rules as to the type of yard that a World Horse Welfare horse is kept on, be it a private yard or a livery yard. If kept on livery this must not be on a working livery basis. The use of the horse depends on each individual animal but none must be used for financial gain.
If I take on a companion horse, can I ride it in the future?
If we have decided to place a horse as a companion this means they are strictly non-ridden.
Return to the Horse Loan Scheme.
