Frequently Asked Questions

 

Why does World Horse Welfare have a rehoming scheme?

 

World Horse Welfare has a rehoming scheme to allow each horse to lead a useful life and make space for more horses to come into our rescue and rehoming centres. The centres can hold around 300 horses at any one time but World Horse Welfare owns just over 2000 horses, most of which are in loving homes through our rehoming 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 rehome each year?

 

We rehome around 250 horses each year through our rehoming 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 rehome a horse.

 

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 rehome?

 

All the horses that we have available for rehoming can be found on our website, and you can search them according to the locations of our rescue and rehoming centres. 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 rehoming 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 it is in my care?

 

Each part of the country has a World Horse Welfare Field Officer or Loan Visits Officer who will visit at least twice a year to check on the horse and offer any advice or support you may need. These visits may be unannounced.

 

If I have a problem with my World Horse Welfare horse whom 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 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. 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 rehome a World Horse Welfare horse?

 

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 rehoming.

 

Who is responsible for transporting the horse?

 

It is the responsibility of the borrower to provide transport to and from the centre (although there may be some flexibility on this in the case of companion horses). They must also transport the horse back to the centre if it is returned - this may be to a different farm than the one 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 as well as receiving public liability insurance. To become a member simply click here.

 

Do the horses come with tack or equipment?

 

We are unable to rehome our horses 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.

 

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