Tips for Finding the Best New Home for your Horse

The decision to rehome a horse can be one of the most difficult choices a horse owner has to face – angst around the circumstances forcing the rehoming, worry about the horse’s future, and uncertainty surrounding the rehoming process can all contribute to feelings of overwhelm and anxiety. If you’re confronted with this daunting choice, we offer straightforward steps to assist you in thoroughly assessing potential owners and locating the ideal environment for your equine companion if they cannot remain with you. 

Rehoming into a safe, forever home requires careful consideration and planning to ensure the future well-being and safety of your horse. While the outcome of rehoming can never be guaranteed, we offer some guidelines to help with the process. As the horse’s current caretaker, your due diligence in the following areas can be the difference between a successful rehoming and a less favorable outcome, where the horse may face uncertainty or potential challenges in its his new environment:

• Screen potential adopters: Take the time to thoroughly screen potential adopters. Ask for references from veterinarians, farriers, and other professionals. And take the time to check those references! 

• Interview prospective owners: Have detailed conversations with potential adopters to understand their experience with horses, riding (if applicable), and groundwork abilities, as well as their plans for the horse’s care and use. Make sure THEIR goals for your horse are in alignment with your goals and with your horse’s capabilities. 

• Visit the facility where the horse will be kept. Make sure it meets your standards for safety and care and that it’s appropriate for your horse’s needs. At the MSSPA, for example, we look for:

• • • Appropriate shelter – stall or shelter has at least 3 sides and a watertight roof.
    • Fencing is safe and appropriate for your horse.
    • Turnout space is adequate for the size of the equine and free of any hazards or unnecessary equipment.
    • Friends: the horse is going to a home with at least one other equine companion.
    • Floor in the shelter is safe and not concrete.
    • No nails, screws, boards etc. sticking out that can cause injury.
    • No exposed wires, glass, light bulbs, etc. within reach of the horse(s).
    • Water is clean and free of debris and algae.
    • Water can be kept from freezing in winter months.
    • Other animals on the property are healthy and in good body condition.

• Require a contract: Draft a contract that outlines the terms of the adoption, including care requirements, restrictions on use, and the option for you to repossess the horse if the adopter violates the agreement. You can also include first right of refusal in the event that the adopter wants to sell or rehome the horse in the future. It is important to build a positive relationship with this potential adopter, which will help ease everyone’s transition (horse included!). 

• Be honest about the horse’s needs: Provide full disclosure about the horse’s health, behavior, history, and any special needs. Transparency is essential in finding the right match.

• Follow Up: Stay in touch with the new owner after the adoption to monitor the horse’s well-being and address any concerns. Offer support and guidance as needed.

• Use your intuition! If something feels off, it probably is. 

By following these guidelines, you can greatly improve your horse’s chances of placement in a safe and caring forever home where it will receive the attention and care it deserves.

As always, we are here to help. If you have any questions, please reach out to matchmaker@msspa.org or call 207-892-3040.