Loaning from rescue centres (UK)

[*Anna*]

I'm very much interested in this idea - has anyone here taken a horse on a loan scheme from a rescue centre? If so please tell me how its working out for you and the horse and what the arangements are - I'd be really interested to hear peoples experiences...(I have contacted a rescue centre but I'm impatient!)
Thanks
Anna x

[me2]

I help out occasionally at my local rescue centre & have also applied to various places to get a loan horse. My own experiences are that most of the horses have had little schooling or are aged horses that cannot be ridden. All the horses loaned out will be in good health & suitable for your abilities. If you are looking for a companion for another horse then you should be able to find something fairly sensible without too much trouble but there is usually a long waiting list for anything ridable. The charity will want to be satisfied that you have the means & ability to provide for him & will inspect the horses prospective home & make occasional inspections during the time you have him & you will be expected to inform them if you move his home. Providing he is being properly looked after he will basically be your horse as the charity is unlikely to ask for him back. You would be responsible for all his care & expenses. There is not usually any tack provided with the horse & a charge of between £50 - £100 may be made to cover the charities delivery & admin costs. The charity will favour experienced horse owners who live locally to them & prefer him to have other horse companions.

I hope you find the right horse. Their are occasions when an owner, no longer able to look after their horse, offers it to the charity as they know that he will always be assured of a good home. I have seen some really lovely horses referred in this way. As a final thought, please remember that all horses may need vetinary attention at some stage. It is all too often that an owner returns a horse to the charity along with a huge vet's bill !

[*Anna*]

Thanks very much for that info - out of interest which charities have you applied to and have you had any success?
Good luck anyway!