Are you committed to horse ownership?
A horse can provide a thrilling new dimension to your life, but only if you are both fully prepared for your future together.
You must be prepared to attend to your horse at least twice a day, rain or shine, and care for its health and wellbeing to a high standard throughout its lifetime.
An average age for a horse or pony may be twenty-something years, and they have been known to live far longer, well into their thirties.
Towards the end of its life it will require more care, yet will not be capable of much work. Are you brave enough to have your horse put to sleep to save his suffering in old age?
The total cost of keeping a horse could amount to over £70,000 during its lifetime, so a substantial commitment is required.
Looking for your first horse?
A lot of our horses will not be suitable for new horse owners.
It may be that you are very keen, have done some riding, but have no experience of horse care.
If this is the case, try to do some basic qualifications in stable management but be sure to combine this with practical experience as well.
Ask at your local riding school if there is something you can do to help, and don't shirk the early shift!
Horses do not work on a 9-5 basis.
Getting out there in the dark and muddy mid-winter is the only way to find out how keen you really are.
If you are under 18 years of age, an adult must adopt on your behalf and they need to prove their commitment to the project as well.
If you are looking for a riding horse, bear in mind that your riding skills will be assessed as well.
You may need to travel to an equine centre to try the horse more than once if this is felt to be necessary to ensure that you and the horse are right for each other.
If you would like to adopt a horse or pony from the RSPCA and believe that you have the necessary skills, time and money to do so, please use the contact details provided in the individual special appeals or download our adoption form:
Horse and Pony Application Form (PDF 62.9KB)
