Equine rehoming process

Through horse adoption you can make a real difference to an animal's life.
 

Finding the right horse for you 

If you believe you have the necessary skills, time and money to meet the welfare needs of horses and ponies, here's how you can find horses for adoption.

• Find a horse using our horse search.
• Download our horse and pony application form.
  Horse and pony application form (PDF 237KB)

Not all of the horses looking for homes are suitable for riding; others may need experienced people to bring them on. If you are looking for a riding horse, please be honest about your riding ability. Looking for your first horse? Read our horse rehoming page for advice.

Viewing an RSPCA rescue horse 

If your application is successful, you will be invited either to meet your chosen horse or meet a horse that may be better suited to you.

Our equine centres are in County Durham, Shropshire and Surrey. Our centres in Wales also have a selection of horses and ponies for rehoming. So you may have to travel if you want to adopt a horse because they are never rehomed unseen. You may even need to visit more than once if this is felt to be necessary.

Home visit and probation

Before a horse or pony can be adopted from us we always carry out a home visit. This gives us the opportunity to assess your expertise, commitment and facilities.

After your home visit you will need to arrange to transport your new horse or pony home.

You and your horse will be 'on probation' for six months during which time we will keep in touch and be on hand to help. We’ll also visit to make sure your horse is settled in and happy.
 

Happy endings

After a successful probation, the adoption is completed and the horse will be transferred permanently into your ownership.

Our staff and volunteers work tirelessly to rehabilitate the animals that come into our care; to see a rescued horse happily settled into a family home is the most rewarding experience in the world.