NEWC Members produce useful information for owners who cannot keep or look after their horse any longer.  It is advisable to read lots of information and then make up your mind what is best for you and your animal. Do not bury your head in the sand and leave this until the last minute, as you may find it really difficult to cope with.

Please try to contact only one organisation at a time to request more advice as this saves them time and resources.

If you succeed in finding a new home for your equine please remember the following:

• Is the organisation a member of NEWC? If not, check the credibility of any organisation that offers a place to your animal.  It is quite in order to visit and inspect where your horse or pony will live.
• If an organisation advertises itself as a registered charity, check this on the Charity Commission website. 
• Most organisations will ask for a donation towards costs.  It is quite acceptable to ask what this donation will cover. Never make a cheque payable to an individual only to the organisation.
• If your animal suffers from a veterinary condition, you may be asked to supply an up to date vets report.
• If an organisation indicates that it will re-home your animal on their loan scheme make sure they have been given all information and reports supporting what work the animal can and cannot do.
• Remember that you will have to sign a legal document transferring ownership to the organisation. Once this is done, you will have no say as to what happens to your animal.
• If you decide to put the equine on loan privately, then draw up a legally binding loan agreement.  Examples of these can be obtained from the BHS, Horse Trust and Redwings. See Leasing & Loaning

Finally, please inform all organisations who have put your name on a waiting list so that a place can be made available for another needy animal.

For further information contact:

Blue Cross: Care of the Companion and Older Horse

Redwings Horse Sanctuary: Retiring Gracefully

The Horse Trust: Caring for Old and Retired Horses

Veteran Horse Welfare: General Advice