Successful applications

Who owns the horse?

The rehoming fee is a loan fee, not a purchase price. We retain ownership of our horses throughout their lives – but many of our rehomers have their World Horse Welfare horse for life and consider them very much part of the family.

What does the horse come with?

Our horses are not rehomed with any tack, rugs or equipment and rehomers are responsible for arranging transport to take the horse home. If you arrange for a professional equine transporter to collect the horse on your behalf they should have all the equipment necessary, but if you are collecting the horse yourself do make sure you bring a headcollar with you as well as any travel boots/bandages – plus of course a haynet to keep your new friend occupied on the way home! The farm team will be able to advise on the appropriate headcollar size and whether the horse is used to wearing boots or not. Our farms have second-hand tack available for purchase so they may be able to advise on whether anything suitable is available through that route.

Will you deliver the horse?

If your application is successful you will be responsible for transport arrangements and costs. Our team may be able to suggest a number of reputable equine transport companies should you need one. If you arrange for a professional equine transporter to collect the horse on your behalf they should have all the equipment necessary, but if you are collecting the horse yourself do make sure you bring a headcollar with you as well as any travel boots/bandages – plus of course a haynet to keep your new friend occupied on the way home! The farm team will be able to advise on the appropriate headcollar size and whether the horse is used to wearing boots or not. Our farms have second-hand tack available for purchase so they may be able to advise on whether anything suitable is available through that route. If you are collecting the horse yourself, please do not be offended if our team ask you questions about the vehicle you intend to use – it is important that we make sure our horses are travelled appropriately (which may vary from one horse to another) and we would hate for you to have a wasted journey because we had not checked details beforehand.

What happens if the horse turns out to be unsuitable/doesn’t settle?

If the horse turns out to be unsuitable or doesn’t settle in the home we will always take them back. If it’s possible you may be given the option to swap them for another horse. Please note it often takes much longer for horses to settle in than people expect and we encourage all rehomers to allow time for the horse to become comfortable in their new surroundings before attempting to ride them or leaving them on their own whilst another horse is ridden. We are always very happy to offer advice on helping to manage this situation.

Do I need to take out insurance for my rehomed horse?

All our rehomers must be World Horse Welfare ChampionPlus members prior to the horse leaving our centre and continue as members throughout the time that they have the horse – this is our way of ensuring that all of our rehomed horses are covered by third-party liability insurance. We strongly recommend that rehomers take out veterinary cover as veterinary fees are the responsibility of the rehomer.

Are there any limitations on what I can do with my rehomed horse?

Our horses are categorised according to their individual capability and future potential (where applicable). Your rehoming agreement will set out exactly what the individual horse can and can’t do as well as detailing our overall terms and conditions. Find out more about our categories.

What happens if my situation changes and I can’t keep the horse?

If your situation changes we will always take the horse back (please note that rehomers are responsible for arranging the horse’s transport back to the farm). We do ask for a month’s notice but will always try our best to help more quickly in an emergency situation. The horse will be reassessed by our team when they return to the farm with a view to rehoming them again.

What happens if I rehome a youngster?

We are always looking for experienced homes for our young horses where they can receive regular handling to further their education. We have a number of rehomers who find it very rewarding to take on youngsters to continue their education and keep their own youngster company but return them when their own horse is ready to be backed. If you do want to back your rehomed horse yourself and have the experience to do so we’re very happy for you to do that. Some of our rehomers don’t personally have the experience (or facilities) to back the horse themselves so will work with others who do, or arrange for the horse to be backed professionally. We are not able to provide this service.

Can World Horse Welfare staff come and help me back my horse to ride?

Rehomers are responsible for all day-to-day care of their rehomed horse, including training as appropriate. Although we offer a wide range of support via our telephone Advice Line – 01953 497238 – we are unable to send staff out to help you with your horse in person.

Can my rehomed horse come back to you for short-term/holiday livery?

We are not able to offer livery – either long or short-term – at our Rescue and Rehoming Centres.

Can I keep my rehomed horse at your centre?

We are not able to offer livery – either long or short-term – at our Rescue and Rehoming Centres. If you don’t have the facilities to keep your rehomed horse at home you’re very welcome to keep them at a livery yard, subject to our usual home check.