how can i ensure that the horse i am offering for free goes to a good home only?

Question

she has heaves

Answer 1

Ultimately...you can't. But you could draw up a sales contract stipulating the things you think are important. At least then, they'd have to sign that they agree with you on those things, and if the violated them (and make sure you have a witness sign, too) you might have the option of taking them to court.

Alternatively, you might try donating to a College riding program if your horse is suitable temperament- and soundness-wise. I know from personal experience that they usually get pretty good care and LOTS of attention from the students. Or maybe a therapeutic riding program is right, which would be even better I think as far as quality of life goes.

Otherwise, I would suggest you get letters of references, ask for a veterinary reference and CALL THEM. I work with a boxer dog rescue, and you'd be amazed at how many negative references we get from names the potential adopters give us. I guess they don't think we'll really call. You might also arrange to visit where the horse will be kept so you feel comfortable about its destination.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Giving a horse away is the easy option, but it is not the best thing for this horse.

Unless you maintain ownership of the horse, and offer it on loan (with a contract), you cannot be assured that the horse is in a safe home, and you will have no means of legal come back should the people who take it on neglect it in any way.
The chances of a horse, who has a medical problem, being placed in a good home for life are slim. Most such horses end up on a downward spiral, being passed from home to home, and eventually to market and the knacker man. Believe me, I've been in the horse business all my life, and have seen it happen more times than I can count. It's heart breaking beyond words.

Recently a lady I know sent two of her retired horses to a woman advertising for a companion for her hunter. Both horses were shipped, on the hoof, to France the following week. She had checked out the premises and was more than satisfied that her beloved animals were going to a safe home. She was wrong, and continues to break her heart over it. Because she 'gave' the horses away, she had no means of come back whatsoever.

PLEASE DON'T LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOUR HORSE.

If you maintain ownership, and resolve to keep a check on the horses welfare, you will sleep soundly at night. If this is too much hassle, ask yourself, would you prefer the animal to be put to sleep at home, or suffer the fear and pain of shipping and slaughter?

Answer 3

As somebody has already said here,don't give it away,people are more likely to take good care of a horse they have paid for. A free or cheap horse invites people who either don't have the finances or don't want a horse bad enough to pay a decent price for it,OR those that will turn around and sell it,sometimes to be slaughtered. Anyone that knows enough to provide a good home should know there is no such thing as a free horse. Price the horse fairly,taking in to account it's training,temprement etc. and what you paid for it,but most definetely price it above what it would go for as a canner. Although,I gave away an old gelding to a lady who just wanted him for a baby-sitter/companion for younger horses,last time I knew he was slick,shiny,and very spoiled.

Answer 4

I am by no means an expert, but if you are offering the horse for free to a good home, you should be able to ask for some proof that it is a hood home it's going to. ask questions like if they've evr had a horse before, if they have why they ot rid of it, where they plan to keep it, if they plan to ride it or work it, ect. I'm sure as well that you would be well within your right to ask to see where it would be kept, just so you can check it out (if it's nearby of course) Also you can judge by the way they act towards the horse, if they're nice and friendly or not.

Answer 5

1) Make a deal with the person that they can have him for free if you are allowed to visit him every 3 weeks for the next 3 months, just to check up-- or however you want to do it... Make sure you put it in the buying contract =)

2) Ask them if you can check out their facilities and property first, i'm sure they will understand-- and if they do not agree then don't give your horse to them... most people would be more than happy to show you around their farm.

3) If they have other horses, get the number to their vet and call and see if their horses have recieved ferrier care, regular shots, etc... make sure you inform him on why you want to know the information. Make sure you tell the vet that is going to be caring for your horse with the new owners that he has Heaves-- that way the vet will know if he is recieveing the proper care and can call you if he is not.

4) A lot of new owners aren't willing to do this but if you can get them to sign for this it would be a great idea.... If you feel that your horse isn't recieveing proper care for his condition ( and make sure you specify what you consider as "proper care") then after 3 months then they have to hand over their ownership. Make something in the contract like this "If the horse is not recieveing monthly shots, and vet care ( or whatever he needs monthly) for his condition during the first three months of your owner ship, then i have the right to resume ownership and the horse must be handed over. I give my word that i will not try and resume ownership if i miss him, or find a better offer after he has been signed over to you ( etc...). As long as you keep up on his vet care for the first 3 months i have checked up on him for, then he is rightfully yours."

5)Make sure when you give the horse to them that you have detailed instructions on how to feed him, how to vet care him, etc... and with anything on any special care he needs... List any of his bad manners or quirks. ( i.e he is scared of tractors )

*** Just remeber to try not to get into these people's business too much, they will want their privacy too and they will probably take good care of the horse if they are willing to take him with heaves-- because that will require a lot of extra money spending for them ****

Answer 6

A rule of thumb is: Most people tend not to appreciate something as much if they don't have to pay for it. They have no financial investment in it. As cold as that sounds it is true and particularly with larger animals.

Horses require a great deal of care. Yes they can pasture and graze off grass, but they still need other food. They also need vetting, clean area to sleep in especially when it is brutally cold or really hot. this all takes dedication and money.

People see "free" and want it for the novelty. That novelty soon wears off when they find out how much work and money is involved. Thay cannot and will not expend the money to provide adequate housing and fencing.

Also there are MANY unscrupilous people who search the want ads for "free" animals. They then turn around and sell them to a research facility for some pretty hefty money at times.

I don't know your situation, but if it is an emergency and you need to find a home immediately, call one of the horse (equine) rescue groups in your area and ask for their help. They will find a home for it. In fact call them anyway. They may have a list of people who want a horse, but can't afford to pay big money. They DO check people out.

If you have some time, at least put a dollar amount on the animal. The majority of people who pay tend to take better care of their animals.

Please be judicious with your choice. Horses can suffer horribly at the hands of a careless owner.

I've listed below a very fine group of people who can possibly help you.

Answer 7

Assuming she's rideable, donate her to a non profit organization, or find an animal shelter that can check backgrounds for you. Or do the legwork yourself and check out the people, write up a contract, have it notorized, and make sure to add in a clause for first buyback rights.

Just a side note, while pricey even bad cases of heaves are treatable with daily food additives and small things like changing her location and wetting hay. One of our best broodmares had medium heaves.

Answer 8

i am not a horse owner at the momment as i do not have the money to buy one but if i were u i would ask that they tell u a bit about what they know about the responsibilitys of horse ownership and get them to describe the following
1)what do u want a horse for
2)how will u look after my horse
3)can u afford vet bills if my horse gets sick
and so on dont do all the talking for them let them tell u things they know.I would love for u to find a great home for ur horse and hope i could help plz let me know and good luck
candy!

Answer 9

First of all, you need to research who the people are that wish to recieve your horse. Do they have experience in owning a horse? Do they have the acerageor space in which to take care of a horse? Is your horse a rider horse, is it older in years, is there any type of special care, either social or medical care that your horse needs in order to maintain overall good health? You need to take a good long look at your horse, take a look at the obligations that are entailed in taking care of your particular horse, then sit down, and write out a list of questions for people to answer before you just give your beloved pet away. You may also wish to try to find out any court proceedings or background checks to find out about any pet neglect, animal abuse or anything else that you deem inappropriate for a person to won an animal that needs that kind of care that a horse requires. I hope that this helps! Good luck!

Answer 10

If they have other horses or other animals, ask for their vets number and call them to ensure that they are keeping up with routine vet care. If they have no pets, ask for a reference. If possible, you can request a home check prior to adopting out your horse. This way you can see where the horse will be going and if it is a suitable home for him/her.