One suggestion that is the best is to volunteer at a rescue so you have an idea of what you’re getting into. You can observe everything from how they care for starved horses, to the equipment and supplies that need to be kept on hand, to just how much feed a bunch of horses can really pack away! Use Google or the yellow pages to find a rescue close by and ask around to see if they are reputable. Pay attention to who they network with and try to meet their friends as these could be the same people that help you out some day.
Set yourself up as a foster home for one or two of their rescues. This will open up a spot at that rescue for another needy horse and will give you the opportunity to start out slow and small. There may be room on your farm for 4 times as many horses, but starting out with one or two will give you an idea of how much time and money they require… then do some math if you start to get “big ideas” too soon!
Another option is to do quarantines for the rescue. QTs usually last only 30 days and if you have no personal horses to put at risk, you will be providing an invaluable service to the rescue and can probably charge for doing this.Have a competent vet that you have a good relationship with. Find out how he feels about horses with compromised health so you both see eye to eye when the hard question arises. Even better if he will allow for a payment plan or reduced rates to your rescue.
Rescue horses can arrive with issues such as undiagnosed and untreated illness or injury, behavioral issues with other horses, and very fearful of people. Learning retraining skills can make a big difference in how adoptable your rescues will be. Keep in mind your time and effort working with these horses, combined with vet fees, feed costs, hoof trimmings and such will never be compensated by adoption fees.
Have an adoption contract and stick with it. Many rescues will offer theirs as examples so you can pick and choose points you like. Contracts are done for the protection of the horse so that if it is abandoned, neglected, or abused, the rescue can reclaim him or the horse can be returned to the rescue if the adopter no longer can care for the horse. A contract is for the protection of the horse and should not be too restrictive, and an adopter that is on the up and up should have no problems signing a contract. Ask for references and follow up on them.
Money…. BIG issue here as rescues need this to keep going. Some people rely on donations and some just work to pay for their rescue’s needs, keeping only as many horses as they can afford. Fund raising is almost a full time job in itself… and this is where friends come in. Networking with other rescues can keep you informed of what grants and other opportunities are out there. Network with your friends so you have someone to buy whatever you may be selling.... and hopefully they will pass it on to their friends.
OK, this is a start….the tip of the iceberg.
