In addressing the raging brush fires in Australia, the Australian horse welfare organization is addressing the plight of horses that need rescuing, not only as a result of the fires, but on a day-to-day basis. They have some very good advice for those who want to help horses caught in unfortunate circumstances.
Horse rescuer - Be prepared
Rescue horses are a varied bunch, but it's fair to say that their rough backgrounds may lead to problems that a lot of horse owners would never otherwise encounter.
It is heartening to see that more and more people are taking in horses that need help. It’s a sad fact that there are far more horses in Australia than there are good homes for them, and horse rescue and welfare organisations can only take in a small proportion of the total. Don’t forget that adopting a horse from a welfare organisation makes space for them to help another one.
The most important thing you can do, if you are keen on rescuing a horse, is to be really, REALLY, well prepared. “Rescue horses” are a varied bunch, but it’s fair to say that their rough backgrounds may lead to problems that a lot of horse owners would never otherwise encounter.
No matter how experienced you are, it is advisable to have a network of experienced horse people around you for ideas and support, including vets, farriers/hoof trimmers, trainers/breakers, etc.
Before you find yourself in a situation where you have to decide whether to take in a needy horse, as a minimum you should think carefully about the following:
Your horse handling experience
Horses in poor or unhealthy condition may be quieter than they otherwise would be. So it is best to be prepared in case there are unexpected changes in the horse’s behaviour once you get it home, especially as they start to gain weight and feel good again!
If you are looking to buy a horse from the “dogger sales”, remember the horse may be there because the owner was unable to sell it by other means. This may be for many reasons, including health problems or various “training issues” that have made a horse dangerous to handle. It is also worth bearing in mind that it is not unheard of for unscrupulous people to drug horses so they appear quieter.
Your horse health experience and general horse management skills/knowledge
Rescue horses may have special needs, and very underweight horses may be more at risk of ailments such as colic. Have you had experience with common horse illnesses and injuries, such as colic and cut legs? Can you put on a bandage and give an injection? Can you recognise the signs of a sick horse, including subtle behavioural changes?
Your budget
Horse feed is not cheap, and skinny horses will obviously cost more to feed until they are a healthy weight. Health-wise, the following are general requirements for new rescues – health check from a vet, dental check-up, hoof care, vaccinations, worming, and perhaps chiropractor/massage/other rehabilitation for injuries. If the horse is a colt or stallion, you should also be budgeting for the cost of gelding. Add to this any new equipment you might need, eg. halter, lead rope and rug/s.
Your time
Rescue horses can require a lot more of your time than normal horses. Eg. Extra washes for skin problems, time spent gaining their trust, ground work training, etc.
What sort of horse can you take on?
Big/small, old/young, handled/unhandled, quiet/nervous. Do you have an appropriate place to keep the horse? What about transport? - Important considerations with any horse. If the horse is unhandled, you’ll need a suitable place for handling. Stallions and colts will need high fences also.
Are you emotionally prepared?
While rescuing a horse can be extremely emotionally rewarding, it can also be draining and in some cases completely devastating. Some horses are so malnourished that they don’t make it, or have health problems that cannot be overcome. Are you prepared to euthanize the horse if necessary? Unfortunately burial/cremation is another expense to be prepared for.