What does it Mean to Own Responsibly?
“There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.”
Our horses become a catalyst for personal accomplishment, the center of family activity, and a means to further social interaction among those who own horses. But the rewards come with a responsibility — caring for the life of an animal who will come to rely upon us for food, shelter, healthcare, education, and emotional interaction. Horse owners also quickly begin to understand the complexities of such a “life bargain,” and accept it without reservation.
There are times, however, when the bond between horse and owner must be broken: There are changes in our personal lives, changes in the health of the horse, and other such circumstances that dictate the necessity to move on from that connection with our horses. In this booklet we discuss just such situations, and how you as a horse owner can responsibly bring your ownership of a horse to a positive end. It’s something that new or long-time horse owners don’t like to think about, but preparing for the day when a horse may become considered “at risk” or in transition, has to be considered a fundamental aspect of horse ownership from the very first day we decide to own a horse.
No One Expects a Lifetime of Love to Change.
So, what happens to your horse, when something happens to you?
Life is uncertain. Most horses in rescue are there because something happened to their owner.
Don’t let yours become a statistic. Be a Responsible Owner.
Plan ahead and know your resources. The United Horse Coalition can help.
To learn more about the many educational resources available (all free!) to help owners plan for responsible ownership click here: Educational Materials
Estate Planning for your horse
Questions to ask when re-homing your horse
Programs that extend the useful lives of horses
End of life decisions and euthanasia
Aftercare options for equines
And more!
The United Horse Coalition also has presentations and recordings available on responsible ownership which can be found here: Webinars and Recordings – United Horse Coalition. If you, or someone you know are in need of help finding resources and safety net services local to you, please check the United Horse Coalitions Equine Resource Database for help.
Our Resources
Resources for Current Owners
- Facilities that accept horses (what to ask before surrendering/retiring a horse.)
- Feed and Hay Safety Net Programs
- Castration programs and clinics
- Funding for Veterinary Care
Resources for Prospective Owners
- Is Horse Ownership Right for Me?
- Basic Horse Care and Costs
- Alternatives to Buying a Horse
- Finding “The Right Horse”
- Planning for Long-Term Horse Welfare
Resources for Rescues and Sanctuaries
- Guidelines for Rescues
- Accreditation
- Match Horses with Adopters
- Non Profit Management/Fundraising
- Equine Welfare Grants
- USTA financial assistance
