Spirit of Equus Rescue offers three options
for you to consider in helping our rescued horses. One option is a full or partial lease for 6 months or more, the second
option is adoption, and the third option is providing a foster home on a temporary basis.
LEASE
For
leasing, each case is considered on its own merits. Our goal is to provide a happy and congruent experience for the horse
and the lessor.
Lease fees are negotiable depending on the terms of the lease.
Leases may be terminated at
any time by the Rescue or by the Lessor. On-site lease is available if the rescue facility can accommodate an arena, round
pen and trail-riding. If the lease is off-site, the Rescue retains the right to visit the leased horse and observe its health
and well-being anytime during the lease option.
ADOPTION
Adoption is a very serious commitment. Our adoptions require a home for the duration of
the horse’s life, the ability to financially support the horse, an environment approved by the rescue, and a gentle,
natural horsemanship orientation. Our horses are given a voice in choosing their new “human.” Horse and potential
adopter must develop a compatible relationship before an approval would be given. In most cases adoption begins as a lease,
with periodic visitations from the rescue staff to ensure the horse is adapting comfortably to his new environment and the
lessor is pleased with the arrangement. Bonding of the horse and human is equally as important as the physical environment,
so staff will be monitoring that progress as well.
Since horses are herd animals, we require that the
new home provide a minimum of one other horse companion.
The adoption fee is tax deductible and reflects a portion of the out- of-pocket
expenses incurred by the Rescue to house, feed and rehabilitate the horse. This fee allows the Rescue to continue its work.
Adoption fees vary. They may be paid in cash or by credit card through PayPal.
Ownership may or may not transfer with
adoption, depending on the circumstances.
The Rescue Adoption contract specifically forbids the resale, or gifting,
of the horse to a third party without the written permission of the Rescue. If an adopter can no longer care for a horse or
is not happy with the transaction, the horse will be returned to the Rescue. Similarly, in case of the horse’s ill health
or life-threatening injury, the Rescue retains the right to consultation and participation as a decision-maker in determining
the fate of the horse.
FOSTER CARE
Would you like to provide a foster home for a rescued horse? This is a temporary
home which can help the Rescue particularly if our facility is full. The same guidelines and expectations of quality
of care hold for fostering as in adoption or lease.
Foster homes would be helpful in the following situations: 1) a horse needs
to be quarantined or under strict confinement due to illness or injury and the Rescue cannot accommodate the needs of
the horse at its own facility 2) the Rescue has no space for an additional horse, but a horse is in immediate need of
assistance.
Foster homes are like a "second site" for the Rescue, providing additional space
and hands-on care. Foster homes must meet the same criteria as the Rescue facility and its volunteers.
Depending upon the circumstances of each individual case, a foster home may
be asked to provide the financial support for the horse while in their care. If the horse has a sponsor, however, the funds
from the sponsor will be used to provide feed and health care.
Our horses require 24 hour supervision.
If you feel you can provide a
loving, forever home or temporary foster home, please contact the director and discuss your questions and arrange for a visit
to the Rescue. We appreciate your interest in our special horses.
