Happy Horses Sanctuary is devoted to finding the right Guardian home for the horses and ponies we care for, if and when they are capable of leading a fulfilling life outside of the Sanctuary. Some will need to stay with us for the rest of their lives.

Firstly you need to contact us with your requirements - consider carefully what type of horse you are looking for and what you will want to do with them. Once we have assessed your requirements and if we have a horse or pony suitable, we will invite you to the Sanctuary to meet the horses.

For a rideable horse a donation of £1,700 (includes tack) is requested and for ponies or companion animals a donation of between £250 and £700 is requested (depending on the equine in question). These vital donations enable survival of the Sanctuary and provide proof that guardians are financially capable of caring for the horses and ponies we rehome.

Yes, you will need to sign a legally binding agreement which states that the horse/pony cannot be moved to other premises without our permission, can not be sold or used for breeding and that you are responsible for all costs incurred in relation to that animal whilst they are in your care. It also states that the donation given to the Sanctuary is non-refundable even if the horse/pony is returned to the Sanctuary.

 You can collect the horse or pony via your own transport. Alternatively the Sanctuary can arrange to deliver them - the donation required for this service depends on the distance from the Sanctuary to the new home.

If everything is satisfactory you can keep the horse for the rest of its life. Ideally we are looking for long term homes, however, if your circumstances change the horse can be returned to us at your expense. You can only transfer ownership of the horse to someone else if you obtain written permission from Happy Horses Sanctuary.

All our horses are open to vet before you offer them a home and part of the agreement is that all costs for veterinary care will fall to the guardian. Please notify us of any treatment the horse or pony receives. If the illness is serious, we will discuss the possibility of euthanasia with you and the vet. If this is the kindest option then it must be done on the premises where the animal is kept - we do not allow any of our horses or ponies to be taken to the slaughterhouse or local hunt kennels. We do advise that you insure the horse for a minimum premium to cover vet fees and saddlery.

Yes, as long as the horse is capable. However, is it not permitted to use the horse for commercial gain i.e. riding schools or trekking centres.

Some of our horses are suitable for riding but as they are rescue animals this is restricted to light hacking only.

We are always looking for homes for companion horses and ponies. If you can accommodate a companion animal please contact us for more information.

Many of the horses and ponies in our care have come from troubled backgrounds or have health issues. These may range from allergies which can be managed by excluding certain foods, to laminitis or Navicular which will require life long care and consideration. Others may have behavioural issues. Please be honest with us as to your capabilities and whether you are able to care for an animal with special requirements.

Yes. Insurance for a rehomed horse is the direct responsibility of the guardian. We suggest a minimum of public liability, vet fees and tack to be covered by insurance premiums.

You will need to notify us in advance so we can ensure that the new home is suitable for the horse in your care.

The horse will need to be returned to the Sanctuary at your expense. We would expect any remaining insurance policies to be signed over to the sanctuary. You can only transfer ownership of the horse to someone else if you obtain written permission from Happy Horses Sanctuary.