MLHR Equine Adoption Policy

One of our fundamental aims in MLHR is to rehome the equines that come into our care, in order to make sure that they have a chance at life in a loving and experienced home. We will make every effort to match the horse, donkey or mule with the potential adopter in terms of temperament, ability and space. The conditions upon which a person adopts an equine from MLHR are all contained in our  Adoption Agreement.
Criteria for adoption·Previous equine experience – preferably that the person has previously owned equines. Where this is not the case, they must have had experience working with and caring for them.

• Appropriate facilities – to include both land and shelter. In relation to land we would want appropriate fencing (no barbed wire), natural shelter and good pasture (ie horse appropriate – ragwort free, not horse sick etc.). In relation to shelter - this can take the form of properly constructed field shelters or barns or loose boxes or stables. Fresh running water a necessity.
• An Equine Premises number or a herd number to which equines have been added.
• A relationship with a vet and farrier – so that we know who will be seeing to the ongoing care of the adopted horse, pony, donkey or mule.
• A commitment to the financial support required – for vet, farrier, equine dentist, bedding, feed, transport, land rental etc.
• A horse will never be rehomed if they are to be kept on their own. Company always required – either existing horses in the home of the prospective adopter, or two equines will be rehomed together.
• The person applying to rehome an equine must be over 18 years of age
• For riding horses we require evidence of ability/experience
• If the horse is being adopted for a young rider, we need to be informed of what plans are in place once the rider outgrows the horse

 
Process of Adoption 

1. The prospective adopter will fill in the questionnaire on our website, detailing their suitability as an adopter.
2. The rehoming team will process the form, contact the potential adopter and set up a home check visit.
3. The home checker will make sure that all of the above criteria are fulfilled.
4. The home check will either fail, or pass.
5. If it passes, the adopter must fill in the MLHR Adoption Agreement below
6. If it fails, the applicant will be informed.
7. The equine can then be transported to the new home.
8. The equine, as per the Adoption Agreement, always remains in the name of MLHR.

1. If the terms of the contract in the Adoption Agreement are breached in any way, MLHR reserves the right to seek legal redress.