MLHR Equine Fostering 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 (see our Adoption Policy above.) We also offer the option of long or short term fostering, as this releases space for urgent cases coming in and it allows our rescued equines to experience time in a loving home. As with Adoption, we make every effort to match the horse, donkey or mule with the potential fosterer in terms of temperament, ability and space. The conditions upon which a person fosters an equine from MLHR are all contained in our Foster Agreement.
Criteria for Fostering·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 ( i.e. 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 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 fostered horse, pony, donkey or mule.
• An equine will never be fostered if they are to be kept on their own. Company is always required – either existing equines in the home of the prospective fosterer or two equines will be rehomed together.
• The person applying to foster an equine must be over 18 years of age
• When we foster a horse to be trained into riding,  we require evidence of ability/experience

 
Process of Fostering 

• The prospective fosterer will fill in the questionnaire on our website, detailing their suitability as an fosterer.
• The rehoming team will process the form, contact the potential fosterer and set up a home check visit.
• The home checker will make sure that all of the above criteria are fulfilled.
• The home check will either fail, or pass.
• If it passes, the fosterer must fill in the MLHR Foster Agreement
• If it fails, the applicant will be informed.
• The equine can then be transported to their foster home.
• The equine, as per the Foster Agreement, always remains in the name of MLHR.

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