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Horse owners have several options if they find themselves with an unwanted horse.
Market your horse privately. Post notices at riding stables, feed stores, in local horse publications, and in your local newspaper. (But never offer a horse as “free to a good home,” because you’re likely to attract unscrupulous people who will simply take the animal to the auction house to make a few bucks.) If there’s an equine therapy program in your community, let them know you have a horse you’re trying to place. Tell equine veterinarians you’re looking for a home for your horse. Farriers are also a great source of information about potential buyers. Contact horse trainers in your area. Be patient. It can take time to find the right home for a horse.
Contact horse rescue groups. They may or may not have room, but it’s always worth a call. They might also know of someone who’s looking for a horse. But don’t think you’re doing them a favor by “donating” your horse. In fact, it drives us crazy when we hear people use that term for surrendering a horse to a rescue group. A donation is a financial contribution of cash or goods. A horse costs money to care for. By agreeing to accept your horse, the rescue group is committing to spend their scarce resources on feeding and sheltering your animal. At least make a true donation if the group is able to take your horse.
If all else fails, ask your vet to euthanize your horse. This is always the hardest decision to make, but it’s a far better alternative than dying in a slaughterhouse or living a life of neglect. Administered by a vet, euthanasia is humane, safe and gentle. You can control what happens to your horse, and you’ll know he died peacefully.
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