As Second Chance Horse Rescue does not yet have land or facilities to take in neglected, abused and abandoned horses and ponies, we look to people like you with a kind enough heart to take in and rehabilitate these animals themselves.

Fostering is hard work and of course will be one of the most rewarding experiences you'll ever have and will give you memories to treasure forever.

Second Chance will of course include a full foster agreement to ensure that the animal receives the best of care and that both parties are in full awareness of their parts in the care for the horse or pony.

First, you MUST be a current Member of Second Chance and remain a member until the horse or pony leaves your care. For Membership Applications, visit here. You must read through the information and then fill out a Fostering Application Form. You will need to email us to express your interest and have this form sent to you.

When we receive your application, we will arrange an inspection of the property where you wish to keep your foster animal to ensure that the facilities are safe and secure. During this time we will speak with you at length to assess and ensure that you have adequate knowledge to care for a rescue horse. Once this step has been completed you will be put on our database so we can refer to your details whenever a rescue comes into our care to see if it is suitable for you.

We also require 3 equine references, professionals in the horse industry such as your farrier, veterinarian, dental practitioner, riding instructor etc who can vouch for your equine experience and level of care.

When a horse or pony suiting your experience and circumstances comes into our care, we will contact you immediately to arrange transportation of the rescue to its new home with you. We will also provide you with all known history in regards to the rescue so you are well prepared to care for it.

• Horses must have a sheltered area to be fed in and feed must be placed in a appropriate feed bucket or hay-net.
• Suitable company.
• Horses must have 24 hour access to clean, fresh water.
• ‘Foster Parents’ must have a minimum of 5 years of horse care experience/lessons.
• No horse or pony owned by Second Chance may be removed from its nominated Foster home without prior notice and permission from a Management Committee Member.

You, as a Foster home, will be responsible for the horse or pony’s day-to-day care and well-being. You are required to ensure that the animal’s environment is safe and secure. You are responsible financially for the horse’s feed, regular worming and general hoof care.

You may not remove the horse or pony from its nominated home without prior written warning to Second Chance, including the details as to why you are moving the animal and where it will be going.

You may not sell, sub-lease or give any of Second Chance’s horses or ponies to another person.

 You pay for:

We will cover the costs of all required Veterinary care (including immunisations, drench, micro-chip and any other treatment required) and medications should they be prescribed. We will cover all dental costs and any other required treatments. Second Chance will also take full responsibility for euthanasia and disposal of the body should the worst come to worst.

We will visit you every two months whilst the horse or pony is in your care to see how you and your Fostered Rescue are doing. Second Chance also provides an expansive advisory and assistance service. We will also take care of anything concerning re-training and dealing with those horses who have ‘people problems’ and may be difficult to work with.

Should you encounter any problems or issues regarding anything to do with your Fostered animal, we will do our utmost to solve the problem quickly and effectively.

We pay for:  

Should your circumstances change at all and you wish to return your foster animal to Second Chance to be re-fostered or adopted elsewhere, we require adequate notice in writing. This allows us adequate time to find alternative accommodation that suits the animal's needs.

If you develop a special bond with your Foster animal, and wish to permanently adopt it, the adoption fee is waived as a thanks for the effort and money you’ve put in to help this horse or pony already.