You Need To Know These

​Shared Experiences

• Horses often originate for sale and change hands several times, traveling through many states. This can go on for weeks resulting in illness, dehydration, emaciation etc. ​

 

• Horses are often sold beacuse they have an underlying medical issue and many cannot be easily recognized.

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• Unless there is confirmation from a licensed veterinarian that a horse can withstand transport more than a short distance, (a good guideline is 2 hours) it is best not to do so. Many do not make it due to underlying illnesses, dehydration, weakness etc. 

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• Even in these cases where a veterinarian may believe the horse is capable of handling more than a two hour trip, without necessary testing, that is not a guarantee.  ​​​

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• In our experience, many horses looking sound and somewhat healthy in videos and photos while in a pen ARE NOT.  They are also not presented with much honesty. 

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• The cost of paying for a horse is a small part of the expenses ahead. General horse care is expected but consider the expenses of veterinnary , farrier, dental care as well. 

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• Some horses may need the kindness of euthanasia. That should be an open conversation with the veterinarian.  Make sure they understand that if veterinary euthanasia is the best thing that you will consider it.

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• Remember,  a kinder passing is better than slaughter. 

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•  Be sure that your veterinarian is clear on what you have in mind for a horse such as, the result must be a sound horse, or the result can be a pasture only horse.  He should know to determine what should be done to reach that goal. 

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Rescue Care Guidelines-

American Asociation of Equine Practitioners

https://aaep.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/AAEP_Rescue_Retirement_Guidelines.pdf​​