Help needed to rehome veterans
The Veteran Horse Society has been inundated with horses aged 15 years and over that are looking for new homes since it launched its rehoming service in 2001.
At the moment the society has around 25 horses and ponies looking for homes, although the situation changes on a daily basis.
“The easiest veterans to rehome are 15hh cob types,” explains VHS founder Julianne Aston. “Smaller first ponies are also snapped up quickly, while Thoroughbred types tend to be remain on the database for much longer.”
The society will acceptany horse or pony over the age of 15 into its rehoming scheme, which links veterans with horseowners that are experienced in caring for elderly equines.
“We work as a meeting point between owners and carers,” says Julianne. “Horses are only rehomed with carers who are members of the society and horses are visited every six months by our field officers to ensure they are receiving a good standard of care.
“Although we have many people interested in rehoming veterans, we are particular short of carers who are experienced with Thoroughbreds, despite having a number of TB-types registered with us as needing homes.”
Home needed for Muna
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Among the rehoming scheme’slatest additions is a 24-year-old 13.2hh Halflinger pony mare, which retired from her role as a much-loved schoolmaster at the Horse Rangers headquarters at Hampton Court, 12 months ago.
Despite being described as “a wonderful ponywith a heart of gold”, Muna has had nine different homes between leaving Horse Rangers and being gifted to the Veteran Horse Society.
“When we collected Muna she had not been groomed or had her feet trimmed for months,” says Julianne. “She was also extremely overweight, which was affecting her breathing and she was quite stiff. We are working to reduce her weight at the moment, which will help relieve her health problems.”
Muna is now living at the Veteran Horse Society’s headquarters in Cardigan, Wales. She is expected to be ready for re-homing in August.
“Muna still has a lot to offer the right home,” says Julianne. “She will be an ideal companion animal, who will enjoy some gentle work from a lightweight rider. However, she will need a home with other horses as she becomes upset on her own.”
If you are interested in rehoming Muna please contact the VHS rehoming hotline (tel: 01239 881300/310).
For details of other veterans looking for homes visit www.veteran-horse-society.co.uk
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Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.