Is a "Project/Rescue Horse" For You?

In the course of this latest Adventure with Horsemanship many questions have been received about working with a project/rescue horse and if it is for everyone since you can find horses cheap, especially on the Internet. Figured we would write down our thought on the matter and share them here.

INTERLUDE: IS A “PROJECT HORSE” FOR YOU?

Rescue horses and projects horses. What does the REALLY mean to you the potential horse owner? The term “rescue” is often times over used. We say “rescue” horse but we mean “project” horse. While not every rescue horse is at death’s door there is usually evidence of neglect or abuse on some level and that will have to be evaluated and addressed before rehabilitation and training can effectively proceed. Project horses can have some of these characteristics like poor hoof care and low weight but their situation is not life threatening (but often times it is not good either). Having done both rescue (worked with a local shelter) and project horses there are some common elements that have to be considered. With the advent of “for sale” forums on social media sites like Facebook it is easy to get lulled into the idea that you can find a great horse cheap right off the trailer. The truth is MUCH different and as a potential horse owner one has to be prepared. Each experience with these horses has been rewarding it its own way. We have learned a great deal and helped some horses in the process. We are also blessed with an awesome network of knowledgeable horse enthusiasts and equine professionals who have helped us when we have hit a sticking point. Even if YOU have such a network we don’t recommend going down the rescue/project trail to anyone who is not willing to REALLY think about what they are getting into. It takes a certain level of dedication, commitment and focus which many folks are not, for a variety of reasons, unable to truly have no matter what their intentions of the heart may be. The horse and its well being MUST come first.

Rescue Horse or General Sale Horse?

Well trained, well cared for horses are NOT cheap. Just look at any of the social media forums if you want to see what the market in your area supports. An experienced, safe and well trained horse that is suitable for the novice rider may range anywhere from $2000.00 to $5000.00 or more. Why? Simple. THEY ARE SAFE, WELL TRAINED and IN GOOD SHAPE. Not only are you paying for the horse but all the TIME, ENERGY and CARE that went into helping this horse be awesome! You need to acknowledge that “you get what you pay for” and you need to keep you “wish list” realistic when looking at a rescue over a general sale horse purchase. In most cases the general horse is good to go soon after it comes homes (a couple of days to settle in is not a bad idea, as well as bonding time in the round pen before you ride) and will have all the skills you want. (NOTE: Be aware that while some haggling on price may be allowed the Buyer needs to recognize the time, effort and training that went into the horse and respect that by not low-balling an offer. It is insulting and rude. It is also the best way to get “fired” as a buyer.). The rescue/project horse may have the skills you want but there is also issues which can range from general health to real fear which have hindered the horse in some way. As a potential buyer you have to recognize this and be willing to work with it to get the horse “cheap” or recognize that a rescue/project horse is not for you.

Why is the horse in need of “rescue” and not simply being sold?

This is a valid question to ask. Sometimes it comes down to “life”, time and finances. Horses are not cheap to own (especially in California). If a household loses income or faces some major hardship they may need to rehome said horse quickly for the sake of the animal’s well-being.

Selling a horse for fair market value takes REAL time and preparation. Making sure the horse is looking good and is well trained takes real effort before it ever is shown to a potential buyer. Add to this all the time it takes to actually show the horse to multiple families who are so often unprepared or unclear about what they want and have failed to do their homework to understand the fair market value of a breed/type with the skills they want. It is both time consuming and at times frustrating.

 In a rescue situation this may not be the case. Sometimes the horse and human simply don’t fit well together. It happens. Horses, like humans have personalities and aptitudes. If the team does not work it is tough to want to keep it together. Sometimes there is health issues or behavior issues that come up. Sometimes the horse needs more care, training or time than the human has to give. Sometimes it is a combination of all of the above and more. The bottom line is this: There is some “issue” and the human needs out of the relationship quickly. If you are thinking of adopting a “rescue” horse keep this in mind! The horse may not behave well or act in a manner that can be less than optimal. Be ready for this and be willing to use sensitivity and empathy for the horse, the human and the situation.

Is Cheap/ Free really Cheap/Free?

The answer is no. While the upfront investment may be appealing because of the low to no cost (we have gotten project horses for free before) to you, the REALITY is that horse is going to COST you MONEY and TIME! Besides the normal feeding, housing, hoof care and vet visits, you may be looking at additional supplements and special health care/ hoof care needs to help the horse be happy and healthy. You may need to increase your tack and saddle collection (Your tools, your tack and your saddle need to fit the new horse!) on some level, especially if the horse is young and growing! In most cases there is some gap in the horse’s training or there are behavior issues that need to be dealt with. An investment of TIME, MONEY (even if you do it all yourself) or BOTH is going to be needed to help fill those gaps to ensure the horse has a solid foundation. This is a COMMITMENT that has to be acknowledged and made. If you can’t budget for additional training, either by you several times a week or by a reputable trainer, then DO NO GET THE HORSE. Remember you are taking on a horse that for whatever reason could not be a general sale horse (see above). You are going to take on whatever baggage that horse has and will need to commit to the process of helping it become a good equine citizen. Keep this in mind.

“Wish List” versus Reality – Can I Get What I Want?

As was stated earlier in this post, you get what you pay for. Ask yourself what you REALLY want and what you can REALLY handle. If you need a pasture pet or companion horse then your needs are easy and finding a “free to a good home” horse is going to be easy too. However, if your “needs” call for a well trained, well adjusted, kid safe horse that is good for the novice rider but your budget is less than $500.00 you are, quite frankly, being unrealistic! Yet, that is what so many people expect! Crazy, right? Think about it this way. If YOU had a horse that met those criteria would you sell it cheap or give it away? No, you would not. Odds are you would not sell it at all and if you had to, for whatever reason, you would want a fair market price because the horse is a solid equine partner with a good skill set and a good mind. That is a reasonable expectation.

Rescue horses do not fall into the fair market price category (see above). If your needs are realistic like the horse should be rideable, broke to saddle, in overall decent health and have no major abuse/neglect issues you can find some wonderful horses out there for a reasonable rehome fee. You can begin your adventure together as you add weight through good nutrition and care and as you craft a bond through building a solid foundation of trust through good training and conditioning. Your “ideal” horse may simply be a diamond in the rough and with time, training and good health care you can have a real treasure. The reward comes from hard work, dedication and focus. You either buy the diamond already polished and set or you take on the challenge of mining and crafting the diamond yourself.  Examine your needs, your skill set, your network of support and your time/money budget before making a commitment. Ask yourself some tough questions. The answers you get will help you determine if a rescue horse is the best option for you.

Is It Time To Go Shopping?

            If you asked yourself all the tough questions, if you have a support network to help you should you run into issues you are not able to handle alone and if you have developed a flexible game plan for helping the rescue horse achieve its best potential (or at least begin the process) then yes, it is time to start meeting some horses! Avoid taking home the first horse you see. Take notes on each horse you meet which highlight the positives and challenges of each candidate. Be willing to walk away and think about it or bring someone who can do that for you. The various social media sites like Facebook have some great rescue horse forums. Craigslist is also another easy to use resource for finding leads on rescue horses. Of course your local/regional large animal rescue organizations are awesome as well. Be willing to travel a little bit (say 100-150 miles from home) to find a horse that fits your realistic needs list. Be willing to spend time with the horse (like a couple of hours), getting to know it on the ground and if possible, under saddle. Use your brain, trust your instincts and leave your heart in the truck (for now). If the horse responds as you would like and if it is in a condition you can deal with then it can go on your Possible List. After you have met a few horses, review your notes, speak with your support network and then make a choice. Remember that once you load that horse up and begin heading home the responsibility for its health, training and happiness falls on you. EXAMPLE: With our current project horse we actually saw several and had lengthy conversations with the current humans. We evaluated each horse for attitude, energy, sensitivity and overall conformation. We then had to take a day –and really that is all you should take if you have done your shopping around-reviewed our noted and made a choice. We could do this because we were PREPARED TO PURCHASE and not just kicking the tires as it were.

BE PREPARED! Seriously! Whether you are going the general sale or project/rescue route be prepared and ready. Have your home or boarding facility lined up. Be sure you have time and budget to take on the horse. Have your notepad ready. Bring your saddle and be VERY CLEAR on your “must have” and “want” list! The Seller should be willing to give you time when you meet the horse to see if there is a match. If they rush you, WALK AWAY. If they say the horse is broke to saddle but won’t/can’t get on WALK AWAY. However if the Seller seems open/honest and tries to provide you with as much information as they can then STAY WITH IT. If the Seller gives you instructions on how best to communicate with the horse then LISTEN. If the Seller rides the horse WATCH HOW THE RIDE and COMMUNICATE and see if you can match that style in your ride. Be timely and responsive in your communication with the Seller as well. If the horse meets your needs, let them know. If the horse does not fit your program, let them know. It is respectful to be prepares and just plain rude to not be.

            There are some REALLY wonderful horses out there in need of rescue. If you are willing to work a bit you can help create a great relationship and a great horse that will never need “rescue” again. Working with a project/rescue horse will challenge your horsemanship and create some amazing progress in your understanding of the Art. It also helps horses that just need a second chance to be a great equine citizen. Whether you get a project/rescue hors and keep it forever or simply help the horse to find its true self and then find a great “forever” home the journey is a rewarding one if you are prepared to take those first few steps armed with a good plan!

You will be glad you did.