Placement of emergency horsesHorses in need are looking for a new home

Horses fascinate us humans. Some even fulfill their dream of owning their own horse. However, it happens again and again that the animals are no longer properly cared for over time or are even neglected. Such horses in distress urgently need a new home with experienced owners.

Emaciated, no species-appropriate feed, lack of drinking water and painful hoof diseases - unfortunately, horses often suffer from such conditions. Some owners simply leave their animals to their own devices when they are overwhelmed by the task of keeping them. They underestimate how much work, time and costs are associated with a horse. Animal welfare organizations often lack the capacity to take in emergency horses.

If you realize that you are overwhelmed with your horse, you should definitely seek help:

• It is best to contact your nearest animal welfare organization. They can give you advice and support. In rare cases, animal welfare organizations also take horses into their care and try to find a new, suitable home for the animal.
• However,animal shelters and animal welfare organizations face an enormous challenge when it comes to relinquishing horses. Many lack the space for this and the permanently high costs are also problematic.
• However, animal welfare organizations are usually very well networked in their area and can also refer people to other places such as sanctuaries that may be able to take in a horse.
• If you are in over your head, you can also try to place the horse in good hands yourself. Under no circumstances should the horse simply be left to its own devices - this behavior, which is contrary to animal welfare, is punishable by law. Abandoning animals is also a violation of the law and is punishable by fines of up to 25,000 euros.

Horses need to be able to move around a lot, want to be kept busy, need accommodation, species-appropriate food and contact with other horses. Keeping a horse is demanding, time-consuming and costly and comes with a lot of responsibility. If you are interested in a horse, you should consider this before you buy and always decide in the best interests of the animal. Be aware that you will have to look after the animal for the rest of its life. Illnesses can add to the already high costs. However, if you love horses and are not put off by the challenges mentioned above, a close, long-term friendship can develop between you and these sensitive animals.