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Foster a horse

Our aim is to put any of our rehabilitated horses or ponies that are suitable for re-homing into experienced and knowledgeable foster homes.

There are a few core residents who will remain with us permanently due to medical problems and / or age (too young or too old) who will not be considered for fostering purposes.

Every horse or pony successfully fostered ensures that the animal is receiving one-to-one care (something we simply can’t do with the amount of horses that we have to deal with).  Equally important is that every time we re-home a horse through our fostering scheme, another space becomes available for us to help another needy case.

Fostering stages Horses for foster

Our small dedicated team of staff and volunteers work tirelessly to nurse and care for our animals.

We look for loving, experienced, long term foster homes for our horses and ponies.

When we re-home a horse or pony from the Sanctuary, we do so under a Fostering Agreement. This means that, although you will be completely responsible for the horses’ everyday care and exercise, you will not be the legal owner of the horse.   EHPPS retains ownership of the horse at all times.

If your Fostering Application with is us successful, you will be asked to sign a Fostering Agreement, which means that you agree to abide by all the terms of the Fostering Agreement.  In addition, you will be asked to complete Equine Log Sheets for the horse whilst in your care, which detail when the horse is wormed, seen by the farrier, dentist, vet etc. It is a strict condition of our fostering criteria that all fostered horses and ponies are fully covered on a recognised equine insurance plan. The insurance must cover veterinary treatments and public liability in particular. The horse/pony will be checked by one of our Fostering Officers every six months for the rest of its’ life, with more frequent checks at the beginning of any fostering arrangement, to ensure that no problems are arising.

Whenever we re-home any of our horses or ponies, we ask for a fostering donation, which goes towards the continued care of the rescue horses and ponies under the Society’s care. The level of donation depends on the size of the horse and its abilities.

Fosterers are responsible for every day care and exercise of their foster  horse.

Every horse that goes on foster creates a space for another need equine in need of our help.

Fostering stages

  • How do I apply for a foster horse? Plus

    You can either download our fostering application form or write to us requesting a form, enclosing a stamped addressed envelope.

    Your completed application is passed to our fostering division, who will assess your application. If the application is accepted, we will then review the list of horses/ponies available for re-homing, and attempt to match you to a horse/pony. Each horse has a profile of the type of fosterer we think it will need, and this will be consulted as part of this process.

    It is our policy not to re-home any horse or pony under the age of two years.
    We do not allow our fostered horses to be bred from.
    We do not allow fosterers to enter into a private loan arrangements with third parties with our horses/ponies
    Fostering applicants must be aged 18 years or over

  • What happens next? Plus

    Once your completed foster application form has been received it is passed on to our fostering division who will assess your application.  If it is accepted, we will then review our horses and ponies available for re-homing in an attempt to match your requirements.  Each horse has a profile of the type of owner we think it will need and this will be consulted as part of the process.

    If we are unable to match your application at the time it is received, you will be informed by email or letter within 48 hours of receipt of the application.  Your details will then be placed on our waiting list.  If and when a suitable horse or pony becomes available we will contact you to discuss the horse with you.  If you are interested in going forward to the next stage of the fostering process, an appointment will be made for you to come to the sanctuary and meet the horse.

  • Testing your Knowledge and Experience Plus

    At this pre-arranged appointment we will discuss the basic requirement of the horse you are looking to foster. Does the horse have any ongoing medical conditions and are you able to cope with the conditions they may have? Are you confident and experienced enough to take on a youngster?

    If at this stage we feel you do not have the relevant experience, support or will not be able to cater to the horses requirements then we will not proceed any further with other foster process. Our decision on this will be final. The welfare of our horses an ponies remains our primary concern at all times.

  • Meeting the potential foster horse/pony Plus

    You will then be introduced to your potential foster horse/pony.

    For rideable animals you will see the horse/pony tacked up and ridden by one of our team. Should you still wish to proceed then we shall expect to see you walk, trot and canter on both reins on the horse/pony (dependent on what stage it’s at in its ridden training). This is also dependent on the fitness of the horse and/or the ground conditions at the time.

    For companion horses (non rideable) we will need to see you handling the horse, leading and picking out feet etc.

  • Handling the horse/pony Plus

    After this, you will be able to spend some time with the horse or pony, grooming them and getting them to know them a little better. All potential fosterers are given the opportunity of coming back to ride the horse/pony at another pre-arranged appointment should they request it.

  • Is this the horse/pony for you? Plus

    We will then discuss whether you think the horse or pony is suitable for you, and whether we think you are suitable for the particular horse or pony. If all is well, you will then have five days to think about whether or not you would like to go ahead and foster the horse or pony.  If we have not received a response from you by the end of this period, we will assume that you are no longer interested, and alternative fostering arrangements will be made. If you decide you wish to proceed with the application, we move onto the home assessment.

  • The home assessment Plus

    The next stage is the home assessment. One of our fostering officers will arrange to visit you to carry out an assessment on the place where you would like to keep a horse, and also to meet you in your own environment.

    Should there be a problem with the home assessment, and the society feels that this is sufficient reason to refuse to consider your fostering application further, you will be informed as soon as possible after the home assessment has taken place.

    We like to be as transparent about the reasons for our decisions as possible, and will therefore inform you fully of the reason for your rejection. If, at a later date, you feel you have addressed the issue that prevented you from being considered as a fosterer, we would be only too happy to reconsider you.

  • Setting up a fostering agreement and what happens next Plus

    If the home assessment is successful, you will be invited to enter into a legal fostering agreement with the society. It is at this stage that you:

    1. make your donation to the society;
    2. become, and remain, a member of the charity for the duration of your fostering term (one of EHPPS’ fostering requirements); and
    3. take your foster horse/pony to your appointed livery yard.

    It is your responsibility to arrange transport for your new horse or pony to the place where you would like to keep them. Once you have your new horse home, you can start to enjoy yourselves together.  During the first six months that your foster horse/pony is with you, one of our fostering officers will carry out three checks. After the first two years of foster, fostering checks will be carried out once a year for the rest of the horses life.

    At each foster check the fostering log sheets you have been completing will need to be handed, completed to the fostering officer carrying out the check.  They will need to see the passport and a copy of your up-to-date equine insurance policy will also be required by your fostering officer at this stage.

  • What if something goes wrong? Plus

    If you feel you are experiencing a behavioural problem with a horse or pony you have fostered from us, then please call us on 01268 584603 and we will arrange for one of our officers to come out and see you. If, for instance, you are experiencing financial problems, or have a family illness that is going to prevent you from being able to look after your fostered horse or pony in the long term, please contact s to arrange their return to the sanctuary.  Any horse or pony returned to the sanctuary must be returned with all equine log sheets fully completed and up-to-date. If you have allowed the horses vaccinations to lapse then you will be billed for the three courses and veterinary call out fees required to restart.

    If you have any queries regarding fostering, please call 01268 584603 or email administrator@ehpps.org.uk

Important information

  • Our horses and ponies’ welfare remains our primary concern at all times.  
  • It is vitally important to us where our animals are placed in foster homes and is not a process that we rush.  
  • Therefore, the fostering processes are carried out strictly by pre-arranged appointments only.
  • EHPPS uses the expertise of our staff to train and fully assess all our youngsters in readiness for fostering. This gives them the best possible start in life.
  • The training takes as long as each individual horse or pony requires. It is vitally important to us that our horses are not only in expert hands, but that they are treated with patience and kindness at all times.
  • Our staff also assess any rideable horses and ponies that are returned from foster. This process gives us a clear picture of any vices or problems the horse may have developed which the team can then rectify.
  • If we are unable to match your application at the time it is received, you will be informed by letter within 48 hours of receipt of such application. Your details will then be placed on our waiting list.  
  • It is vitally important to us that horse and rider/handler are properly matched.  
  • Our trainers provides a full written assessment of freshly backed and schooled horses.

Horses for foster

Jaffa - companion

Breed: Welsh D
Colour: Light bay
Gender: Mare
Height: 14.2 HH
Date of Birth: 2002
Medical Conditions: None
Foster Donation: £100

Read more
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Lenny - companion/ridden prospect

Breed: Trotter
Colour: Skewbald
Gender: Gelding
Height: 15HH
Date of Birth: Mid to late teens
Medical Conditions: Missing front teeth
Foster Donation: £250

Read more
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Franco - happy hacker/light work/companion

Breed: Warmblood
Colour: Chestnut
Gender: Gelding
Height: 16'2 HH
Date of Birth: 2010
Medical Conditions: Ulcer prone/daily Equioxx for arthritis
Foster Donation: £170

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Apollo - Companion/Ridden prospect

Breed: Quarterhorse
Colour: Bay
Gender: Gelding
Height: 13-14HH (still growing)
Date of Birth: 27 April 2025
Medical Conditions: Slight leg issues
Foster Donation: £170

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Tilly - Companion

Breed: Hanoverian
Colour: Dark Bay
Gender: Mare
Height: 15.1hh
Date of Birth: 30th April 2001
Medical Conditions: Kissing spine
Foster Donation: £100

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Emma - Companion

Breed: Standardbred
Colour: Bay
Gender: Mare
Height: 15.2hh
Date of Birth: 10th May 2003
Medical Conditions: Hernia-type lump on tummy (no issues)
Foster Donation: £100

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Millie - Companion

Breed: Thoroughbred
Colour: Bay
Gender: Mare
Height: 16.3hh
Date of Birth: 6th April 2012
Medical Conditions: Stomach ulcers, crib biting, wind sucking
Foster Donation: £100

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Hope - Companion

Breed: Welsh Cross
Colour: Spotted Pony
Gender: Mare
Height: 12hh
Date of Birth: 2020
Medical Conditions: Laminitis
Foster Donation: £100

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Gloria - Companion

***RESERVED***

Breed: Quarterhorse
Colour: Bay
Gender: Mare
Height: 15hh
Date of Birth: February 2005
Medical Conditions: Liver damage
Foster Donation: £100

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Charlie - Companion/Ridden prospect

***RESERVED***

Breed: Welsh Section A
Colour: Bay
Gender: Gelding
Height: 10HH (still growing)
Date of Birth: August 2025
Medical Conditions: None
Foster Donation: £170

Read more

Apply for fostering

Do you have some love to give to one of our rescue horses or ponies? We have many non-rideable horses and ponies who would make excellent companions and would just adore the chance of becoming part of an experienced and loving family.

If you would like to proceed with a fostering application, the form can be downloaded here.

***A completed fostering application form is not a guarantee that we will place one of our horses or ponies with you***

Application form

Millie – Companion

Breed: Thoroughbred
Colour: Bay
Gender: Mare
Height: 16.3hh
Date of Birth: 6th April 2012
Medical Conditions: Stomach ulcers, crib biting, wind sucking
Foster Donation: £100

Story: Millie came into the charity's care in February 2024 along with 3 others following bailiff involvement.

Personality: Millie is a very loving girl, loves fuss and attention, Millie unfortunately suffers very badly with separation anxiety and if any of her friends are taken away she will become very upset. Millie only likes to come into stables when everyone else is also in. She doesn’t do well with small herds of horses as she will get attached to them all and if any leave to be ridden she will stress.

Experience: Millie unfortunately suffers with stomach ulcers so she will need someone who understands this. She is good to rug good for the farrier loves all the grooming and attention. Millie will normally attach herself to one other horse but recently we have seen she’s keeping herself to herself in our big herd here at the sanctuary, this isn’t like our girl Millie she normally has a best friend that she sticks with.

Type of home: Millie stresses in the stable and crib bites/wind sucks as a result. We feel the best home for Millie would be as a field companion to one other horse. where they will never have to be separated. In the right home we feel Millie will be more relaxed and this will help with any ulcer issues she suffers with. If you have another horse that is looking for the easy life and a new best friend Millie will love to be that horse.

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Emma – Companion

Breed: Standardbred
Colour: Bay
Gender: Mare
Height: 15.2hh
Date of Birth: 10th May 2003
Medical Conditions: Hernia-type lump on tummy (no issues)
Foster Donation: £100

Story: Emma arrived into the care of the charity along with her elderly companion Phyllis in March 2025. They were returning from a long term foster to a rescue who's situation had changed in the time the pair had been out and they were no longer able to accommodate equines. The pair soon settled into the herd but sadly, after a short period of illness, we had to have Phyllis put to sleep at the beginning of August. Emma has coped well with the loss of her friend and is now seeking a companion home to call her own.

Personality: Emma can be a little anxious. Can get upset if her chosen friend is out of sight. Good in a herd but she will tend to stick with one other horse and would be happy with just her and one other friend. She does love her food and will use her leg and beg, bang on stable doors. When she is in season she becomes very sensitive and mareish. She will squill and act younger than she is.

Experience: Emma has a large hernia type lump on the right hand side of her tummy near her hind legs. This causes her no issues and has been checked out by several vets. She is very good to lead and walk out to the field but can be difficult to catch in a big field. She will happily follow a friend. She is good for the vet and farrier especially if treats are given.

Type of home: Emma is looking for someone that is used to having horses with separation anxiety. Someone with lots of love to give an older mare that just wants a quieter life . Somewhere to see out the rest of her days happy and content with lots of love and fuss.

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Tilly – Companion

Breed: Hanoverian
Colour: Dark Bay
Gender: Mare
Height: 15.1hh
Date of Birth: 30th April 2001
Medical Conditions: Kissing spine
Foster Donation: £100

Story: Tilly came into our care in October 2024 when her most recent owner was unable to continue with her care. This veteran mare had competed in her younger days but had now started displaying pain related behavioural issues under saddle. Having taken her on in less-than-ideal circumstances, her owner didn’t want her to end up in the wrong hands and asked us if we could help.

Personality: A sweet but anxious mare. Has become firmly attached to another horse within our herd but this may be due to anxiety levels from being part of such a large herd.

Experience: We know this lady was previously ridden and competed and has been a broodmare at some point.  Recent attempts by her previous owner to get her going under saddle have led to pain related behaviours which has since been diagnosed as kissing spines.  Although she has received an injection to ease her discomfort, she is advertised as a companion only.

Type of home: Tilly is seeking a home as a companion for another retired horse or pony. She has been there, done that, got the T-shirt and would just like to see out her days relaxed and happy.

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Gloria – Companion

***RESERVED***

Breed: Quarterhorse
Colour: Bay
Gender: Mare
Height: 15hh
Date of Birth: February 2005
Medical Conditions: Liver damage
Foster Donation: £100

Personality: Gloria is the sweetest mare. She just loves everyone and everything. She was pregnant when arriving at the sanctuary and has had a beautiful baby and been the most amazing mum. She can get attached to her chosen friend but everyone loves her. Gloria is just amazing at everything she loves being groomed and getting attention. She’s amazing to catch and lead you won’t even know your leading her. She does get slightly foot sore on stones. 

Type of home: Somewhere she will get lots of love and attention. And see out the rest of her days content and happy with one or a few other friends. She does suffer with live issues so someone that can keep a close eye on her and any changes that might occur with her liver. A stress free environment for her to live her best life as she truly is such a lovely lady and deserves the best life. 

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Hope – Companion

Breed: Welsh Cross
Colour: Spotted Pony
Gender: Mare
Height: 12hh
Date of Birth: 2020
Medical Conditions: Laminitis
Foster Donation: £100

Story: Hope arrived to us on the 15th August. She was taken from a not so ideal situation and the people that took her in cared for her to the best of their abilities and then came to the hard decision of having to do what was best for her and sign her over to the sanctuary. 

On Hope’s arrival at the sanctuary she was a bit foot sore so she was assessed by our vet and farrier and it was advised to perform X-rays of her feet. 
These showed evidence of chronic laminitis in both her front feet with significant changes to her pedal bones. This had been made worse by the fact that she had very thin soles. 

We have worked over several months to increase Hope’s solar depth and comfort with remedial farriery and “Squish pads” and subsequent xrays have shown much improvement. 

She is now bare foot again, comfortable and on no pain relief but requires regular farriery and trims to ensure this is sustained. She may also be at risk from laminitic “flair-ups” in the future so her diet and management should be appropriate for this. 

She had mildly elevated liver enzymes and a month of liver assist when she first came in but has been fine since.

Personality: Hope is a very sensitive soul, she can be very skittish at times. She doesn’t like someone being heavy handed with her. She needs lots of time and patience with handling. She’s good for the vet and farrier if taken at her pace. She can sometimes be difficult to catch if you’re in a rush. 

Type of home: Hope needs very restricted grazing and she needs someone who is very used to laminitis and knows the signs when she maybe having issues. She was wearing special shoes to help with her with her rotated pedal bone. After lots correctional shoeing she now bare foot. It will be beneficial for her to have an insulin check in the spring prior to her going out on the grass to assess her risk. She is currently living out 24/7 with no issues. She will still need to be treated as a lami risk even without showing signs currently. Our farrier has suggested her having hoof boots if your yard is really stoney or if you wanted to take her for walks etc.

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Charlie – Companion/Ridden prospect

***RESERVED***

Breed: Welsh Section A
Colour: Bay
Gender: Gelding
Height: 10HH still growing (possibly make 12hh)
Date of Birth: August 2025
Medical Conditions: None
Foster Donation: £170

Charlie is the more sassier boy of the group. He knows what he likes in life. He has been known to rear and bite. But has settled down a lot recently and with him still being so young we understand this will change with time, patience and more handling. He is very playful. Loves a fuss but can be sensitive to grooming around his belly and legs. Good for the farrier and to lead. Not currently out with mares due to being castrated in mid March. 

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Apollo – Companion/Ridden prospect

Breed: Quarterhorse
Colour: Bay
Gender: Gelding
Height: 13-14HH (still growing)
Date of Birth: 27 April 2025
Medical Conditions: Slight leg issues
Foster Donation: £170

Apollo is a super sweet boy. He can sometimes be cheeky to catch but that’s just because he doesn’t want to leave his friends but once you have him he is great to lead. He is great for the vet and farrier. He is still a baby and loves to play. He likes to pull faces and look grumpy but is a super sweet boy. 
Not currently out with mares due to being castrated in mid April.

He did have slightly wonky legs when he was born. We have had our farrier and vet investigate this and see how we can correct this. He has had X-rays and is having his feet trimmed every 4weeks to help. With him growing at such a fast rate we feel this could have something to do with his legs. He is slowly coming right and shows no lameness or issues. Our vets thinks he will come right given plenty of time to grow up. He may need to be older then 4years old before any ridden work is started. Our vets are also happy to discuss him and his legs if anyone has any questions.

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Jaffa – Companion

Breed: Welsh D
Colour: Light bay
Gender: Mare
Height: 14.2 HH
Date of Birth: 2002
Medical Conditions: None
Foster Donation: £100

Personality: Jaffa is a super sweet older lady. She’s good for everything. She’s just looking for a quiet life where she can enjoy the rest of her days. She is great to handle. Jaffa is currently living out 24/7 but she can do both she’s happy to come into a stable at night. She can get stiff due to her older age so when picking her feet out she can be a little stiff. She also does suffer from sleep deprivation at times. Jaffa cribs on stable doors when she is feeling stressed and if she she’s stressed will wind suck but as soon as she’s settled she doesn’t do this. Living out she is the happiest. She loves to be groomed.

Type of home: A companion home where she is loved and cherished like she deserves with lots of attention and cuddles. She is the sweetest little lady and wants nothing but love in her life.

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Franco – Happy hacker/light work/companion

Breed: Warmblood
Colour: Chestnut
Gender: Gelding
Height: 16.2 HH
Date of Birth: 2010
Medical Conditions: Ulcer prone/daily Equioxx for arthritis
Foster Donation: £170

!! Please read full advert before applying!!

After his first couple of days at the sanctuary, Franco started exhibiting signs of unhappiness when doing his rugs and aggressive facial expressions. We had been told that Franco had suffered from gastric ulcers previously so it was organised for him to have a gastroscope with our vets.
He was diagnosed with gastric ulcers which were treated with the appropriate medication (omeprazole and sucralfate). Franco has subsequently scoped clear of ulcers following this course of treatment but will require ongoing consideration of the fact that he is "ulcer prone".

It was then investigated as to why Franco may have developed these ulcers (again!) and he was found to suffer from arthritis. It is believed that this could have led to his ulcers. So, Franco is on one tablet of Equioxx once daily to help with management of this. Although Equioxx is a NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, same family as ibuprofen and bute), and therefore can potentially have gastrointestinal side effects, the branch of NSAID it is and the way it works, makes it the safest drug in this category for Franco to be on and has been recommended by our vets for him. Trying to create a happy medium between pain free and tummy friendly!

Due to this history, our vets have said that he is field sound and absolutely able to be a companion. However, he may also be able to go to a potential hacking home, but as we have not done any ridden work with him yet we are unsure if he will remain sound with the increase in work and the person would have to take it slowly to re-introduce this to him and see how he responds. He may also need to be shod if wanting to be ridden due to an episode of foot soreness we have experienced

Personality: Franco is a super sassy boy with other horses due to him being castrated later in life. He was also used as a stud. Franco can get very sore around his belly when putting on and removing his rugs if he is having issues with his ulcers. He does love to pull faces. He stands well when being tacked up if he is around his friend. He can also sometimes lift his leg as if he is going to kick but hasn't acted on this. He does also need to be told no if he is getting a little sassy and he will listen when he is told. Since Franco has been living out 24/7 he is a different horse. He is so much happier and content. He loves to be just with his chosen friend and will stick by their side he will get very upset if taken away from his friend but when being ridden he is much calmer. This has been a long journey for Franco and we have taken all the time he has needed to get him back into the happiest horse he can be.

Type of home: someone very very knowledgeable with bigger horses and someone to see the signs for when he might be getting ulcers. We were told he liked to rear in his old home. We have just started his ridden work again but have only done walk and trot currently as we don’t have the facilities for much more. He also will need this to be taken very very slowly. He can be a super loving and sweet boy once he is fully settled and happy. Can't be around any other geldings that are also riggy. Someone very experienced with harder horses. Would do better with small herd turn out or with one other horse and also living out 24/7.

Franco is not an easy horse and we will only be looking for the most perfect home for him. He has been there and done it and now just wants an easier life with a plod around every now and again. He also can get very stressed in a stable especially if he isn’t next to his friend. When in a stable he does pull faces over the door and when people walk past he will act like he is going to bite. He will also try to nip other horses and dogs when they walk past. 

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Lenny – Companion/Ridden prospect

Breed: Trotter
Colour: Skewbald
Gender: Gelding
Height: 15HH
Date of Birth: mid to late teens
Medical Conditions: Missing front teeth
Foster Donation: £250

Personality: Lenny is a super sassy ladies man. He still shows stallion behaviours but this will hopefully calm down with time as he was older when castrated he was done in January no. He will snake other horses away from his chosen friend. He very much likes the ladies and has been known to mount them. When he meets new horses he screams and gets very excited and likes to strike out. Due to this he needs to go to the right home. He can be nervous to catch at times and will try to avoid the head collar but with time, patience and maybe a treat he comes round he is also spooky around new things. He is good for the farrier and vet.

Experience: We don’t know what Lenny has done in the past with any ridden or driven work. Lenny is looking for the perfect home. Someone that understands him and his quirks. Someone that will help him over come his quirks and work with him. He could be a fantastic horse once he has settled down and someone has taken the time he needs to work with him. He has lightly started his ground work. Hasn’t been sat on yet but tacked up good as gold. He needs a home with single turn out or geldings only with no mares near his field. Or a home with just him and one mare as he will attach himself to his chosen mare. 

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