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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?

    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?

    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

    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

    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

    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?

    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

    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

    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?

    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

Harry 2

Harry- Ride/Drive

Breed: Hackney
Colour: Dark Bay
Gender: Gelding
Height: 12.1hh
Date of Birth: 2019
Medical Conditions: None Known
Foster Donation: £250

Scarlett 1

Scarlett - Companion

Breed: Trotter
Colour: Dark bay
Gender: Mare
Height: 15.2hh
Date of Birth: June 2016
Medical Conditions: Breathing issues
Foster Donation: £100

Tilly 1

Tilly - Companion

Breed: Hanoverian
Colour: Dark Bay
Gender: Mare
Height: 15.1hh
Date of Birth: 30 April 2001
Medical Conditions: Kissing Spine
Foster Donation: £170

Puddles 4

Puddles - Companion

Breed: Welsh Section B
Colour: Grey
Gender: Mare
Height: 13hh
Date of Birth: 2004
Medical Conditions: None known
Foster Donation: £100

***Requires sedation via vet to have hooves trimmed***

Jaspar 2

Jaspar - Companion

***RESERVED***

Breed: Cob
Colour: Grey
Gender: Gelding
Height: 14hh
Date of Birth: 2004
Medical Conditions: Liver issues – currently undergoing treatment
Foster Donation: £100

Chance 3

Chance - Companion

Breed: Trotter
Colour: Skewbald
Gender: Gelding
Height: 15.2hh
Date of Birth: 2019
Medical Conditions: Deformed pastern
Foster Donation: £100

Mildred 2

Mildred - Ridden Prospect

Breed: Welsh C X
Colour: Grey
Gender: Mare
Height: 12.1h
Date of Birth: January 2019
Medical Conditions: None known
Foster Donation: £170

Cherokee 1

Cherokee - Companion

Breed: COB
Colour: skewbold (has greyed out with age)  
Gender: Gelding
Height: 14.3h
Date of Birth: 29TH JUNE 2010 
Medical Conditions: None known
Foster Donation: £100

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

Harry - Ride/Drive

Breed: Hackney
Colour: Dark Bay
Gender: Gelding
Height: 12.1hh
Date of Birth: 2019
Medical Conditions: None Known
Foster Donation: £250

Story: Harry came was brought to the attention of the charity in July 2024 when he was discovered collapsed and emaciated by members of the public. It was touch and go for him, he spent a lot of time at the vets, but the little lad was full of fight and made it through.

Personality: Harry is a very quirky pony. A big personality in a tiny frame. He loves to play but can sometimes be too bolshy and too much for the others within the herd. Due to being castrated a little later in life (September 2024) he still displays stallion tendencies and may be better suited to a gelding only home. He has been stabled comfortably next to mares but not turned out with them. He requires sturdy and secure fencing.

Experience: We haven’t done any training with little Harry ourselves, but we have been informed that he has previously been ridden and driven. He is a stunning little chap and may enjoy being part of the local showing scene although, unfortunately, he isn’t registered with any breed society. He is good to catch and handle but can be quite strong. He is good for the vet and farrier and enjoys a groom.

Type of home: Harry is looking for an experienced and knowledgeable foster home to bring him back into ridden/driven work. He will not be suitable for a novice. Secure fencing is a must. A firm but patient, fair and consistent handler who appreciates that this little chap has been through a lot. Harry is a very intelligent pony and needs a purpose to keep his brain focussed.

Harry 1
Harry 2
Harry 3
Harry 4

Scarlett – Companion

Breed: Trotter
Colour: Dark bay
Gender: Mare
Height: 15.2hh
Date of Birth: June 2016
Medical Conditions: Breathing issues
Foster Donation: £100

Story: Scarlett came into our care in August 2022, relinquished by her owner due to Scarlett’s ongoing medical issues and her owner’s lack of funds.  We were informed that she has been ridden in the past but her respiratory issues mean she is being advertised as a companion only.

Personality: She is a sensitive soul who can be difficult to catch and handle.  Once she learns it’s for something good she comes round to the idea.  She gets on well with other horses, and get anxious when separated.  She develops close bonds.  She isn’t nasty, just highly strung.

Experience: Scarlett can be difficult to load onto horse box or trailer but will get there eventually.  She is good for the farrier but can be fidgety.  A hay net or molasses lick is usually enough to keep her occupied.

Type of home:  A quiet yard with someone willing to work with her and give her the time she needs to be herself.  She would need to live out due to her breathing issues. In addition to this, she also requires soaked hay and dust free bedding.

Scarlett 1
Scarlett 2
Scarlett 3
Scarlett 4

Tilly – Companion

Breed: Hanoverian
Colour: Dark Bay
Gender: Mare
Height: 15.1hh
Date of Birth: 30 April 2001
Medical Conditions: Kissing Spine
Foster Donation: £170

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 mild kissing spines.  She has received an injection and seems to be coping well as the team bring her back into ridden work slowly.

Type of home: Tilly is seeking a home as a potential happy hacker with someone wishing to continue bringing her back into very light ridden work or 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.

Tilly 1
Tilly 2
Tilly 3
Tilly 4

Puddles – Companion

Breed: Welsh Section B
Colour: Grey
Gender: Mare
Height: 13hh
Date of Birth: 2004
Medical Conditions: None known
Foster Donation: £100

***Requires sedation via vet to have hooves trimmed***

Story: In January 2019 RSPCA officers and fire fighters were called to rescue Puddles after she was discovered neck high in a ditch. She had been found by a farmer earlier that afternoon, and it was lucky she was spotted at all, the only things you could see were a pair of little grey ears, the rest of her was obscured by thick black sludge. She was taken to an equine vets in North Essex to be checked over and recover whilst the RSPCA appealed to find her owner. She had no microchip present so her owner could not be traced. EHPPS agreed to take her in after her waiting period was over.

Personality: Puddles is a sweet but very nervous pony. She is a complicated soul. She gets on well with all her field companions within a mixed herd.

Experience: We’re not sure what this little lady went through prior to her arrival here but she is incredibly timid. She can be very difficult to catch and prefers her headcollar to be put on a certain way. Puddles is very sensitive around her ears leading us to believe that she may have had her ears twitched in the past. She will allow you to groom her but you must be calm and quiet around her, going at her pace. She requires sedating by the vet to have her hooves trimmed and will rear if the vet attempts to be too forceful, they must take their time or risk not being able to administer the sedation or the sedation being less effective. We are currently working towards her accepting her feet trim with just oral sedation.

Type of Home: Puddles is searching for a human version of the unicorn. Someone quiet who is in no rush to ask anything of her. She has been at the Sanctuary for 4 years and, despite coming on a long way since her arrival, we feel that there may be someone special out there willing and experienced enough to teach this tormented soul that humans aren’t all bad. We know there’s someone out there for her, we have everything crossed that she finds them.

Puddles 1
Puddles 2
Puddles 3
Puddles 4

Jaspar – Companion

***RESERVED***

Breed: Cob
Colour: Grey
Gender: Gelding
Height: 14hh
Date of Birth: 2004
Medical Conditions: Liver issues – currently being medicated
Foster Donation: £100

Story: Jaspar found his way into the care of EHPPS via our friends at New Hope Animal Rescue at the end of November 2024. Not much is known about this handsome chap, just that he was a stray, ending up in the care of the police and remained unclaimed.

Personality: He can be a little bit quiet and can be quite nasty towards some of the other horses which we feel is due to the hustle and bustle of the yard and herd. He feels insecure and is lashing out. He is happy in his own company so may be a suitable companion for someone who’s horses is still in work. Despite his occasional aggression to some of the herd members, others he will happily play with.

Experience: Very little is known about Jaspar. He is good to handle, for the farrier, to lead and groom. Sometimes he can be a little awkward being caught but we again feel this is due to the insecurity he feels within a large herd.

Type of home: Someone with another horse seeking a companion. Jaspar is looking for a quieter life, sanctuary life is too much for him and he wants some peace. This little lad would appreciate nothing more than a loving home where he could be given the chance and the time to come out of his shell.

Jaspar 1
Jaspar 2
Jaspar 3
Jaspar 4

Chance – Companion

Breed: Trotter
Colour: Skewbald
Gender: Gelding
Height: 15.2hh
Date of Birth: 2019
Medical Conditions: Deformed pastern
Foster Donation: £100

Story: Youngster, Chance, was found running loose on the roads with a leg deformity. The local police asked a lady to take him into her field and that is where he remained for the next five weeks. No one claimed him and the lady approached us to take him in. X-rays revealed his leg deformity was more than likely caused by excessive workload – he had been shod in the past and we assume been used to race in cart. He was barely 2 years old.

Personality: He is a quirky chap. He can be rather stubborn when it suits him and has been known to rear and kick out if he doesn’t get his own way. Despite this, he loves fuss and attention.

Experience: Chance can be quite strong when leading in from the field. He is good to accept a bridle and adores a groom. Due to his leg deformity, he hasn’t undergone any ridden training. He can be a bit of a pickle for the farrier

Type of home: He needs an experienced home with a fosterer who is firm but fair, someone who will work with him to bring out the best he has to offer. A home who wants to compete equine agility or take him for in hand walks to prevent him getting bored and channel that smart brain of his. Somewhere quiet where he can’t get so easily distracted.

Chance 1
Chance 2
Chance 3

Mildred - Ridden Prospect

Breed: Welsh C X
Colour: Grey
Gender: Mare
Height: 12.1h
Date of Birth: January 2019
Medical Conditions: None known
Foster Donation: £170

Story: Mildred was relinquished into our care by a yard owner who had served an abandonment notice on her and her young colt foal. The yard owner was in a position to keep the foal but unable to continue looking after the mare. 

Personality: Mildred is a sweet but sensitive soul. She can be nervous with fast movements or loud noises. She’s getting braver but will definitely need some time to come round and understand she doesn’t need to be scared. 

Experience: Mildred is getting so much better with being caught out in the field she comes round when she knows you have treats, She is good for her feet if taken slowly, she can be jumpy at times she just needs someone consistent and confident. She’s good to groom, good to fly spray and she really enjoys the attention. Good to load and travel. She’s very well behaved in the stable. 

Type of Home: Someone confident and has the time she needs to help her grow her confidence and bring on her ridden work in her time. She is a very cleaver lady. Once she has built a bond with someone she will follow you around wanting a fuss.

Mildred 1
Mildred 2
Mildred 3
Mildred 4

Cherokee - Companion

Breed: COB
Colour: skewbold (has greyed out with age)  
Gender: Gelding
Height: 14.3h
Date of Birth: 29TH JUNE 2010 
Medical Conditions: None known
Foster Donation: £100

Story: Cherokee was born at the sanctuary to veteran mare Poppy. Poppy had found her way into the charity's care via the RSPCA following the successful prosecution of her owner.

Personality: Cherokee is a special soul, here at the sanctuary he is very laid back. He can be bolshy at times. In new surroundings he can be very nervous and hates being around anything too busy. He is in need of the quieter life. Good with a mixed herd. He likes his own company so will often stay on his own but needs to be in the field with others otherwise he gets very upset.

Experience: Cherokee can be difficult to load. He doesn’t like to feel contained in small areas. Cherokee is good lead but can be strong if he decides to be. He is not a fan of travel boots. He is good for the farrier and if anything involves food he will be your best friend.

Type of Home: Someone confident and a very quiet home. Not a busy yard where there is lots of loud noises as he can be very nervous. Cherokee has got the potential to be a light hacker but has to be with company he will not hack out alone. He is a super sweet boy and truly deserves all the fuss and someone who understands this sensitive boy.

Cherokee 1
Cherokee 2
Cherokee 3
Cherokee 4

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