Temporary Winter Foster Scheme
Due to restrictions on our grazing and limited stabling during the winter months, we annually appeal for temporary winter foster homes for some of our sanctuary residents between the months of October and March.
Not only does this scheme benefit us here at the sanctuary by reducing the amount of horses on site, it also majorly benefits the individual horses and ponies who receive the one to one from their winter foster family, preparing them for the day in which they eventually find a permanent foster family of their own.
There are options to take your foster pony on a permanent contract at the end of the Temporary Winter Foster.
What does Temporary Winter Foster involve?
The Society will reimburse the cost of farrier, dentist, vaccinations, vet, medication and any other required treatments for the duration of your Temporary Winter Foster agreement.
If the fosterer allows the vaccinations to lapse during the agreement they may be liable for the costs of restarting the vaccinations.
The fosterer is responsible for the day-to-day care of the equine, cost of livery, hay and feed for the duration of the agreement. We advise fosterers to have a minimum of third party liability insurance cover.
I'm interested, what do I do now?
You will be required to complete one of our Temporary Winter Foster applications which can be requested by emailing christine@ehpps.org.uk.
Completed applications are passed to our fostering division who will assess your application, reviewing our list of resident horses and ponies in an attempt to select those most suited to your requirements.
One of the team will then contact you to arrange a convenient appointment for you to meet the prospective foster ponies.
Meeting potential foster horses/ponies
At this pre-arranged appointment, you will be introduced to the horses/ponies we believe are potential matches for you. You will be able to spend some time with them, grooming and getting to know each a little better. All potential fosterers are given the opportunity to make an appointment to return and spend more time with their possible foster pony should this be required.
Home assessment
One of our fostering officers will be in contact to arrange a convenient day/time to meet you and carry out an assessment on the place where you will be keeping the horse/pony.
Should there be a problem with the Home Assessment, and the Society feels that this is sufficient reason to refuse further consideration of your foster application, you will be informed after the assessment has taken place.
We like to be as transparent as possible about the reasons behind our decisions 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 previously, we would be only too happy to reconsider you.
Foster agreement/collection of foster
If the Home Assessment is successful you will be invited to enter into a legal Temporary Winter Foster agreement with the Society. It is at this stage that collection of your foster pony will take place. You foster horse/pony will come with their head collar and lead rope, their passport, personal records and any medication they may be on.
What if something goes wrong or my circumstances alter?
If you feel you are experiencing behavioural problems with your foster horse or pony then please contact us on 01268 584 603 or via email info@ehpps.org.uk and we will do our best to resolve any issues.
If your circumstances change and you are unable to continue with your Temporary Winter Foster then please contact us as soon as possible to arrange return of your foster horse/pony.
Apply now
Email us to request and complete a Temporary Winter Foster application form. We really appreciate this additional help during the winter months!