Re-homing your equine(s) is sometimes necessary and great care should be taken to insure your equine(s) is placed in a suitable new home. Please consider the following before you begin the re-homing process.

Equines are pattern animals and sensitive to change.  Under most circumstances an equine will have developed a strong bond with its current pasture mates and human caregiver(s).  It can take up to a year for an equine to settle in to its new surroundings.

Consider your equine's personality and needs to insure the equine is placed in an environment where it will thrive. Is your equine Dominant? Compliant? Friendly? In what kind of home would your equine feel safe and happy?

Assess Your Equine

An honest evaluation of your equine is important. Take the time to write down what you know about the animal. How long the animal has been in your care? What type of use and training has been invested and when? Can the equine be safely transported? If the equine is rideable but has not been handled or used for awhile, a tune up by a competent horse person or professional may be needed to insure the animal is mentally and physically capable of performing to expectations.

• Level of training, gentleness and dependability? Suitability for what level of horse person? Novice, intermediate or advanced?

• What discipline or activity is the equine best suited for? Trail riding, cow working, dressage, jumping, roping, good with kids,  pasture pal, pet, etc?

• Equines' best attributes. If possible a scrap book of photos & history is a wonderful plus for the potential new owner

• Physical and behavioral issues: equines have their infirmities (big or small) and quirks just like people.

Prior to getting the word out about your equine, have the following information organized and at hand.

• Gather all medical records, including dental, vaccination, worming and any other pertinent information.

• Farrier information and hoof care records

• Consider a written veterinary assessment

Determine a Value

We strongly recommend that a dollar value be placed on your equine(s). Avoid giving the horse away for FREE or advertising as a CHEAP DEAL...this leads to the potential of the equine(s) being purchased by meat buyers, ending up in a kill pen bound for slaughter in Canada or Mexico.

• If you are unsure of the value of your equine(s), ask a knowledgeable horse person to assist you. 

• Local trainers may charge a fee for their services.

• Research the various equine internet sites and review list prices for animals similar to yours

Adopting or Selling Your Equine

• Prepare your marketing campaign with good, recent photos. Include age, size, sex of the equine and what the animal is best suited for and if there are special needs. Marketing on websites and Facebook, creating fliers for friends, local veterinarians, trainers, and other equine related businesses in your local community will help the process.

• Keep your equines in "ready to show" condition.  Groomed, hooves trimmed, looking their best if possible

• How does the potential new owner interact with your equine? Do they demonstrate the experience and knowledge to create a safe and good companion. How does your equine react to the individual?

• Visit the prospective home before you seal the deal. Check fencing, shelter, water, and condition of other equines, if present.

• Request references. Don't be afraid to ask questions. You are the only advocate for your equine(s). Listen to your gut. If it doesn't feel right...it probably isn't.

• If the equine does not work out for the new owner consider a "take-back" clause in your purchase agreement. Agree to the terms before the equine departs your property. 

• Locate a sanctuary, rescue organization or therapeutic program. Be aware there is very little oversight and regulation for these organizations except in the state of Arizona. Non-profits which receive $25,000 a year or more in donations are 501(c)3 organizations under federal law and will be listed on Guidestar.org, a website of non-profit organizations. Ask about veterinarian care and accommodations. Visit the location where your animal will be living.

Humane Euthanasia

It is hard to say good-bye but sometimes euthanasia can be the best option. Consider relieving pain, avoiding stress by relocation and an uncertain future for older, severely lame or even young animals w/congenital or neurological problems, etc.  Sometimes euthanasia is the kindest option. Arrangements and expenses to consider:

• Farm call and lethal injection

• It is suggested you do not euthanize your equine by gunshot unless you or someone is highly trained in this technique, as it can otherwise be a horrifying disaster for all.

• Backhoe and burial on your property

• Body removal

• Transport to vet for euthanasia

WMERR offers Euthanasia Grants to help owners in need with a portion of the expenses related to euthanasia. Assistance is approved by our Director of Equine Management on a case by case basis. 

These are just partial guidelines to help you help your equines enjoy safe, happy lives and avoid the slaughter pipeline. It is estimated that well over 130,000 unwanted burros, horses and mules are being shipped to Canada and Mexico for slaughter every year. Many have ended up going through the local livestock sales where few members of the public are buying. "Kill buyers" purchase the majority of burros, horses and mules at livestock auction sales.

Please do your very best to fulfill your responsibility to the animals who depend on you. If you have further questions, please call Western Montana Equine Rescue & Rehabilitation at 406-961-3101, or e-mail us at wmerescue@gmail.com