14 July 2020

Guardianship Scheme opens to new applications

In a previous edition of our #CoronaChronicles blog, we explained the steps that our Rehoming team have made to enable us to resume our Guardianship Scheme whilst adhering to social distancing and the latest Government guidance in relation to the coronavirus outbreak.

We are pleased to say that we are now accepting new rehoming applications and have resumed advertising new horses and ponies through our website and social media channels as and when they are ready to look for new homes.

Most of the process will remain virtual, with the majority of applicants being invited to submit photos and videos of their facilities as part of their home checks. We have recently re-introduced some home visits in person, but this is on a limited basis and social distancing will be strictly adhered to.

In return, we’re providing potential Guardians with videos of the horses they’ve applied for via WhatsApp, showing off their features and characteristics, as well as their handling skills, so applicants have a chance to get a feel for the horses and ask any questions. This part of the process will remain virtual for the time being, and as such we will be limiting our rehoming to non-ridden companions and unbacked projects for now because we would prefer for applicants for ridden horses to have the chance to have a hands-on trial.

Be aware this process may take slightly longer than it would in normal circumstances, and we thank you for your patience as the team make sure everything is in place to set our horses up for success in their new homes.

We remain committed to making sure all the horses rehomed through our Guardianship Scheme receive a thorough health assessment before leaving our care. Therefore, we must allow time for our vets to carry out these checks whilst their work within their own restrictions. While this may take a little longer, our Guardians can be confident they will receive all the up-to-date health information they need about their chosen horse or pony.

Please be aware also that our new rehoming process may be subject to change as our practices continue to develop and new guidance is issued by the Government. But for now, we’re delighted to say that 13 horses and ponies were able to go to their new homes since we restarted rehoming in June, and we hope many more will follow them into loving Guardian homes and happy new chapters of their lives very soon.