Foster a Horse
Click here for a foster applicationPrint this form and submit it by mail if you would like to be approved to foster an equine from Namaste Equine Rescue. You do not need to have a specific equine in mind when you submit your application.
Criteria / Requirements
Because Namaste Equine Rescue has limited space for equine keeping, we rely on a network of foster homes to house many of our rescued equines until they can be adopted.
These are the BASIC requirements we are looking for in a foster home:
- Located within 2 hours of Union Grove, WI.
- Equines must be fed 2-3 times a day and monitored for good health and weight.
- You are an equine owner or have experience with owning equines.
- You have the time, means, and facilities to care for equines.
The Equine Chooses You
The foster homes are matched with each potential equine by need, the property, and abilities. Some equines require a greater level of care and some require more expertise in handling. We do our best to match our equines to homes that can offer them the greatest growth. We also consider gender and age preferences and will work to find a good match to your existing animals.
Financial Responsibilities
All veterinary costs except for routine checkups are covered if foster homes use a Namaste Equine Rescue approved vet. Foster homes can choose to use their own preferred vet and cover all costs instead. Preferred veterinaries must be pre-approved by a Namaste Equine Rescue board member. Foster homes are responsible for all maintenance costs such as providing housing, hay, feed (grain), and shavings. Foster homes are also responsible for farrier work, routine vet checkups, routine worming, boarding fees, and general care on a day-to-day basis. In many cases, this is tax-deductible for the foster home. We are able to provide you with an in-kind donation receipt. However, please consult your tax professional for guidance. Supplies and donations to Namaste Equine Rescue could be available for foster home’s use.
Time Commitment
Foster homes need to have time each day to provide appropriate tender loving care. Foster homes must be available for potential adoption requirements, which will always be conducted with a Namaste Equine Rescue staff member present.
Foster Property
The safety and treatment of our equines are paramount to us even at our foster properties. That means that are foster properties need to have fences in good repair, with any t-posts capped and no accessibility to barbed wire. Equines must have access to shelters that are in good and safe condition. Equines must have access to fresh water in clean troughs or buckets. Hay and grain needs to be stored in a clean, dry space where rodents do not have access to it. Pastures need to be free of any debris that could be injurious. Property must be accessible year round by a truck and trailer. Namaste Equine Rescue will conduct a site visit prior to approving a new foster home.
Shelter: Equines shall be given shelter that provides protection from extreme weather including but not limited to: prevailing wind, snow, sleet, rain, sun, and extreme temperatures. Stalls and shelters shall be constructed to provide sufficient space for each animal to turn around in, lie down, and move freely and allow free air flow. All enclosures, stalls, or shelters shall be kept in good repair and free of standing water, accumulated waste, sharp objects and debris.
Fencing: Fencing shall be of solid construction, without sharp edges and visible to animals. Electric fencing, high tension wire, and wood boarding are all acceptable types of fencing. Fencing shall be monitored on a regular basis to ensure its safety and effectiveness is maintained.
Ground Work / Riding
Foster homes are need to help care for and rehabilitate equines that come into our care. Foster homes must understand that Namaste Equine Rescue may have no past knowledge or history of an equine. Extensive ground work and any kind of saddle work must be pre-approved by a veterinary and/or a Namaste Equine Rescue board member to determine if the equine is both mentally and physically healthy enough to begin work. Basic ground work such as leading, haltering, and ground manners do not have to be pre-approved. Before an equine is adopted out, the equine must be halter trained and easy to catch.
Standard of Care
Foster homes are required to maintain an equine health record on their foster animal that includes, but is not limited to, current diet, vet care, and farrier care. All records should be documented with Namaste Equine Rescue and transferred with the equine to either a new foster or adoptive horse. An Equine Coggins Certificate should go to either a new foster or adoptive home with a copy documented with Namaste Equine Rescue. Equine shall maintain a body condition score of no less than 4 on the Henneke Body Condition Scoring Chart. Exceptions shall be made for equine under regular vet care for a medical condition.
If the health of an animal in foster care is in decline and weight loss occurs, the foster home must immediately notify Namaste Equine Rescue of such circumstances. Various types of enclosures are available to confine an equine, including, but not limited to, stalls, dry lots, or pastures. Equines must be provided sufficient opportunity and space to exercise daily and have freedom of movement as necessary to reduce stress and maintain good physical condition. Space and provisions for exercise shall be appropriate for age, condition, and size of the animal. Group pasturing of compatible animals to allow social interaction is encouraged. If the animals are individually stalled, they must be able to make visual contact with other animals, unless otherwise directed by a veterinarian for the safety of the animal in question or other animals at the facility.
Non Routine or Emergency Veterinary Procedures: A veterinary professional shall be contacted immediately if an animal is known or suspected to have experienced displayed injuries, illness or symptoms including but not limited to: partial or total paralysis, broken bones, instability to bare weight on limb(s), lameness, severe open wounds, abnormal discharge or bleeding, severe parasitic infestation or infection, abnormal skin conditions or hair loss, marked weight loss, loss of appetite or inability to eat or drink, persistent diarrhea, shock, colic, founder, tremors, swelling or abnormal temperature fluctuations.
Approval of Veterinary Procedures: All veterinary care / procedures and / or hospitalizations must be pre-arranged and pre-approved by a Namaste Equine Rescue board member. Veterinarian Expenses: Whenever an approved veterinary procedure is performed, an itemized list of services and costs that were provided for the equine must be mailed to Namaste Equine Rescue within 30 days. If the foster home does not comply the foster home may not be reimbursed for the expense.
Veterinary Records: The veterinary records of any animal owned by Namaste Equine Rescue must be made available at the request of a Namaste Equine Rescue board member. If the foster home does not comply, the foster home may not be reimbursed for the expenses. In-kind donations forms can be provided for any amount “donated” by either the veterinary clinic or the foster home.
Parasite Control: The foster home will administer a wormer to the animals unless otherwise instructed, every 3 months while in their care.
Emergency Care: The foster home shall immediately contact Namaste Equine Rescue for any non-life threatening situations. In the case of an emergency, where the life of the animal is at risk without immediate action, the foster home may authorize the procedure following the veterinarian’s recommendation provided the estimated costs associated with the animals will not exceed $350.00.
Hospitalizations: Anytime an animal owned by Namaste Equine Rescue must be hospitalized for any emergency or non-emergency procedures, that animal must be checked in under the organization’s name. Namaste Equine Rescue must have access to the animal, its records, veterinary recommendations, and any decisions as to the care and future of the animal that needs to be made.
Breeding: No breeding of animals is permissible. All studs shall be gelded, by a veterinarian. If pastured on the property, all studs shall be physically separated from pastured mares by a minimum of a twelve foot buffer one, constructed of adequate fencing at a minimum of six feet in height. Should an accidental breeding occur, the foster home must contact Namaste Equine Rescue immediately so that preventative measures can be administered.
Feed and Storage: Diet shall be planned with consideration for the age, condition, size, and activity level of the animal(s). Equines shall be provided with hay at all times, 24/7. Grass had is preferred. If more than one equine is fed at the same place and time, it shall be the responsibility of the foster home to ensure that each equine receives nutrition and sufficient quantity. If necessary, equines shall be separated to ensure each has access to adequate nutrition without interference from more dominant equines. Individual feed buckets or pans should be provided for each equine. All storage and feeding receptacles shall be kept clean and free of contaminants, such as feces, mold, mildew, rodents and insects. Stored feed shall be kept in such a manner that animals cannot gain access to it.
Water: The foster shall provide troughs or individual water sources to provide adequate and clean water for all animals at all times. All water receptacles shall be kept clean and free of hazardous contaminants. The use of tank heaters is required to prevent freezing in winter weather when needed. Equines that are being trained, worked, ridden or transported shall be provided water as often as necessary for their health and comfort.
Farrier: Hooves should be checked daily. Hoof trimming should be done by a farrier every 6 to 8 weeks, or as farrier recommends. The foster home is responsible for hoof trimming expense. Exceptions may be determined by a vet or other expert consultation when such care is unnecessary or would endanger the animal or their caretaker(s). In the case of horses with severe founder issues, Namaste Equine Rescue may opt to enlist the services of a “natural” trimmer. The situation will be assessed case-by-case, taking into account the foster home’s vet and farrier recommendations and Namaste Equine Rescue’s discretion.