As an association, if an animal is accepted into the lifetime care of ERF, we follow through on that responsibility to the best of our ability.

When we homecheck a potential guardian, they must comply with the criteria we specify before we will allow an equine to go under their care.

The animal is passported into our ownership and remains in our name, and our property. Unlike some associations, we do not sell any equine that has been gifted to us. We ask for a donation fee that will help us to cover our costs – that is banded according to the age and potential of the equine, but the animal is never sold. If circumstances change for the guardians and they can no longer keep the animals, they return to us, they cannot be sold on to an uncertain future. The contract also states we can remove the equines at any time if we feel there is insufficient care being given.

ERF homechecks as frequently as possible, to ensure that our horses and donkeys are in receipt of the level of care specified on the contracts signed by all guardians who take on our equines.

Unfortunately we have recently had to take back two equines whose guardian flouted the contract and had neglected their feet and vaccinations. Luckily they have been quickly rehabilitated and are very happy in their present wonderful foster home, which may well become a permanent home for them.

Had we sold these horses, we would have had no rights whatsover to go and remove the animals from this person’s care. Thankfully under our contracts, we could.

Please help us continue to give this level of care to our equines, we very much value your support.