|
| |
So
you want to adopt a standardbred?
That's
great! One of the ways we promote Standardbreds is to place unwanted racers in
caring homes, where their calm, gentle and willing disposition can help to
create enthusiasts that spread the word about what great horses they are. |
|
There
are a few things you have to take on board first, though: |
-
Our
adoption program is limited to NSW residents - only NSW residents can
be full members, and only full members can adopt.
-
Most
of the horses available for adoption come to us straight from racing. You need to
allow them a couple of
weeks to settle down and get used to their new environment.
-
Very
few are trained to the saddle and it is up to you to have this done.
If you are not confident that you can do this yourself, there are
trainers that can help you. If you want a horse for pleasure driving,
you're ahead of the game; less training is needed.
-
Transport
costs are met by you: the horses offered to you may be anywhere
in NSW. We try to put
you together with a horse in your general area, but this is not always
possible.
You may prefer to wait until a horse becomes available near
you rather than pay hundreds for transport; this is your choice.
-
We
do not place horses on a first come - first served basis. Rather, we try to get you a horse that matches your wishes according to your
application. This may take some time, as we have no control over what
horses become available. We also want the horse to be happy with you.
If for some reason the horse doesn't meet your needs, or your
circumstances change, we are happy to take the horse back and try to find both of
you a better match.
-
There
are conditions that govern the adoption process; please click the
"terms" button on the left.
|
|
If
you are not an experienced horse person, you need to look into the costs
of keeping a horse and the many things you need to do in order to care for
a horse properly. The horse may be free, but keeping it can be very
expensive depending on circumstances. This is just the money aspect, you
understand: it's even more important that you commit yourself to spending
enough time with this living creature to build a happy and lasting
relationship. A horse is not a motorcycle that runs on hay, that you can
park in the shed and forget until you want to go for a spin again. It
depends on you for companionship and leadership and love and that's a big
obligation that you can't skip just because it's raining or you have a
headache.
There
are many handbooks on the care and feeding of horses, so we won't go into
details - but think about these points before you take it on, and do
realise that care is not optional: |
-
Feeding:
Most Standardbreds are "good doers" that thrive on grazing
that would show the ribs on a thoroughbred, but they still need a
certain amount and if it's not growing in the paddock, it has to be
bought from the feed store. And keep in mind that many Australian
soils don't have all the nutrients the horse needs - even on the
lushest grass you may need to add several supplements.
-
Worming:
This depends on circumstances; on a clean paddock with cows or sheep
for company (horses kill ruminant parasites and ruminants kill horse
parasites) it's only needed a couple of times a year but in an
"over-horsed" environment you may need to worm much more
frequently.
-
Farrier:
Depending on weather and season, and how much wear the local ground
causes, you need to have the hooves trimmed and/or re-shod every six weeks or so. They grow, they have to be trimmed, just like your
own nails. And just like your own nails, untrimmed hooves break and
crack.
-
Vaccination:
Horses get hurt and sick. It is absolutely essential to vaccinate
against tetanus every year, because even a minor cut can kill horribly
if dirt gets into it. Annual vaccination against strangles is also
highly recommended - usually both are given in one injection.
-
Dentist:
Horses' teeth continue to grow and stay sharp because the enamel snaps
off. They can get too sharp and need to be checked regularly by a
qualified horse dentist. The period depends on the feed and the age of
the horse, but plan on at least once a year.
-
Rugging:
Some horses grow thick wool in winter and some don't. Depending on
where you are, winter can be cold or not, and your paddocks may have
good windbreaks and shelters - or not. You need to get and use at
least one rug and perhaps two, depending on the horse and local
conditions. Your friend needs to be as cosy and comfortable as you
are...
-
Medical
care: Horses have accidents and horses catch bugs. You can deal with a
lot of minor cuts and scratches yourself, and you'll be amazed how the
experience bonds you both. But there are times when you have to get
the vet in (or take the horse to see the vet, depending) and you do
need to keep some money in reserve for emergencies. Necessary it may
be, but cheap it isn't.
|
|
