ENTRY TO OUR $50K CASH GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

OUR $50K CASH GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

Step 1:

Fill out the enrolment form below

Step 2:

One of our team members
will be in touch

Step 3:

Once matched
your fostering begins!

Step 1:

Fill out the enrolment form
below

Step 2:

One of our team members
will be in touch

Step 3:

Once matched
your fostering begins!

Help Give Horses a Second Chance. Become a Foster Carer Today!

A Summary about Foster Caring:
At The Happy Horse Foundation we believe every horse deserves love and care. Sadly, many come from neglect or abuse and need our help to heal. By fostering, you offer a horse a safe place to regain strength and trust. We cover all expenses, including feeding, farrier and veterinary care. Witnessing the transformation of a once scared or malnourished horse into one that is happy, healthy, and hopeful for a better future is incredibly rewarding. And if the horse isn’t a fit, we’ll find another foster home for them. Together, we can change lives – one horse at a time.

“Sit with animals quietly and they will show you their hearts. Sit with them kindly and they will help you locate yours.”

— Ramblings of The Claury

“Sit with animals quietly and they will show you their hearts. Sit with them kindly and they will help you locate yours.”

— Ramblings of The Claury

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions about foster caring please go through our list here before contacting us. If however your question is still unanswered then please don’t hesitate to reach out.

By going through the list here first you will be saving our time for the horses!

As a Foster Carer, you’ll provide a temporary home for a rescued horse, taking on their daily care, rehabilitation, and preparing them for adoption into a loving forever home. This role is essential in helping the horse recover and thrive in a safe, nurturing environment.

A solid understanding of basic horse care is required to be a Foster Carer, extensive knowledge isn’t necessary when commitment and professional guidance is available. The Happy Horse Foundation will provide guidance and support to help you care for and rehabilitate the horse in your care.

To become a Foster Carer you will need suitable facilities and time availability.

Essential requirements include:
– An adequate sized secure paddock with safe fencing.
– Appropriate pasture or 24/7 access to quality grass hay.
– Clean, fresh water available at all times
– The ability to feed and care for the horse at least once or twice daily, depending on the horse’s specific needs.

Additionally, a general knowledge of horse husbandry is essential. The Happy Horse Foundation will provide support and guidance to help you care for and rehabilitate your foster horse.

Daily care includes feeding, grooming, and spending time with the horse to build trust and companionship. Rehabilitation may include working on behavioural challenges, helping the horse regain strength, and socialising them in preparation for adoption. The Happy Horse Foundation team will provide you with resources and support to guide this process.

Yes absolutely! If you have the time and space for more than one horse you may certainly enquire about rehabilitating multiple horses at once.

Yes, you can foster a rescue horse even if you have other horses, as long as you have the facilities to quarantine the rescue horse upon arrival to reduce any risk of contamination. The Happy Horse Foundation strongly recommends quarantine measures; however, we cannot be held responsible for any contamination of other horses or properties.

If you know you’ll be unable to provide daily care for your foster horse for a short period, please email us at hello@thehappyhorsefoundation.org.au. We can then approve a temporary carer you’ve arranged or arrange for your foster horse to stay in temporary full-care agistment until you’re able to resume their care.

No. Fostering and rehabilitating a rescue horse is a volunteer role. While we don’t offer financial compensation for your time and care, we do cover all expenses related to the horse’s rehabilitation, including veterinary care, feed, and general care costs.

The Happy Horse Foundation is here to support you every step of the way. Our team is available to answer questions, offer advice, and provide assistance whenever needed. Please email us at foster@thehappyhorsefoundation.org.au

No. The Happy Horse Foundation covers all necessary expenses for the horse, including their own basic grooming kit, halter and lead, rugs, veterinary care, farrier visits, dental work, and feed. This way, you can focus fully on providing the best care and support for the horse.

When you commit to fostering a rescue horse, you play a crucial role in their rehabilitation. This involves providing consistent daily care, including twice-daily feeding and 24/7 access to pasture or hay in slow feeders. You may also be responsible for wound care, administering medications, and arranging appointments for essential treatments, such as regular farrier visits (sometimes on a short trim cycle), dental care, and bodywork. Additional responsibilities include regular grooming, handling, and basic training to ensure the horse is safe and well-prepared for adoption.

The duration of fostering varies based on each horse’s needs, lasting from several weeks to, in some cases, over a year. However, please don’t let this commitment deter you. If you’re ever unable to continue fostering, we will work with you to find a suitable new foster home for the horse.

Your property should include a suitably sized secure paddock with appropriate shelter and fencing for the horse’s safety. 24/7 access to water and grazing or grass hay are essential, and you should be able to monitor the horse’s well-being daily.

Once you’re an approved Carer, there are two ways to bring a rescue horse into your care. You may either identify a horse in need of rescue or we may contact you with a horse requiring urgent foster care. If you find a horse on your own, please share the information with The Happy Horse Foundation for approval before bringing the horse into your care. If this horse is rescued prior to going through the approval process they may not be accepted by THHF.

Yes, within reason. When you apply to become a Foster Carer, you can specify preferences such as the horse’s age, gender, and potential rideability. However, location is an important factor, and we may reach out to ask if you’re able to foster a horse located near you. While we appreciate flexibility, you are welcome to decline if the fit isn’t right.

Yes. Our team will manage the adoption process and work closely with you to find a suitable forever home for the horse when they are ready. We ensure that all potential adopters meet our standards for responsible horse care.

No. As long as you can still meet the necessary requirements for the care and well-being of the rescue horse, living elsewhere is not an issue.

If you’re interested in becoming a Foster Carer, please fill out the application form:

As a Foster Carer, you’ll provide a temporary home for a rescued horse, taking on their daily care, rehabilitation, and preparing them for adoption into a loving forever home. This role is essential in helping the horse recover and thrive in a safe, nurturing environment.

A solid understanding of basic horse care is required to be a Foster Carer, extensive knowledge isn’t necessary when commitment and professional guidance is available. The Happy Horse Foundation will provide guidance and support to help you care for and rehabilitate the horse in your care.

To become a Foster Carer you will need suitable facilities and time availability.

Essential requirements include:
– An adequate sized secure paddock with safe fencing.
– Appropriate pasture or 24/7 access to quality grass hay.
– Clean, fresh water available at all times
– The ability to feed and care for the horse at least once or twice daily, depending on the horse’s specific needs.

Additionally, a general knowledge of horse husbandry is essential. The Happy Horse Foundation will provide support and guidance to help you care for and rehabilitate your foster horse.

Daily care includes feeding, grooming, and spending time with the horse to build trust and companionship. Rehabilitation may include working on behavioural challenges, helping the horse regain strength, and socialising them in preparation for adoption. The Happy Horse Foundation team will provide you with resources and support to guide this process.

Yes absolutely! If you have the time and space for more than one horse you may certainly enquire about rehabilitating multiple horses at once.

Yes, you can foster a rescue horse even if you have other horses, as long as you have the facilities to quarantine the rescue horse upon arrival to reduce any risk of contamination. The Happy Horse Foundation strongly recommends quarantine measures; however, we cannot be held responsible for any contamination of other horses or properties.

If you know you’ll be unable to provide daily care for your foster horse for a short period, please email us at hello@thehappyhorsefoundation.org.au. We can then approve a temporary carer you’ve arranged or arrange for your foster horse to stay in temporary full-care agistment until you’re able to resume their care.

No. Fostering and rehabilitating a rescue horse is a volunteer role. While we don’t offer financial compensation for your time and care, we do cover all expenses related to the horse’s rehabilitation, including veterinary care, feed, and general care costs.

The Happy Horse Foundation is here to support you every step of the way. Our team is available to answer questions, offer advice, and provide assistance whenever needed. Please email us at foster@thehappyhorsefoundation.org.au

No. The Happy Horse Foundation covers all expenses for the horse, including their own basic grooming kit, halter and lead, rugs, veterinary care, farrier visits, dental work, and feed. This way, you can focus fully on providing the best care and support for the horse.

When you commit to fostering a rescue horse, you play a crucial role in their rehabilitation. This involves providing consistent daily care, including twice-daily feeding and 24/7 access to pasture or hay in slow feeders. You may also be responsible for wound care, administering medications, and arranging appointments for essential treatments, such as regular farrier visits (sometimes on a short trim cycle), dental care, and bodywork. Additional responsibilities include regular grooming, handling, and basic training to ensure the horse is safe and well-prepared for adoption.

The duration of fostering varies based on each horse’s needs, lasting from several weeks to, in some cases, over a year. However, please don’t let this commitment deter you. If you’re ever unable to continue fostering, we will work with you to find a suitable new foster home for the horse.

Your property should include a suitably sized secure paddock with appropriate shelter and fencing for the horse’s safety. 24/7 access to water and grazing or grass hay are essential, and you should be able to monitor the horse’s well-being daily.

Once you’re an approved Carer, there are two ways to bring a rescue horse into your care. You may either identify a horse in need of rescue or we may contact you with a horse requiring urgent foster care. If you find a horse on your own, please share the information with The Happy Horse Foundation for approval before bringing the horse into your care. If this horse is rescued prior to going through the approval process they may not be accepted by THHF.

Yes, within reason. When you apply to become a Foster Carer, you can specify preferences such as the horse’s age, gender, and potential rideability. However, location is an important factor, and we may reach out to ask if you’re able to foster a horse located near you. While we appreciate flexibility, you are welcome to decline if the fit isn’t right.

Yes. Our team will manage the adoption process and work closely with you to find a suitable forever home for the horse when they are ready. We ensure that all potential adopters meet our standards for responsible horse care.

No. As long as you can still meet the necessary requirements for the care and well-being of the rescue horse, living elsewhere is not an issue.

If you’re interested in becoming a Foster Carer, please fill out the application form:

Frequently
Asked
Questions

If you have any questions about foster caring please go through our list here before contacting us. If however your question is still unanswered then please don’t hesitate to reach out.

By going through the list here first you will be saving our time for the horses!

As a Horse Carer, you’ll provide a temporary home for a rescued horse, taking on their daily care, rehabilitation, and preparing them for adoption into a loving forever home. This role is essential in helping the horse recover and thrive in a safe, nurturing environment.

A solid understanding of basic horse care is required to be a foster carer, extensive knowledge isn’t necessary when commitment and professional guidance is available. The Happy Horse Foundation will provide guidance and support to help you care for and rehabilitate your foster horse.

To become a foster carer you will need suitable facilities and availability.
Essential requirements include:
– A secure paddock with safe fencing
– Appropriate pasture or 24/7 access to quality grass hay
– Clean, fresh water available at all times
– The ability to feed and care for the horse at least once or twice daily, depending on the horse’s specific needs.

Additionally, a general knowledge of horse husbandry is essential. The Happy Horse Foundation will provide support and guidance to help you care for and rehabilitate your foster horse.

Daily care includes feeding, grooming, and spending time with the horse to build trust and companionship. Rehabilitation may include working on behavioural challenges, helping the horse regain strength, and socialising them in preparation for adoption. The Happy Horse Foundation team will provide you with resources and support to guide this process.

Yes absolutely! If you have the time and space for more than one horse you may certainly enquire about rehabilitating multiple horses at once.

Yes, you can foster a rescue horse even if you have other horses, as long as you have the facilities to quarantine the rescue horse upon arrival to reduce any risk of contamination. The Happy Horse Foundation strongly recommends quarantine measures; however, we cannot be held responsible for any contamination of other horses or properties.

If you know you’ll be unable to provide daily care for your foster horse for a short period, please email us at FosterCarer@thehappyhorsefoundation.org.au. We can then approve a temporary carer you’ve arranged or arrange for your foster horse to stay in temporary full-care agistment until you’re able to resume their care.

No, fostering and rehabilitating a rescue horse is a volunteer role. While we don’t offer financial compensation for your time and care, we do cover all expenses related to the horse’s rehabilitation, including veterinary care, feed, and general care costs.

The Happy Horse Foundation is here to support you every step of the way. Our team is available to answer questions, offer advice, and provide assistance whenever needed. Please email us at foster@thehappyhorsefoundation.org.au

No, The Happy Horse Foundation covers all expenses for the horse, including their own basic grooming kit, halter and lead, rugs, veterinary care, farrier visits, dental work, and feed. This way, you can focus fully on providing the best care and support for the horse.

When you commit to fostering a rescue horse, you play a crucial role in their rehabilitation. This involves providing consistent daily care, including twice-daily feeding and 24/7 access to pasture or hay in slow feeders. You may also be responsible for wound care, administering medications, and arranging appointments for essential treatments, such as regular farrier visits (sometimes on a short trim cycle), dental care, and bodywork. Additional responsibilities include regular grooming, handling, and basic training to ensure the horse is safe and well-prepared for adoption.

The duration of fostering varies based on each horse’s needs, lasting from several weeks to, in some cases, over a year. However, please don’t let this commitment deter you. If you’re ever unable to continue fostering, we will work with you to find a suitable new foster home for the horse.

Your property should include a secure paddock with appropriate shelter and fencing for the horse’s safety. Access to water and 24/7 grazing or grass hay are essential, and you should be able to monitor the horse’s well-being daily.

Once you’re an approved Carer, there are two ways to bring a rescue horse into your care. You may either identify a horse in need of rescue or we may contact you with a horse requiring urgent foster care. If you find a horse on your own, please share the information with The Happy Horse Foundation for approval before bringing the horse into your care. If this horse is rescued prior to going through the approval process they may not be accepted by THHF.

Yes, within reason. When you apply to become a Foster Carer, you can specify preferences such as the horse’s age, gender, and potential rideability. However, location is an important factor, and we may reach out to ask if you’re able to foster a horse located near you. While we appreciate flexibility, you are welcome to decline if the fit isn’t right.

Yes, our team will manage the adoption process and work closely with you to find a suitable forever home for the horse when they are ready. We ensure that all potential adopters meet our standards for responsible horse care.

No, as long as you can still meet the necessary requirements for the care and well-being of the rescue horse, living elsewhere is not an issue.

If you’re interested in becoming a Horse Carer, please fill out the application form.

Foster Caring

Here you will find an overview for the process of being a Foster Carer.

Step 1: Dive into Our FAQs

Start by checking out our foster caring FAQs (above) —there’s a good chance you’ll find answers to any questions you may have.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

Once you’re ready, fill out our application form (you’ll find it conveniently located at the top and bottom of this page).

Step 3: Get Ready to Chat

Next, a member of our team will reach out for more details or to set up a video call. During the call we’ll confirm your ID and take a virtual tour of your property.

Step 4: Approval Process

After our chat, we’ll either approve your application, provide tips on any adjustments needed, or let you know if your application can’t proceed at this time.

Step 5: Bringing a Horse into Your Care

Once approved, there are two ways a horse might join you:

1. We’ll reach out with a horse in need of rescue, or
2. You may find a horse that needs help – which will go through our approval process. (More information about this in our ‘Additional Information’ segment below.)

Step 6: Transport Arrangements

Once we and the foster carer both approve a horse, we’ll discuss and arrange transport to bring the horse into your care.

Step 7: Initial Appointments

When the horse arrives, it is time to schedule initial appointments. Plan to arrange a farrier visit, dental check, vet assessment, deworming or faecal egg test, and a nice bath and grooming session – but take it slow to avoid overwhelming the horse.

Step 8: The Aptitude Assessment

Within the first month we will send you an aptitude assessment to rate the horse’s basic abilities – like leading and tying, as well as health and behaviour scores, helping us plan for the horse’s rehabilitation and timeline toward adoption.

Step 9: Begin the Rehabilitation Journey

The rehabilitation process varies with each horse’s needs. It may involve basics like socialising, feeding, and routine care (such as grooming and farrier visits). In some cases it can also include administering medications, treating wounds, arranging therapy appointments, performing therapies instructed by professionals, ensuring regular veterinary care, and carefully scheduled feedings.

Step 10: Preparing for Adoption

When your foster horse reaches good health, is well-socialised, and safe to handle, they’ll be ready for adoption! While the adoption process may take time, your continued care will help them stay happy and healthy as they await their forever home.

Additional Information

Veterinarian Assessment

Within the first month of fostering, a practicing equine veterinarian must conduct a health and wellness check on the rescue horse. This assessment report should be submitted to The Happy Horse Foundation for our records.

Aptitude Test

Each month you’ll complete an aptitude test to track your foster horse’s progress. This test allows us to adjust the rehabilitation plan as needed, and the results will be kept on file as part of the horse’s individual profile.

Identifying a Horse in Need

If you find a horse in need of rescue, please send us as much detail as possible and we will review the case and, if approved, begin the process to bring the horse into foster care.

Facility Requirements

To foster, you’ll need safe and suitable facilities that include secure adequate sized paddocks with either pasture or constant access to hay, proper shade or shelter (dense foliage is acceptable), clean drinking water, and nearby companionship for the foster horse.

Commitment Requirements

Rehabilitation varies by horse but may include: specialised feeding schedules, wound care, medication administration, worming, physiotherapy (as prescribed), and regular socialising and handling. Some horses may also need gentle ridden training.

Appointments

Routine care includes veterinary visits, hoof and dental work, and bodywork therapies such as chiropractic or physiotherapy. Once your foster horse is ready for adoption, you’ll also be asked to make them available for potential adopters to meet.

Reporting

Regular reports help us monitor each horse’s rehabilitation progress. Reporting should include all appointments (with reasons and outcomes), monthly aptitude test results, and general updates with photos of the horse’s rehabilitation journey. These updates ensure optimal care and provide a record we can share with the community to inspire future support.

Further questions?

If you have any further questions about fostering or need assistance with the application form, please reach out to our support team at foster@thehappyhorsefoundation.org.au and we will get to you as soon as possible. We’re here to help!

The Happy Horse Foundation is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission

The Happy Horse Foundation is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission

Consider becoming a
Foster Carer!

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