[Trump Card]

A few friends and me are thinking about starting up a rescue. We have been given about 10acres for $80 month(for any amount of horses) for where we can start it up. We have thought a lot into this and have already got one horse into shape that was meant for the doggers and has since been sold on.
I no we dont have a lot of room as there will be 3-4 perminant horses living there, but its a start. We are not young kids the youngest of us is just about to turn 18. There is 4 of us doing this, all of which have our own income from part time- full time jobs. The horses will be seen a few times a day etc.
I was just wondering if anyone had any adive for us to get us started etc.
We thought at first we will start off with only 2 ponies and work our way up from that. (2 people will help work on one pony)
We already have people willing to help and we are all experinced riders.
Do you think we are being silly about this, i really feel we are able to make this work, and really do something to help out.
Would love you feed back good or bad

[CowGirlUp1833]

While I applaud you ambition and the motivation behind it, I want to caution you. I've seen a lot of rescues with very good intentions get in over thier heads very quickly. There is so much more involved then just getting some land and throwing some hay (as I know you understand) The vet bills alone for a neglected or abused horse could bankrupt many. Not to mention feed, foot care, all stuff you already know about.

To TRULY make a difference, keep it small and give the BEST care possible to the horses you bring in. Don't try to get too many at once... we all know what can happen in that situation.

[pocahontas]

That is so wonderful! I'm sorry I don't have much advice for you. That is my goal to also do one day. When I do maybe I can come to you for advice.
I would try calling some other rescues in your area. They would know the laws and the costs. I would check with your local ferrier and vet to see if they would give a deduction on any fees. The vet would also educate you(unless you already know) on how to feed a malnurished horse. From what I understand you need to be careful and do it in a certain way.

Good luck with your venture

[Trump Card]

Yes that is exactly why we would only be getting something like 2 horses at a time. It just wouldnt be worth overloading the land, and letting our own horses go to waste. I have helped out at other rescues and one of ther people who will be helping out works at the RSPCA (the horse part) one of the other people is a vet nurse and whos husband is a vet so we will get a bit off medical bills, we will just need to pay medication etc.
You say at bankrupcy i understand and that is why we have all been saving up over the last few months to get a bit behind us. With the 4 of us it think we will b ok with money situations...
Thanks for the advice, anyone else?

[Sandra-A1]

I agree keep it small.....very small because you do not own the land you are going to use. Because you are renting the land then you do run the risk of losing use of it. If that should happen then you are more likely to be able to find, and afford a place to board a couple of horses than you would several.

Now before you get started I suggest you sit down and come up with a good business plan.....because you will after, all be running a business.
You need to get solid figures as to what you will be putting out $$$-wise every month. Not to mention having back up money for those dreaded "unknowns" which crop up...such as vet emergencies.
Then you need to figure out from where you will be getting, and how much, money coming in every month.
Hopefully your income will be more than your outgoing.
Until you have a solid business plan I would not be lookiing for any horses.

[Trump Card]

Thanks heaps Sandra-A1

[Laddie roxs]

sounds like a good idea but a lot of work

[Trump Card]

yes im sure it will b but going to the market as a kid and not being able to help was kinda hard now that im able to help i really feel i should... lives shouldnt be thrown away like that

[stockhorse]

There is good news and bad news.
The bad news is that if you want to set up an "official" rescue you must first decide wether you wish to be incorporated or unincorporated.
If you choose the former path you must write a constitution stating aims and management of the corporation,office bearers,elections rules etc.
If you choose to be unincorporated it is slightly more complicated and also has advantages and disadvantages.
Your next step is to be granted "not for profit" status from the tax dept and the dept of fair trading.The next step is to apply for a sanction to raise funds from the dept of fair trading.(at this point expect an objection to be lodged by RSPCA)
It gets more complicated from there.
The next bad news is that if you are running a rescue then,you would need to pay for agistment for any other horses kept on the property that did not belong to the rescue organisation.You would also need facilities on the property such as a vet crush, stables ,day yards etc.
You would also not be able to recoupe any money that you have put into a rescue for food ,vet etc as all money from the sale of the rescue must go to the rescue organisation.

The good news,there are 2 easy options. 1 You do as you intend to do but not as a rescue ,just as a group of freinds doing what you want to do.If you do this, then you are unable to ask for any public support or for the donation of rugs feed etc.
Option 2. Join an existing rescue that has already got things set up and work with them as representatives of that organisation.


If you require further information feel free to PM me at any time.Cheers

[Pony Pals]

it would be a good thing to do