How do I obtain a rescue horse?

If you feel that your ready to get a rescue horse but don't know where to start here are some tips.
What you will need:
1. Somewhere for your horse to live.
When I got my first rescue horse, Silver I was lucky enough to be able to make a corral for him next to my house on the lot where I live. I was given some corral bar by a neighbor who no longer needed the fencing and was happy that I took it away. A friend who is a carpenter, designed and made an overhead shelter for Silver (legally you have to provide this for your horse). I paid for the materials and traded the labor with my friend for table (healing) sessions.

Although initially Silver was by himself there were two horses that lived across the fence that kept him company.

Important! Horses are social beings (herd animals) they need companionship from other horses. One of the worst experiences for a horse is to be isolated from other horses. As a prey animals it goes against their nature to be alone as they become vulnerable to predators.

If you can keep your horse where you live consider adopting another horse as a companion, or boarding a companion horse or horses that belong to someone else.

The other option is boarding your horse in a facility. It serves the horse to live in a large space so that it can move around freely. It usually serves the owner to put the horse in a confined space (stall) as it's easier to keep the horse clean and free from the possibility of getting injured from another horse.

Generally horses get along unless they are stressed out by being in a space that's too small and with too many horses. The other reason that horses don't get along is that one of them or both of them may not have the social skills as a result of being isolated from other horses.

I have seen this with stallions who were kept away from the other horses. Even after being gelded (castrated) they acted aggressively when placed with other horses.

Generally it is cheaper to board the horse in a corral (large open space) than a confined stall as it requires less maintenance.

If your only choice is to board your horse in a stall then it is essential that you turn your horse out (exercise) regularly. Imagine a mouse in a cage, and then a horse in a 12 by 12 pen, the ration of space that the mouse has by far exceeds the ratio of space that the horse has. I recommend turning your horse out once every 24 hours. If that is not possible then you can pay someone to do that for you or ask a trusted friend/family member who will be happy to exercise your horse for you when you are too busy.

Another option for boarding is to find a private barn/corral that boards horses. If you go to a commercial boarding facility, they will require you to give your horse regular vaccinations. If you board privately they may be more relaxed about vaccines for your horse.

Personally I am not a fan of vaccinations. I feel that in the long run they are detrimental to the horse's well being and health.

There are many toxic substances and heavy metals in the vaccines that compromise the horse's immune system. I have seen horses with terrible allergies that have had a history of regular vaccinations ( anywhere from 4 to 10 a year).

Obviously there may be instances where your horse will need a vaccine, but my advice is the less the better for your horse.