Is ERF a sanctuary?
No, ERF is not a sanctuary but we do have yards in 3 departments where we place equines for rehabilitation when they are rescued before finding them permanent homes.
Do ERF loan equines out or sell them?
ERF do loan equines out under a contract but we never sell them as this would not enable us to monitor them throughout their lives.
Are the equines that are put out under contract given free?
We ask for a modest donation fee, specific for each equine placed under contract which helps towards the expenses incurred, this then enables us to rescue another. We also need to have available funds should any of our contracted equines need to come back to ERF in the future.
What expenses are incurred when you take in an equine at ERF?
Obviously this varies for each animal but it could include purchase costs, transportation to collect the equine, veterinary fees, farrier visits, worming, supplements, hay (when necessary) vaccinations, castration, microchipping and registering with the Haras Nationaux. We do not charge for the time that we invest in rehabilitating the equines in our care.
Do you perform a home check before re-homing?
Yes, we always perform a home check to ensure that the home is suitable for the equine and vice versa. Once an equine is rehomed, we will continue to monitor their progress and reserve the right to visit without notice.
Do you place equines in private yards immediately after being rescued?
ERF have many generous offers from members of the public to take in equines temporarily after being rescued. In our opinion, any equine that is rescued should not be placed with a member of the public before being assessed by our core team of equine experts. Often these animals come with psychological and health issues that need to be dealt with and monitored by us before we can place them in homes. It is possible that after the initial rehabilitation we may consider foster homes until a permanent home, but these will need to be local to ERF.
Do you receive funding from the Government?
We receive no funding for the running of the association, we have to raise all our funds ourselves. This year ERF was able to take on a part time Administrator under a 2 year contract which is partly funded by the by a Government Initiative. As our not-for-profit association is run purely by volunteers this was a huge bonus to ERF and enables the volunteers the time to dedicate to the equines and not the paperwork.
There is a horse in my commune that’s being neglected, what do I do?
Click here to go directly to our web page which details what you can do or alternatively send us an email with details of where the animal is and the reason for concern, ideally with photographic evidence. Please include some contact details so we can contact you directly, all reports are dealt with confidentially.
Can you help me to rescue an equine myself?
We will always try to assist people who wish to rescue a horse as an individual. This can be a time consuming process as we often have to gather information from various sources. We can also, if the distance is within reason, inspect the animals on your behalf or negotiate with the seller. We do ask that our costs are covered in these instances and that you become a member of the association.
How do I become a member?
Click here to go directly to our membership page. Just print off the form and send to us with the appropriate fees, or you can also pay by Paypal.
How can I donate?
Click here if you would like to make a donation to ERF
What will my donation mean?
Here's what your money could do…
20€ buys a wormer for one of our rescues or hay for a month
30€ pays for vaccinations
40€ pays for a farrier to visit or for the animal to be officially papered
200€ allows us to geld an animal before it is re-homed
500€ will help us to purchase, rehabilitate and re-home a donkey
600€ pays for our insurance for one year
1200 - 1500€ will enable us to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome a trotter
We rely on the generosity of the public to enable us to continue to help equines in need, for campaigning, education and research into how we can help protect our equine friends in the future.
You can donate in € or £ on Paypal or in € by French cheque