Is Equine Rescue France a sanctuary?

No, Equine Rescue France 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.

Is ERF a charity?

ERF is based in France and therefore we comply with French regulations. As such, we are registered with the Montmorillon Sous-Préfet as a not-for-profit association. Our registration number is W862000830 and we were created on the 31st August 2007.

Can I visit ERF?

As we are not a sanctuary, we do not have a single address at which to welcome visitors. If you are interested in viewing a specific equine, please contact us and we can let you know where the animal is being cared for and arrange an appointment.

Do ERF loan equines out or sell them?

ERF loan equines out under a long term contract – we NEVER sell them. This way, we can ensure the safety of the animal for the rest of their life.  Organisations that do not maintain title to the animal are not rescuing equines, merely selling them on as they have no say in what happens to the equine in the future.

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 we’ve already incurred as well as enabling us to rescue another. We also need to have available funds should any of our contracted equines need to come back to ERF and to cover any medical expenses for those currently being rehabilitated.

What expenses are incurred when you take in an equine at ERF?

Obviously this varies for each animal but it could include transportation costs, veterinary fees, farrier visits, worming, supplements, hay (if necessary), vaccinations, gelding, microchipping and registering with the Haras Nationaux (a legal requirement). We do not charge for the time that we invest in rehabilitating the equines in our care nor for visiting equines where maltreatment is suspected.

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 re-homed, 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 had some very generous offers from members of the public to take in equines temporarily after being rescued. However, we feel that any equine we rescue should first be assessed by our team of equine experts at one of their premises first.  Some animals may come with psychological and health issues requiring care and monitoring by us before we can place them in homes. It is possible that after the initial rehabilitation you can help us by providing a foster home until a permanent home is found.

Do you receive funding from the Government?

We receive no funding for the running of the association from any organisation and we rely totally on the generosity of our supporters.

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 you can send us an email with details of where the animal is and your reasons 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. We can also, if the distance is within reason, inspect the animals on your behalf or negotiate with the owner, however we do ask that our costs are covered in these instances and that you become a member of Equine Rescue France.

How do I become a member?

Click here if you would like to make a donation to ERF to go directly to our membership page. 

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

30€ pays a vaccination, or hay for a month

40€ pays for a farrier to visit, or for the animal to be officially identified and registered

250€ allows us to geld an animal before it is re-homed

We rely on your generosity to enable us to continue to help equines in need, for campaigning and lobbying,  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

If you value the work we do at ERF, please donate so we can continue to help equines in France

All material copyright Equine Rescue France 2007-2010