Are you ready to become a foster home? S.C.A.R.E.'s vision is to ensure that all equines in the state of South Carolina live in a safe, healthy and nurturing environment. This process also allows us the opportunity to provide those people who are committed to our mission with a wonderful companion to love and cherish. If you are truly committed to providing a rescued equine(s) a safe, loving home, then I have every confidence that you will be a long-term ally in our fight to stop equine abuse and neglect. However, for those people who are only in search of “free” or “cheap” horse, you should probably go no further. It is important to understand, that horses (and other equine) that have survived the abuse and neglect that brought them into our program, may never be free of the physical or psychological trauma they were forced to endure. Thankfully, that is not usually the case, but as in most aspects of life, there are no guarantees. The one thing that I can absolutely assure you is that we will be painfully honest with all of our potential fosters of any issues that our rescues have because we don’t want to put one of our horses into a situation doomed to fail from the start, because the human/equine match didn't “fit”. The process of attempting to match people and equine is just as important and insuring that your facility is safe and free of hazards. When all of these components come together, we are well on the way to a “safe, healthy, and nurturing environment.
The first step….
An approved S.C.A.R.E. Representative will come to your facility, and perform a “site check” (inspection) to determine what type/manner of equine your facility will safely accommodate. There are several components that must be addressed to fulfill our mission to "provide responsible foster homes and quality rehabilitative care for equines in need".
Adequate Shelter (fencing and enclosure)
Any space provided to the equine must be usable and safe whether it is fencing or an enclosed area. Space must be free from standing water, sharp objects, debris and waste.
Fencing: All fencing shall be well maintained, and in good repair at all times. It must be highly visible, and a minimum of four (4) feet in height. (Stallions, minis, vision impaired equine, etc., would have special needs, and will be addressed on a case by case basis.) All gates must properly hung, and close and latch securely. Space provisions must be accessible, appropriate and sufficient for the age, breed/type, quantity, conditions and size of the equine(s) and/or according to the veterinarian guidelines.
Enclosede Areas: All enclosed areas (sheds, run-ins, barns, and corrals, etc) shall be well maintained and in good repair at all times. Individual stall size must be a minimum of 10' by 10' or average 100 square feet minimum per equine. It must be constructed or modified to allow free flow of air to control temperature, humidity and prevent air stagnation.
Adequate Food and Water
Nutritious food in “sufficient quality and quantity, appropriate to the age and species” is a basic requirement, and is often expensive. The diet will be prepared with consideration for age, breed/type, condition, size, and work level according to veterinarian guidelines, which will be supplied at the time of placement. If more than one animal is fed at one time in one place the caregiver must ensure that each animal has the opportunity to eat without competing for his share of food. (As a rule, supplying nutritious feed and hay, as outlined and specified at time of placement, is the responsibility of the foster home unless specifically agreed to, and noted in writing on the Placement Agreement.).
Feed: All storage and feeding receptacles shall be kept clean and free from contaminants, such as mold, feces, mildew, rats, mice and insects etc. Feed storage areas must be secured away from access by the horses.
Hay And Forage: Adequate pasture and/or hay is one of the most important components of an equine’s diet, and is absolutely necessary to maintain adequate body condition and a healthy digestive system. Hay should be of good quality, and proper storage must be available, free from contaminants, such as mold, feces, mildew and insects etc. Guidelines will be provided for each equine. Water: Clean, potable water must be available at all times for all equines. All water receptacles shall be kept clean and free of contaminants, and be positioned or affixed to minimize spillage. The average horse requires approximately 20 gallons per day.
Adequate Veterinary Care
Providing adequate maintenance and emergency veterinary care is the responsibility of the foster home unless prior arrangements have been made and agreed to by the Board of Directors.
Emergency Vetrinary Care: The following is a partial list of some conditions that warrant IMMEDIATE veterinary care: Signs of shock (profuse sweating, cold and clammy skin, pale gum color, blank stare, cold extremities, rapid pulse) colic, founder, tremors, swelling, broken bones, open wounds, inability to eat or drink, blistering, irregular or abnormal breathing, partial or total paralysis, abnormal discharge or bleeding, complications of pregnancy, signs of disease, severe parasitic infestation, loss of appetite, abnormal skin condition or hair loss, temperature fluctuation or elevation, persistent diarrhea, inability to bear weight on a limb or lameness, and others. When in doubt, consult a veterinarian or a S.C.A.R.E. Representative for advice.
Maintenence Vetrinary Care: Regular/routine deworming program to control parasites, as directed by a veterinarian; a minimum of an annual dental evaluation, followed by any recommended treatment to ensure proper chewing, and adequate food digestion, to be performed by a veterinarian or a certified equine dentist (in the presence of a veterinarian if sedation is required); annual testing for Equine Infectious Anemia (Coggins Test); yearly Rabies vaccination; twice yearly EWT, Flu, Rhino, West Nile, and other vaccinations recommended by a veterinarian which may include strangles and EPM, among others; and, routine hoof care as directed by a veterinarian or farrier, generally every 6 to 8 weeks.
S.C.A.R.E. foster homes are, without question, the most vital element to the organization’s success. We expect our foster homes to set the standard for “accepted equine care” in our state, and therefore, hold them to a very high standard. Each of our rescues has suffered, some to a greater degree than others, and each of them deserve to enjoy a life that affords them good health, a safe environment, and proper handling administered by loving, respectful caregivers. We thank you for your dedication and commitment to S.C.A.R.E.’s mission. |
