RSPCA NSW is calling our equestrian community to give ex-racehorses, like Noodles, a forever paddock and a new lease on life this November.
Noodles, a nine-year-old Thoroughbred, is one of seven horses available for adoption at RSPCA NSW. Collectively, these gentle giants have been in care for nearly 1000 days, patiently waiting to live the life they deserve.
In addition to Noodles, Serena, Nell, Jo, Blair, Banjo, and Bonnie, RSPCA NSW have an additional 84 horses in care, 67 of which are in protective custody. Most of these horses are involved in legal action, meaning they cannot be publicly identified, making it challenging to rehome them.
Although rescue horses only make up 1% of the intake of RSPCA animals in NSW, last financial year RSPCA NSW spent over $500,000 looking after and rehabilitating 176 horses that turned to us for help. Most of these animals were brought in from our inspectorate, with a large portion suffering emaciation.
RSPCA NSW works closely with the rescue group Horse Welfare Inc, located in the Hunter Valley, which has a passion for re-homing these beautiful creatures, despite high costs.
"Unfortunately, the reality is that rehoming ex-racehorses places an immense amount of pressure on animal rescue groups and not-for-profits like RSPCA NSW, both physically and financially. These horses often come into our care with complex medical issues, after being abandoned by their owners when they no longer generate a profit," said RSPCA NSW Chief Inspector Scott Meyers.
"It is incredibly deflating to see how quickly organisations and individuals relinquish the responsibility of their horse once it no longer brings financial gain, consequently shifting the burden to the shoulders of our inspectorate."
While having a horse as a companion can be incredibly fulfilling, potential owners do need to be aware of the financial responsibility associated with ownership, with a horse costing on average $200-$500 per month.
"Many horses that come into the care of RSPCA NSW have become neglected due to their owner's inability to financially provide for them. Noodles, for example, came to us when his previous owners refused to pay $2,000 for critical eye surgery. RSPCA NSW took on the financial responsibility of surgically removing his eye, and he has been waiting for over 130 days ever since to meet his new family" said Inspector Meyers.
If you are a confident and experienced horse owner, with plenty of room on your property, please consider adding a four-hooved friend from RSPCA NSW into your life. These horses will make wonderful pets, and they all deserve a life beyond the finish post.
Click here to view the profiles of the seven noble steeds awaiting their new stables.
Noodles says 'Good Neigh'
