Download printable Foster Home Checklist here.

Below is a checklist for foster homes to have at their fingertips in order to comply with the Fostering Policy and the Minimum Standards of Care.

Upon arrival of a new equine, the foster home shall:

  • Maintain the equine on a de-worming schedule
  • Maintain the equine of a farrier schedule
  • Evaluate the equine’s level of training to the best of his/her ability
  • Complete an Equine ID form within one week and submit a copy of that form to the Equine Records Manager
  • Submit front, back, left, and right view photos to the Equine Records Manager within one week
  • Ensure that the equine has had routine veterinary procedures performed in accordance with the Standard Veterinary Care Policy (see below)
  1. Coggins, if not already obtained
  2. Rabies
  3. VEWT
  4. Flu/Rhino
  5. WNV
  6. Strangles, if young horse or chance of infection

On a monthly basis the foster home shall:

  • The foster home will report by email, postal mail, or the telephone the condition, health, etc. of the fostered equine(s) once a month to the Equine Records Manager or Foster Home Coordinator.
  • The foster home will review the equine’s web profile page monthly and provide updates to the web coordinator as needed.
  • The foster home caring for any foster equine with a body condition score of 4 or less shall submit a weight tape reading to the Equine Records Manager or Foster Home Coordinator every 30 days, along with the current feeding program (to include feed brand, amount fed and number of feeding per day, type and quantity of forage)

The Board of Directors may remove a foster home’s “approved” status if the foster home:

  • Neglects or abuses an equine
  • Fails to comply with inspections
  • Fails to make the equine available to approved adopters
  • Fails to complete and submit the Equine ID form and photographs with a reasonable amount of time
  • Fails to comply with the Minimum Standards of Care Policy
  • Moves a fostered equine without approval of the Foster Home Coordinator or an officer (in accordance with the Trailering Policy). When a foster home’s “approved” status is removed, BEHS will remove any current fostered equines from the foster home’s care

Minimum Standards of Care include:

Feeding

  • Nutritious grain with appropriate nutritive value unless equines are receiving adequate natural forage
  • Diet shall be prepared with consideration for the age, breed/type, condition, size, work level and quantity of equine(s)
  • Equines will have no less than a body score of 4 and no more than 6 on the Henneke Condition Scoring Chart. Exceptions are made for arrivals on premises less than six months and showing continued documented improvement or for equines under the continued care of a veterinarian.
  • Equines with a body condition of less than 4 are expected to improve at the rate of 1 body condition score every month, with a 30-day grace period.
  • The foster home caring for any foster equine with a body condition score of 4 or less shall submit a weight tape reading to the Equine Records Manager or Foster Home Coordinator every 30 days, along with the current feeding program (to include feed brand, amount fed and number of feedings per day, type and quantity of forage).
  • Equines with a BC over a 6 should be put on a diet to help them lose weight. Within three months, the equine should show significant weight loss and progress towards his/her ideal weight.
  • All feed and hay storage shall be kept clean and free from contaminants, such as feces, mold, mildew, insects, etc.
  • If animals are fed in a group setting, the foster home will be responsible to ensure that each animal receives quality nutrition in sufficient quantity.
  • Equines should receive 2% of their body weight in high quality hay per day, unless they are receiving adequate natural forage. With exceptions to equines needing less to maintain an acceptable body condition score, or for those who are on a diet for weight loss.

Necessary Veterinary Care

Foster home will contact the Foster Home Coordinator, or another officer, if an equine seems to be suffering from any of the below to obtain approval to obtain veterinary care.

  • Shock
  • Colic
  • Founder
  • Trembling or inability to stand or walk
  • Broken Bone
  • Deep Tissue Wound
  • Inability or unwillingness to eat or drink
  • Blistering or burns
  • Irregular or abnormal breathing
  • Partial or total paralysis
  • Abnormal discharge
  • Severe bleeding
  • Continued symptoms of heavy intestinal parasite load despite adequate worming
  • Weight Loss
  • Abnormal skin condition
  • Hair loss
  • Temperature fluctuation
  • Diarrhea
  • Lameness

Standard Care

  • Hoof care maintenance and trimming every six (6) to eight (8) weeks or as directed by a veterinarian or a farrier. An experienced person knowledgeable in standard farrier practice shall do hoof care. Exceptions may be made for horses who are not yet tame enough to have their feet handled
  • Hooves shall be cleaned out at least once/week. Exceptions may be made for horses that are not yet tame enough to have their feet handled.
  • Parasites kept under control through either a daily deworming product or by deworming every eight (8) to twelve (12) weeks or as directed by a veterinarian.
  • Annual veterinary procedures as outlined in the Standard Veterinary Procedures Policy shall be performed.

Dental Care

  • Routine Dental work (floating) shall be performed at least once/year by a qualified veterinarian or equine dentist.
  • Non-routine dental work shall be provided as needed in a reasonable amount of time. Approval for non-routine dental work must be sought per the Veterinary Procedures Policy.

Water

  • Clean water
  • Have access to water at all times.

Space and Shelter

  • A safe space for each equine
  • Good safe fencing
  • Adequate exercise
  • Stalled equines turned out daily, if possible
  • If no man-made shelter, must have trees
  • Man-made shelter must be available for ill and elderly equines
  • All shelter must have good ventilation
  • Any cattle guard on the property will be fenced or gated off so that equines do not have access to it.