WHAT WE DO
Here before the crisis, and long after it
Every day, Equine Welfare NZ works to improve the lives of horses, ponies and donkeys across New Zealand. We give owners practical advice early, before problems become crises. We step in when a horse needs rescue, support each horse through recovery, and share the knowledge that prevents welfare issues in the first place.
From owner advice and agency referrals to surrenders, rehabilitation, foster care and rehoming, our work looks different every day. The goal doesn't change: better outcomes for horses.
OUR WORK
The work changes, but the horse always comes first
Support
The earlier we hear, the more we can do
Most welfare problems start small: a horse losing condition, a change in circumstances, an owner unsure what to do next. We give owners practical advice and guidance, without judgment, so problems can be solved before they become crises. Often that means a horse can stay safely where they are.
Rescue
We step in when horses need us
We work alongside agencies including SPCA and MPI, respond to welfare concerns, and take in horses surrendered by owners who can no longer care for them. Every situation is different, and some horses need to come into our care quickly. We always focus on finding the best outcome for the horse in front of us.
Rehabilitate
Recovery starts with time
Horses coming from neglect or difficult circumstances often need far more than food and a safe paddock. Where geography allows, rehabilitation starts at one of our bases with veterinary care, farrier work, appropriate nutrition, handling and time to recover. When they're ready, they move into our nationwide foster network.
Educate
Better knowledge creates better welfare
Most welfare problems come from a lack of knowledge, not a lack of care. We want to prevent welfare problems as much as we want to respond to them. We create accessible educational resources for owners and deliver education to Pony Clubs and other equestrian community groups, so owners know what good care looks like.
PREVENTION
Success means fewer horses needing rescue
Rescue helps the horse in front of us. Prevention helps the horses we haven't met yet.
Most welfare problems can be avoided when owners get the right knowledge and support early. Through our Education Fund, we've helped more than ten new horse owners build the understanding and confidence to provide good care. Every story we share and every event we attend, like Equifest, is a chance to show what good care looks like.
By working alongside horse owners, welfare agencies, professionals and the wider equestrian community, we want to help create a future where fewer horses reach crisis point in the first place.
WHEN RESCUE IS NEEDED
How a horse moves through our care
Every horse's recovery is different, but most follow a similar path.
01.
Getting them to us safely
Horses come to us through surrender or legal removal. Our core team handles transport, with every move guided by a careful risk assessment.
02.
Meeting immediate needs
Every horse gets a vet check, parasite control, dental and farrier work, a nutrition plan, and time to decompress.
03.
Rebuilding health and trust
Each horse has their own care plan. Recovery is never rushed, and many horses need a year or more.
04.
Settling into foster care
Once ready, they move to a matched foster home to keep recovering and build confidence. We cover approved costs.
05.
Finding the right home
Many go on to adoption or a long-term home. Others stay in foster care, where that's what suits them best.
BEYOND RESCUE
Finding the right future for every horse
Not every horse's journey looks the same. Some will recover, be retrained where appropriate and find new homes. Others, because of age, health, or their individual needs, may remain in permanent foster care with EWNZ supporting them for the rest of their lives.
For the horses who are rehomed, our responsibility doesn't end on adoption day.
Rehome
When a horse is ready, we carefully match them with a suitable home. The right home matters more than finding one quickly. This might be an adoption situation or a long-term free lease, depending on the person and the horse.
Support
We stay connected with our adopters and continue to provide advice, guidance and support throughout the horse's life. We keep in touch for as long as they're together, so adopters always know where to find us.
Always here
If an adopter's circumstances change, an EWNZ horse can come back to us. Always. Our commitment to them doesn't expire. No adopter should feel they have to struggle on if it's not working out.
MAKING IT POSSIBLE
And then we fundraise. A lot.
The everyday costs of caring for horses never really stop, and neither does our fundraising.
We're fully volunteer run, with no paid staff. Every fundraiser, grant application, event and appeal is organised by people who give their time because they care about horses. Vet care is our highest single cost.
We rely on donations, fundraising, grants, sponsors and a generous community of supporters. If you have time or skills to give, we can put them to good use.
Every dollar helps us say yes when another horse needs us.
Vet Care
Hay & feed
Grazing & land
Farrier
Dental
Transport
BE PART OF IT
The horses can't ask, so we do
Horses depend on people for everything. A regular gift helps make sure the right people are there when it matters.
Equine Welfare NZ Registered Charitable Trust Building on the work of Rodney Animal Rescue
Charity Registration CC63890