Horses live longer than cats, they eat more and cost more to fix.

Granted.

But, this story of the Lincolnshire Trust for Cats – A retirement home for felines who outlive their humans – is a great idea…

Would this work for equines?

Would humans, or do humans make lifelong (for the horse) bequests for their horses?  I have not heard of a Retirement home for Bequeathed Equines.  Have you?

FIRST, THE STORY FROM THE UK ABOUT THE CAT RETIREMENT HOME…

Here is the original story.  And, here is the website of the Lincolnshire Trust for Cats.

OK, SO THIS WOULD BE MUCH MORE COSTLY TO DO WITH HORSES… BUT… is there any model like this for out there?

I think this would be quite a nice offering for those interested in this service.  A retirement home for their horses who outlive them…  I would want that.  I often wonder who would take which of my horses if I suddenly passed.

Hubby and I have discussed it… but what would really happen after I was gone?

And, how would a setup like this maintain its operating costs…?  There would have to be a supplemental income stream.  Maybe an equine rehab barn or an equine medical service since there would have to be a vet on staff.  Maybe a therapeutic riding program.  I’m sure some of these horses would want a job…

Very interesting concept.

If the bequests were hefty enough, and the owners financially savvy, this could be a great and worthwhile idea.

I see from the Lincolnshire Trust website that they have this many employees:

The Trust operates from premises set in seven acres. The main buildings incorporate south facing accommodation for the retired residents , hospital facilities , operating room , isolation unit and two outside buildings for the cats awaiting new homes.

Jain is now the voluntary administrator and a trustee. The Trust employs a cattery Manager, Shop Manageress, a member of staff to run the retirement home, five part time members of staff, a book keeper and a veterinary surgeon. The Trust has also taken on two young people on the apprenticeship scheme and regularly takes on work experience students from local schools and colleges

A RETIREMENT HOME IS DIFFERENT THAN A RESCUE FOR OLDER HORSES

There are several rescues out there (The Golden Carrot) that care for the older and special needs horses who no longer have human support.  These rescues work tirelessly to gain sponsors for these horses and to support them.

What I am wondering about is a very nice facility that caters to horses whose owner wants them to be cared for beautifully, after they have passed.

And then I thought… most people who are older and looking towards their last years, probably don’t have horses anymore.  I mean, that is something you think about as you get older… do I really want this horse or might this horse outlive me?

In any event, I love this idea.  I don’t know if it would be viable, but I love the idea.

And, I’m sure the endowment would have to be quite a bit more than they ask at the Lincolnshire Trust for cats.  They state:

There is a one off payment on admission, which currently stands at eight hundred and fifty pounds, thereafter the Trust bears the cost of all treatment and any surgery the cat may need in the future.

In the equine model, the chunk would have to be much, much larger.  But, if one has the money and the passion to want to make sure their horse is cared for in case of their passing, this is a great idea!

WE ARE VERY CLOSE TO THE GOAL FOR THE BLIND FILLY!  TODAY we received an additional $350!

Does anyone need any jewelry for gifts or birthdays… or just for fun??!!  All proceeds benefit the Bucket Fund!

ALL PROCEEDS SUPPORT THE BUCKET FUND!

Many pieces listed!!   For webpage,  For Facebook!

Here is a sampling:

FEATURED:  Beautiful, fresh GREENS! For the Bucket Fund!      Only $28!!
A lovely wisp of fresh greenness to Spring up your neck or wrist! Czech glass vibrant seafoam green petite beads with a handmade Sterling silver heart at Czech Glass opaque bead closure. 16″

To purchase, click here!

2)  FEATURED!  LOVELY RAW LAPIS! For the Bucket Fund! $48 Gorgeous rough Lapis nuggets with Czech glass lapis beads at Sodalite bead closure with handmade Sterling Silver flower! 17″ To purchase, click here!

3)  FEATURED!  Great LAYERING piece or stand alone Hammered Cross!    $36 Sterling silver hammered cross (2″ long) on double ringed alternating antiqued, adjustable silver chain (21″). Great alone or layered! A statement piece! Wear as a bracelet, too! To purchase, click here!

4)  FEATURED:  From our artist friend in the UK! Gorgeous Raw Baltic Amber to help the blind filly!                 $76! This beautiful statement piece can stand alone or perfect layered! Pendant is raw, Baltic amber set in Tiffany style eco-friendly copper and tin. The silver chain is 32″ and the pendant/bale is 1.5″. To purchase, click here!