06/19/2025
This is not something we like to think about...but it is so important! Great information from Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society.
Planning for Your Horses When You Die
How many times have we seen this? A breeder dies, leaving his large herd of horses to family members who don’t care about them. The horses are dumped at an auction and show up in a “kill pen” right away. Or a horse owner dies. She doesn’t have family, and no one knows what to do with the horses. Some starve before the sheriff’s department gathers them up as abandoned and sells them at auction.
While many of us agonize about every aspect of our horse’s care while we’re alive, so many people forget to plan for their horses after they’re gone. Sometimes people assume their family will take care of their beloved horses. But horses are expensive, need space, and require attention that not everyone is able to provide.
Right now is the best time to plan for your horse’s care if he outlives you. Don’t delay just because you are young or healthy, because unexpected illnesses or accidents can happen regardless of your age.
Leaving Your Horses to Someone in Your Will
Since horses are considered personal property, you can include them in your will. This transfers your horse from your ownership/estate to whoever you name in your will. This does not mean that whoever you leave your horse to has to keep him, so make sure you discuss your plans and wishes with whoever you name in your will and only leave your horse to someone you trust to care for him like you do. Make sure the person you name in your will agrees to also cover the horses in her well. Otherwise, your horse may pass from your ownership to your friend and then still be in jeopardy if your friend dies without naming a new owner for your horses. You should also designate a back-up person in case the original person is unavailable when you die.
Rescues and Sanctuaries
You may be able to leave your horse in your will to a rescue or sanctuary. However, before you pick that option, make sure the rescue or sanctuary has a program to accept horses. At Bluebonnet, we will accept horses who have been willed to us if they’re accompanied by at least a $10,000 donation per horse to provide for their care.
Also, you don’t want to leave your horse to a rescue that closes its doors before you pass away or while they still have your horse. Check with any rescue you are considering to learn about their sustainability plan and how they plan to provide for the horses in their care. Ask them about whether they’ll keep your horse in a statuary or offer her for adoption. If your horse will be available for adoption, talk about how they screen adopters and what happens if the adopter can no longer care for your horse.
Pet/Equine Trusts
A pet trust, or an equine trust, is a legal document that outlines how you want your horse cared for after you die. You will need to fund the trust, because the trust will be responsible for paying the bills for your horse. Some folks leave part of their estate to the trust, and others set up a life insurance policy to fund the trust when they die. You will need to name at least one trustee, and a backup trustee, to oversee your horse’s care.
The trust stays in effect until your horse, or last horse if you have several, dies. At that time, the trustee will disburse any remaining trust funds in accordance with the directions outlined in the founding document.
Regardless of which option you select, you should talk to an estate attorney about setting up your will or trust. They can make sure you have the correct legal documents in place to provide for your horses.
Also, keep a list of all of your horses (and other animals covered in you will or trust) with their names, date of births, breeds, sexes, description of training, description of feeding program, and description of any health or medical needs and update it at least one a year. Provide copies to whoever will be caring for your horses in the event you die. This will make it easier for their new caretaker to know what they need, and it can make the transition easier and less stressful for your horses.
