The organisation wants to raise awareness of the thousands of horses nationally “looking for their forever fields”, and Barry Moore says it could be an inexpensive and good-hearted way to obtain one.

The RSPCA branch volunteer has been a foster carer for seized horses in the past, including one he says “would’ve been a month away from dying”.

“I’m a horse person, so I’ve helped out a couple of times and I’d be willing to do it again,” he said.

“We had 13 at one stage, but that was when I was living out of town on 25 acres.

“I have to restrict it now – I’m on five acres and I have two horses of my own.”

Mr Moore said it was important that potential adopters were aware of the cost of owning a horse.

“I think [adoption] would be a good idea if there are people around who would like one but can’t afford to buy a horse for $1000, say,” he said.

“Be aware they can be fairly expensive – for feed alone, if they need it – and you’ve got to do things like occasionally keep their feet trimmed so they don’t get out of control, worm them and vaccinate them against Hendra.”

RSPCA NSW has 56 horses in care, all seized or surrendered as part of animal cruelty cases, according to RSPCA NSW inspector Claudia Jones.

“All of these horses are beautiful, healthy, resilient animals who have overcome adversity and are ready to find new loving, experienced owners,” she said.

“Some will only be suitable as companions to other horses, while others are capable in the right experienced hands to have a future being ridden or in an equestrian discipline.”

Jeffrey Peter Kingston was convicted of animal cruelty in 2012 after he abandoned his thoroughbred at Centennial Parklands Equestrian Centre without food, water or exercise for a week. He was convicted of failing to provide proper and sufficient food, and failure to provide adequate exercise to a confined animal. He was fined $500 for each offence and paid costs of $5893.32.

Ben was finally surrendered to the RSPCA after many months in custody, and Horse Welfare Inc took him on due to having muscle atrophy in his hindquarters, and also spent months rehabilitating him. His size and nature made him perfect to be adopted by the Hunter Valley Vaulting Team where he is now a proud and happy member of the team.

Ms Jones said RSPCA rescue horses were all medically and behaviorally rehabilitated and made wonderful pets.

However, potential owners were urged to be aware of the costs associated with horse ownership, as this was a major factor in why many of the rescue horses had been neglected in the first place.

And she said it wasn’t just the RSPCA potential adopters could contact.

“We have worked so hard to get these beautiful animals to the point of being available for adoption, that we really want the horse community to support the efforts not just of the RSPCA, but all the other horse rescue groups working hard to give the neglected a future,” she said.

To learn more, email Julie at jwood@rspcansw.org.au