Animal Welfare United States Project #10783

Can You Make A Horse Smile? You Bet! Here's How...

by EQUUS Foundation

Can You Make A Horse Smile? You Bet! Here's How...

Project Report | Dec 16, 2019
Miniature Donkey, Blossom, Visits Washington, DC!

By Lynn Coakley | President

The EQUUS Foundation has been a proud, long-time supporter of the Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) that brings the magic of horses into the heart of DC so all can experience horsepower. But this year, the EQUUS Foundation spread the love of horses in its own unique way by having a rescued miniature donkey in the Kissing Booth at Kid's Day to help inspire horse welfare and adoption.

Blossom, a little, painted donkey with sight in only one eye due to a previous injury, is as sweet and docile as they come and was rescued in the nick of time by Kelly Smith of Omega Horse Rescue in Airville, Pennsylvania, an EQUUS Foundation Guardian, her husband Matt, and Blossom were on hand to encourage compassion for all horses. Blossom delighted all and gratefully accepted kisses and being brushed and petted gently by visitors of all ages.

WIHS was also host to our Rider's Closet Donation Trunk. The Rider's Closet provides donated riding apparel to equestrians of all ages and at every level of horsemanship who need the clothing to pursue their horsemanship dreams -- as well as equine charities, scholastic riding programs, pony clubs and equestrian camp programs.

By the end of the week, the EQUUS Foundation collected several trunks full of britches, shirts, riding jackets and boots. Founded by EQUUS Foundation EQUUStar, Georgina Bloomberg, in 2006, the Rider's Closet merged with the EQUUS Foundation earlier this year.

The EQUUS Foundation also presented the WIHS Honor & Service Award on Friday evening to two horses who give back every day to improve the well-being of people - Happy, a 22-year old leopard Appaloosa from the Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program NVTRP) in Clifton, Virginia, and Reeses, a 27-year old Thoroughbred from the Project Horse Empowerment Center in Purcellville, Virginia.

The new, high-tech and stylish vegan paddock boots and tall boots by Der Dau to benefit the EQUUS Foundation were also sparking interest and special orders at the Der Dau booth inside the Capital Arena where the Washington International Horse Show competition took place. Gentle to animals and the environment, 20% of every sale of Der Dau's vegan boot line, made from non-animal leather (pineapple fiber and recycled rubber), is donated to the EQUUS Foundation, thanks to the generosity of renown lux boot maker, Der Dau, based in Brooklyn, NY, USA.

"Two Therapy Horses to Honor, A Donkey to Kiss, Lux Boots Made of Pineapple that Give Back to Horses, and a Trunk Filled to the Brim with Donated Apparel for Equestrians in Need ... That Was Our Week at the 2019 Washington International Horse Show!" said Valerie Angeli, EQUUS Foundation VP.

Links:

https://www.equusfoundation.org/news/releases/news-release-466.html

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Sep 16, 2019
Wild About Horses in the Hamptons

By Lynn Coakley | President

Torrential rain couldn't keep horse lovers in the Hamptons from coming out on Wednesday evening, August 28, to join the EQUUS Foundation to celebrate a unique, new documentary by award-winning producer and director, Steven Latham, about the complicated and tragic dilemma facing America's Wild Horses while also highlighting some hopeful and triumphant solutions.

"After spending more than a year filming wild horses throughout the west, it was a privilege to have the first preview of my movie in association with the EQUUS Foundation," said Steven Latham, producer of 'The Mustangs: An American Story.'

The evening was educational as well as enjoyable. EQUUS Foundation VP, Valerie Angeli, shared highlights of the range of programs the EQUUS Foundation supports which focus on re-homing America's at-risk and transitioning horses and on the healing power horses provide to those who are hard to help through traditional therapies.

The magnitude of the Foundation's success in raising awareness of the issues impacting America's horses was brought home further through the viewing of Steven Latham’s beautiful movie clip which was so moving that even non-horse lovers could appreciate why preserving these amazing American icons is an obligation we all share. You can view the clip at https://www.equusfoundation.org/wild.

"The EQUUS Foundation supports second chances and new opportunities for all of America's horses. It is time to tell the story about these spirited and intelligent icons of the American West in a way everyone can appreciate and embrace," said Angeli.

"Steven Latham's film does an outstanding job of detailing the issue in the most beautiful and inspiring way, showing us that there are solutions on the horizon for these magical horses. Our intention for this special evening is to raise awareness about the issue and to step up our efforts to support programs for wild horses whose lives depend on our support," continued Angeli.

Links:

Wild About Horses in the Hamptons

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Jun 20, 2019
Georgina Bloomberg's Rider's Closet

By Lynn Coakley | President, EQUUS Foundation

Georgina Bloomberg with Petey

The EQUUS Foundation is pleased to announce the merger of the EQUUS Foundation and The Rider's Closet, a charitable program founded in 2006 by philanthropist and professional equestrian Georgina Bloomberg. The Rider's Closet provides new and gently used riding attire free-of-charge to equestrians in need so they may pursue their horsemanship dreams at any age and at every level. The mission of The Rider's Closet is also to ensure riding apparel is accessible to equine charities, scholastic riding programs, pony clubs and equestrian camp programs.

"As a lifelong animal welfare advocate and equestrian, I couldn't ask for a better partner for The Rider's Closet than a nonprofit dedicated to the protection of horses," said Ms. Bloomberg. "Our merger with the EQUUS Foundation will provide limitless opportunities to benefit horses and equestrians around the country, and it's a natural fit that will increase the visibility and positive impact of both missions."

"The mission of the Rider's Closet aligns perfectly with that of the EQUUS Foundation — to increase opportunities for horses and people to thrive together. Our partnership will allow more people than ever to enjoy the magic of horses and the benefits of the equine experience," said Valerie Angeli, EQUUS Foundation VP of Engagement.

The Rider's Closet accepts donations from around the U.S., including adult and children's show shirts, breeches, show coats, schooling apparel, boots and half chaps. Demand is especially high for paddock boots and tall boots in adult and children's sizes, as these are the most expensive items that equestrians need to participate. For safety reasons, helmets cannot be accepted.

In its new role as a program of the EQUUS Foundation, The Rider's Closet will continue its day-to-day operations as a free equestrian apparel exchange. It will also increase its presence at horse shows and other equine-related events to support and promote the work of the EQUUS Foundation and the Rider's Closet, and provide a drop-off location for apparel donations.

"Given Georgina's passion for equine and animal welfare, this merger is an especially powerful alliance. We are excited to grow together — For The Love of Horses," said Angeli.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, all donations to The Rider's Closet program of the EQUUS Foundation are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Visit equusfoundation.org/riderscloset for information about donating or requesting items from The Rider's Closet.

Grayson, Rider's Closet Recipient

Naya, Rider's Closet Recipient

Links:

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