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

Gift Giving Can Be Puzzling

As we approach the holidays, it can be puzzling to decide what to give your loved ones, but for horse lovers, giving can be easy! Giving can not only help and save horses, giving can move us towards a more compassionate world for horses -- for all animals -- humans too!

Click here to solve this puzzle!
We wish all puzzles were as simple to solve!

Founded in 2002, we are the voice for people and organizations across the country who know just how much horses need our help. We are unique in our mission in that we have a dual purpose. Our programs and services not only help horses — they also help increase opportunities for more people to benefit from their interactions with horses - from veterans and first responders to those with physical and emotional disabilities and special needs.

While we know that you join us in celebrating horses as creatures of spirit and beauty, in literature, fairy tales and in our dreams -- there are those that still ask the unthinkable of them — and treat them as commodities to be disposed of in cruel ways.

What continues to drive us is that many thousands of America's horses continue to become at risk for neglect, abuse, and the slaughter pipeline each year simply because they fall through the cracks when transitioning from one owner or one job to another.

We have seen progress. . .
• The number of equines being transported across our borders for slaughter is at an all-time low compared to the peak of 166,572 in 2012.
• With more equine charities focused on retraining and re-homing, there has been positive change in the perception of the "rescue" horse from “vulnerable” to “viable” - making adoption more appealing.
• The number of organizations focused on providing services to humans that incorporate horses is increasing, giving more horses in transition the opportunity for additional careers.

This year, the number of charities attaining our Guardian designation increased by 25% from 104 to 130. Of the 130, 34 equine charities attained the EQUUS Foundation Mentor Accreditation recognizing that they operate at the highest standards for equine welfare and business practices. In real terms, these charities care for over 4,500 horses, donkeys, and mules.

In addition to our annual Equine Welfare Grants, we also award grants for emergencies and safety net programs – and one specifically to recognize the role of equines in improving the lives of veterans and their families.

We expanded our scholarship program to encourage the pursuit of careers in the equine industry. This year, we awarded $40,000 in scholarships, up from $25,000 last year, to junior and senior level undergraduate and graduate level students enrolled in equine studies programs at institutions of higher learning listed on the EQUUS Foundation's Equine Education Network.

The Rider’s Closet distributed over 9,400 items of riding apparel to over 900 individuals in need of assistance with the cost of participating in equestrian activities– increasing access for more people to engage with and benefit from interactions with horses.

We continue to build a support base of advocates through our #HorseProtectors campaign – with over 3,000 having taken the pledge so far.

But there is still much work to be done!  Public trust in how horses are treated is critical to ensuring a promising future.

We believe that the best way to help horses in transition is to:
• Increase the capacity of equine charities involved with rescue, re-homing, and retirement and provide viable options to owners when their owners cannot, or no longer wish to, care for them BEFORE they end up abused, neglected and at risk of the slaughter pipeline
• Increase not only competitive and recreational programs involving horses, but also programs providing equine-assisted services. Programs where people partner with horses to enhance their well-being offer limitless career opportunities for horses in transition.

Horses are magic — they are intelligent, emotional, athletic, and sensitive beings, and we believe that they are worthy of our protection and deserve to be celebrated.

Visit equusfoundation.orgto learn more!