Animal Welfare Puerto Rico Project #53972

Support 5 Rescued Horses Who Help People in Need

by Horses of Hope/Caballos de Esperanza Inc.

Summary

Five horses rescued from neglect. Now with a new purpose in life, supporting our clients through equine-assisted programs at HOH/CDE in NW Puerto Rico. Over the last 2 years, our horses have empowered 50+ people, who have very limited access to services - including veterans/military and those with disabilities. They help people increase their confidence, social/communication skills, physical and mental abilities. This project funds their quality care and ongoing training to continue this work.

$31,650
total goal

$1,945
remaining

193
donors

3
monthly donors

3
fundraisers

11
months

Challenge

Since Sept. 2017 in NW Puerto Rico, a Cat5 hurricane, major earthquake, and pandemic have increased poverty (>48%), increased abandonment of horses, closed over 30 schools, reduced special education services and programs, and created a greater need for people including military/veterans with physical, cognitive, sensory, or developmental disabilities, trauma/PTSD, depression, anxiety, domestic abuse. Over 35,000 people living with a disability or other challenges are in need of support and hope.

Solution

HOH/CDE trains rescued horses as therapy horses, providing equine-assisted programs to clients in need, ages 4-adult, in NW Puerto Rico. Classes and goals are individualized and provide healthy outdoor activity with rigorous safety standards. Financial aid is given to those who qualify but are unable to pay. Our horses help people feel hope, realize their special abilities, learn resilience and compassion, and stand strong and confident. And we give our horses quality care and a great job.

Long-Term Impact

The project will pay one year of expenses for five rescue horses, allowing us to provide services (and need-based scholarships) for over 100 people in NW Puerto Rico during the coming year. Research shows us that learning to ride, care for horses, and perform groundwork, improves a person's confidence, self-trust, physical and mental abilities. And these effects carry over to create greater physical skills, mental abilities, and economic independence for people in our community,