Media Round Up from the Unwanted Horse Coalition
This news collection comes from the Unwanted Horse Coalition.
Winners of the Ariat “Champions Win A Grant” Program Announced
Thanks to Ariat International and the dedication of three volunteers in the Champion Equine Service program, three well-deserving charities devoted to horse welfare and the horse-human bond have received grants to put towards their programs. Heroes on Horseback, which aids children with mental and physical disabilities through equine therapy, was awarded $2,500. Free Rein Therapeutic Riding received $1,500. Finally, Roanoke Valley Horse Rescue, which provides treatment, rehabilitation, and adoption services for horses that have been abandoned or abused, was given $1,000.
Sales Sector Increases Support for TAA
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) reports that it has received significantly increased support from buyers and consignors at North American Thoroughbred auctions, with voluntary contributions totaling more than a quarter million dollars. Sales revenue is one element of TAA’s goal to establish a broad-based, automatic funding mechanism at every point in a Thoroughbred’s life. “We are grateful to see a growing number of buyers and consignors equally invested in promoting and supporting our mission,” said TAA Executive Director, James Hastie.
Horses of a Different Color
Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino has announced Horses of a Different Color, a public art event that will take place at Gulfstream Park early next year. Two dozen life-sized fiberglass horses, hand painted by local and national artists, will be displayed throughout Gulfstream Park and auctioned off at select events over the course of the 2015 racing year. Proceeds will go to several charities, including the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.
Teen Rider Competes Rescue Horse at International Event
Last month, novice teen rider, Taylor Long, and her rescue horse, Heartbreaker, competed against over 1,000 competitors at the prestigious National Barrel Horse Association Youth World Championships. When Long received Heartbreaker two years ago, he weighed only 200 pounds and was incredibly skittish. But with time and patience, Long has given her diamond in the rough the opportunity to shine on the international stage.
Heart of Horse Sense Helps Children and Veterans
Shannon Knapp, founder of Heart of Horse Sense, has been busy conducting free equine therapy for at-risk children and veterans throughout the summer. Participants get to groom and feed the horses and, if they want to, ride. In addition, all the horses at Heart of Horse Sense have been rescued and rehabilitated. “They all have a story,” Knapp says. “A lot like out clients. And they need a lot of love.”
Paso Robles Group Pairs Kids and Horses in Need
Since 2003, the Equine Alliance Youth Foundation has paired local youth–specifically those who have experienced neglect, physical and emotional abuse, and abandonment–with horses to train and care for. The majority of the 12 horses who live on the small ranch are rescues who have also suffered abuse and neglect. Together, the kids and the horses who participate in the program learn trust and gain self-confidence. “When kids and horses work together, the youth begin to show affection, empathy, gain understanding and self-control,” said the program’s executive director, Lori Harmon.
New Mexico Program Allows Inmates to Help Horses
A new rehabilitation program launched by the New Mexico Department of Corrections lets prisoners at the Springer Correctional Center care for rescued horses. Through the program, inmates benefit from the soothing company of their equine partners, while the previously neglected or abused horses benefit from daily care and attention. And while the goal of the program is to teach inmates personal and professional skills that could lead to jobs after their release, it also aims to rehabilitate and re-home each horse.
A Home for Every Horse Announces Second “Equine Comeback Challenge”
A Home for Every Horse (AHFEH) will host its second Equine Comeback Challenge at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show in October. AHFEH has given 10 trainers 90 days to work with their assigned rescue horses in preparation for the showcase. Following the event, each horse will be listed on Equine.com and sold privately through their trainers to approved homes. “With a competition like the Equine Comeback Challenge, rescue horses are given that much-needed opportunity to showcase their abilities and potential. Ninety days is all many of these horses need to find their forever home,” said Mariah Hammerschmidt, Project Coordinator for AHFEH.
TheHorse.com Rescue Poll
In a recent poll, TheHorse.com asked their readers: “Have you ever rescued a horse?”
Of the 575 total respondents, 450 (78%) reported that they had. Respondents also left encouraging comments about their experiences rescuing horses and offered advice to those interested in the process.
Rescue Group Prepares for Microchipping Clinic
In September, Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue, in conjuction with the Equine Rescue Network (ERN), will host its first microchipping clinic. After Hurricane Katrina, microchipping gained popularity among horse owners, but more recently it has caught on with the equine rescue community. ERN volunteers scan horses at auctions and, if a microchip is found, contact the registered owner of the horse. In addition, the ERN hosts a 24-hour hotline and Facebook page to connect owners with horses who have been lost or stolen. Dr. Stacey Golub, founder of Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue, predicts that microchipping will become the norm with horse owners as they begin to see “the numerous benefits and the potential ‘safety net’ protection it offers as more at-risk horses are scanned.”
Hay Assistance Program in California
Because of the damage caused by the drought in the West, SAFER North Counties Horse Rescue, a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding homes for displaced horses and educating the public concerning horse welfare, is offering temporary assistance to horse owners who cannot currently afford to feed their horses.