The days may be getting longer, but the weather is getting colder. Winter can be difficult for horses and their owners. Rescues typically receive the most calls this time of year because the grass is long gone and hay prices in many parts of the country remain high. Although we encourage prospective owners to be aware of the costs of horse ownership before taking on the responsibility, the reality of winter care costs can still come as a surprise to some. Just before the New Year, the local ABC affiliate in Jonesboro, Arkansas, aired a story about the increasing numbers of equine abuse and neglect cases being reported (http://www.kait8.com/story/34110719/horse-abuse-cases-are-up). I have not seen data to indicate that this trend is occurring nationwide, but the amount of media coverage certainly seems to be on the rise. Whether numbers are truly increasing or not, it is important of find solutions to help the at-risk horses we hear about almost every day, whether it be through seizures and rehabilitation, one-day open shelters, owner education, or safety net programs. What I particularly liked about the article is the notion that these cases are rarely intentional. As Margaret Shepherd, Director of the Northeast Arkansas Humane Society pointed out, a donation of hay or simply scheduling a vet visit can often address the problem. So, this month, I wanted to write about safety net programs. It only seems logical that we can decrease the number of horses that become unwanted by helping owners keep their horses through the winter or other periods of hardship. These programs can potentially help a horse, an owner, a rescue, and another horse that the rescue can care for in its place; so it sounds like a four-time win to me! But, will supporting these programs really make a difference? I’m on a mission to find out. The UHC is in the process of contacting several organizations around the country to learn about their programs, the owners that utilize them, and overall effectiveness. Although far from scientific, we hope to collect enough meaningful data to make some decisions about future fundraising efforts and programmatic goals. If you have received safety net assistance, or know someone who has, we’d love to hear from you. Tell us if receiving financial help made the difference between keeping the horse or giving him up, and tell us if the horse was still relinquished despite the help. If you offer safety net assistance, we are eager to hear your results. For owners who need help now, the UHC maintains a list of organizations that offer safety net programs (http://www.unwantedhorsecoalition.org/resources-for-owners/). These include feed and hay programs in 14 states, as well as castration programs, veterinary and euthanasia assistance. New resources are always being added. This time of year, feed and hay assistance should make a difference between a horse staying at home or becoming unwanted. The mission of the UHC is to reduce the number of unwanted horses and improve their welfare… Please help us find out if funding safety net programs is an effective way to do that! Contact me with your safety net stories at [email protected]. JENNIFER
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Each year, hundreds of thousands of horses are transitioned from career or ownership. A growing number of these horses end up at risk of inhumane treatment. The Right Horse Initiative, led by the WaterShed Animal Fund, has been developed to unify horse industry professionals, equine welfare advocates, and the broader horse loving public to improve the lives of horses in transition. When I first heard a presentation by staff at the WaterShed Animal Fund, I was so very excited. They talked about how there aren’t enough resources for owners or low-cost options for end-of-life. They talked about the need for strong collaboration among members of industry and better marketing. They discussed the need to steer away from divisive issues and create a more optimistic language around horses in transition. They talked about the need to share positive stories… to think outside of the box… to invest in programs… and to become a unified voice for the horse. Yes. A resounding yes! Since coming on board at the UHC almost a year ago, I’ve seen the coalition focus on the positive, to identify what is working, and encourage industry-related groups to find a model that works for them. The new UHC Roundup and Join the Effort publication are just two examples. Every owner and horse lover is part of the solution, and together we can find and fund ways to help every horse have a purpose and to live a healthy life until they cross the rainbow bridge peacefully. There are thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of people who would like to own and care for a horse. We want to help new owners know what it means to “own responsibly” and to help them find the right horse. This is why I was ecstatic when the UHC was invited to join The Right Horse Initiative. The Right Horse Initiative promotes horse adoption as one of the preferred methods of finding your next (or first) horse. This unique partnership will commit the time, talent, and resources to promote horse adoption through education, training, and public awareness on a national level. Together we are working to achieve our goal to massively increase the number of horse adoptions nationwide. As a partner in The Right Horse Initiative, we’re proud to support a national movement reframing the conversation about equine adoption and emphasize the bond between horses and humans. We are good people for good horses, and everyone who loves horses has ownership in this movement. Join us! To learn more about The Right Horse Initiative, visit the righthorse.org. JENNIFER |
AuthorAshley Furst is Director of the Unwanted Horse Coalition Archives
July 2017
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