It’s the season of giving thanks, and as equestrians, there’s no better way to show our appreciation for the equestrian world than to explore top notch nonprofit organizations working to improve the lives of horses every day.
There are numerous ways to give. If donating money isn’t an option, many organizations offer volunteering opportunities, or you can help by spreading their mission with your friends and family!
However you can give back this Giving Tuesday, we’re here to create a guide to help you find the perfect place to donate. We’ve utilized the assessment organization Charity Navigator to ensure quality evaluation of the charities listed. Of course, there’s no way to provide an entirely comprehensive overview of all of the amazing efforts being made, so be sure to keep an eye out for other places in which you can give back.
Rescues
Every horse deserves to have a safe and loving home. However, not all are lucky to end up in spaces that provide for their needs, which is where the amazing rescue work comes in to help. We love a good transformation story, and these organizations do so much to ensure the healthy, happiness, and success of the horses that come through their program.
There are numerous rescues around the world. Charity Navigator rates Days End Farm Horse Rescue (Woodbine, MD), Habitat for Horses (Hitchcock, MD), and Front Range Equine Rescue (Ocala, FL) with Four Stars. Additionally, while Best Friends Animal Society is typically known for their work with companion animal rescue, they do have their Horse Haven Sanctuary that provides rescue for horses, donkeys, and mules.
Therapeutic
Anyone who has spent time with horses will likely comment on the impact they can have. Horses have provided benefits to therapeutic efforts for people living with mental health issues, physical disabilities, and so much more. Additionally, some therapy programs work specifically with veterans.
Learn more about and support the efforts of therapeutic programs like Wilderwood Equine Therapy and Rescue (Peralta, NM) with a Four Star rating, High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Inc. (Old Lyme CT) with a Four Star rating, or Arise Equine Therapy Foundation (Foristell, MO) with a Three Star rating.
Accessibility
We’ve featured a few organizations with missions to increase accessibility recently, with Full Moon Farm Eventing Foundation and BridgeUP GiddyUP both aiming to decrease barriers and increase access to equestrian sports. Detroit Horse Power (Detroit, MI) is another organization (Four Star rating) striving to provide equine opportunities to a variety of riders, as is Strides for Equality Equestrians (SEE), which provides mentorship, networking, and educational opportunities for marginalized riders.
Welfare/Education
Organizations such as the International Fund for Animal Welfare (Washington, D.C.) and Animal Welfare Institute (Washington, D.C.) both have Four Star ratings and utilize policy and education to improve the welfare of animals. Similarly, the ASPCA, World Horse Welfare, and the EQUUS Foundation utilize campaigns and education to address equine welfare.
With numerous ways to support our equine friends this Giving Tuesday – through donations, volunteering, or through spreading awareness – take a minute to find a charity with which your visions align, and be sure to show them some extra appreciation today! Want to explore other charity options? Take a look at Charity Navigator to be confident in your decision.
