Page 86 - Speedhorse November, 2018

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For many of us, the holiday season is a hectic time. However, this time of year also represents an opportunity to visit with family and friends, and show that you care to those who matter to you. Many people also choose to give to charities during the holiday season.
We recognize the abundance of different opportunities to give—both to worthy organizations as well as to individuals and families who may be in need. For those who are part of the equine community, there are specific opportunities available to give to causes related to horses, horse racing, and the horse racing industry. Here are some of those causes.
By John Moorehouse
American Association of Equine Practitioners (www.aaep.org)
Founded in 1954, the AAEP is an organiza- tion that looks to guide the focus and industry trends of equine veterinary medicine. Based
out of Lexington, Kentucky, the AAEP boasts more than 9,000 veterinarians and veterinary students representing a wide range of equine disciplines, breeds and associations. The AAEP seeks to improve the health and welfare of horses throughout the United States, while also encour- aging the professional development of its mem- bers, and providing educational and wellness resources for individuals in the equine industry.
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (secure.aspca.org/ donate/equine-fund)
The Equine Welfare division of the ASPCA began with a single ambulance for injured horses in 1867. Later, ASPCA founder Henry Bergh invented a canvas sling for rescuing injured horses that was put into use during World War I. Today, the ASPCA works in three areas related to horses. First, the organization works to find homes for horses through partnership with The Right Horse Initiative. Next, the ASPCA manages several “equine safety net” programs, including an alliance with Zoetis to provide veterinary care and a drive to end horse slaughter in America. Finally, the ASPCA organizes disaster response teams to help horses who are injured or displaced when natural disasters occur such as hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, floods, and earthquakes. The ASPCA offers $50,000 grants to organizations who offer innovative, environmentally friendly solutions to assist horses that are at risk.
American Quarter Horse Foundation (www.aqha.org/foundation)
The AQHA Foundation seeks to honor the history of the sport—through its museum and Hall of Fame. However, the foundation also runs a scholarship program that has been helping to create future leaders in the Quarter
Horse world for more than four decades. Supporting equine research and equine-assisted therapy are other goals of the foundation. Donors can decide specifically where their contribution will go when they donate through the official AQHA web site.
Humane Society (www.humanesociety. org/donate)
Caring for equines is a major component of
the work of the Humane Society. The Equine Protection Department works to promote cru- elty-free horsemanship, seeks to end irresponsible breeding, advocates an end to the use of drugs
in horse racing, and provides a sanctuary to horses that have been rescued and abused horses. Humane Society Animal Rescue teams are mobilized to help horses affected by a disaster or those who are existing in poor living conditions.
Permanently Disabled Jockey Fund (www.pdjf.org/donate.php)
An approved 501 (c) non-profit charity, the PDJF was founded in 2006 with the goal of providing financial aid to jockeys who suffered catastrophic injuries on the track. Not only
are most of these injuries career-ending, but they often are debilitating enough to impede the injured jockeys’ ability to function in their daily lives. An all-volunteer organization, the PDJF is able to send more than 90 percent of all donated funds directly to the beneficiaries. The organization also relies solely on dona- tions, and is proud to report it has generated nearly $9 million in aid to date.
Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (www. pathintl.org)
PATH International aims to serve as a global authority, resource and advocate for equine- assisted activities and therapies and the equines in this work that inspire and enrich the human spirit. Founded in 1969 as the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, PATH
has expanded to provide services at 880 centers all over the world. Individuals who have been found to benefit from equine therapy include those with autism, veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, and others deal- ing with a host of other behavioral issues. The organization also provides a second career for retired race horses. Visit their website and click the “Donate Now” button at the top left of the home page to contribute to their organization.
U.S. Equestrian (www.usef.org)
Founded in 2005 after Hurricanes Rita and Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast area of
the United States, the USEF Equine Disaster Relief Fund works to protect the safety and well-being of any breed of equines that may be affected by natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, blizzards, and fires. Money donated to the fund is held by U.S. Equestrian in an account dedicated solely for the purpose of disaster relief. Contribute to their work by visiting the USEF web site and clicking the “Donate” button on the upper right of the page.
Local Horse Rescues & Organizations
Looking to help at-risk equine close to home? Many areas have an equine welfare organization nearby, working to help abused and neglected horses. There are also many local groups avail- able in emergency situations. For example, the Oklahoma Large Animal First Responders (www. olafr.org), which coordinates their efforts with government organizations, helps at a local level when disaster strikes and horses and other large animals are in jeopardy. An online search can identify which of these organizations is closest to you, so that you can donate your money or time.
Equine research
It is easy to find a veterinary school with an equine department—especially if you live in or near one of the hotbeds of horse racing. Find the equine veterinary school located nearest to you and consider donating money or even supplies.
84 SPEEDHORSE, November 2018