Page 75 - November 2017

The Spirit
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Charles Dickens once wrote, “No one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of another.”
During the holiday season, the thoughts of many turn to helping others. Wherever you call home, you probably can find an assortment of charitable causes and drives to help the less fortunate.
We understand there are many worthy charities and individuals in need, but also would urge those in the horse world not to forget their own community at this time of year.
Here are a few causes related to horses and horse racing we think are worthy of your time and consideration this holiday season. Remember, you can carry the spirit of giving from the holiday season throughout the entire year.
American Quarter Horse Foundation (www.aqha.org/foundation/pages/ support-scholarships/)
Colleges and universities help prepare future vet- erinarians, as well as many individuals who enter the horse industry, and the AQHA scholarship program has been helping create future leaders in the Quarter Horse world for more than 40 years. Since being founded in 1976, the AQHA Foundation scholarship program has provided more than $6.8 million in financial assistance to more than 1,200 AQHA youth members. These scholarships are made possible through dona- tions to the foundation. Donors can support
an existing scholarship, target a specific major or interest, create a new endowment, or make a generalized donation available to any qualified scholarship applicant. The foundation also sup- ports equine research, equine-assisted therapy, and sustaining Quarter Horse history.
ASPCA Equine Fund (secure.aspca.org/donate/equine-fund) Did you know that Henry Bergh, the founder
of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), was inspired to start the group in 1866 because he saw a carthorse being mistreated? Caring for and rescuing horses remain cornerstones of this organization today.
In addition to helping animals in areas hit by weather events through its disaster rescue group, the ASPCA Equine Fund awards grants to orga- nizations across the nation that seek to help suf- fering and mistreated horses, aid animal welfare agencies, provide emergency-based funding for key needs, and end horse slaughter in America.
Equine Research
You don’t have to look very far to find ways that you can help in this area. Nearly every university with a veterinary school has an equine department that likely could use an infusion of funds from donations during
the holiday season or any other time of the year. Just hop on the Internet to find the nearest equine veterinary school to you. You also may consider universities with specific equine health departments, such as Oklahoma State, Louisiana State, or the University of California Davis.
Horse rescues
There are many equine welfare organizations out there seeking to help rescue horses that have been abused or neglected, as well as those that may be earmarked for slaughter. You can search on google to find which of these organi- zations is closest to you.
Humane Society Equine Protection Department (www.humanesociety.org/donate) Whether it’s a Quarter Horse, Thoroughbred, walking horse, pony, or
even a donkey, the Humane Society empha- sizes equine welfare. Its Equine Protection Department encourages cruelty-free horse- manship, provides sanctuary to rescued and abused horses, and also is part of the fight to end horse slaughter in America. One of the current goals of the Humane Society is to end the practice of doping in horse racing at every track in the country.
Permanently Disabled Jockey Fund (www.pdjf.org/donate.php)
An approved 501 (c) non-profit char-
ity founded in 2006, this organization has provided financial assistance in the form of more than $7 million to over 60 jockeys who suffered devastating injuries on the track. This money goes to replace lost income for these athletes who no longer can support themselves due to the injuries they sustained. The fund also seeks to encourage medical research that will help with the sort of catastrophic injuries sustained by jockeys. The long-term goal of the fund is to become self-sufficient.
Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (www.pathintl.org)
Equine therapy has become increasingly popular in recent years, both to help individu- als with autism or certain behavioral issues (including post-traumatic stress disorder in veterans), and to provide new careers for retired racehorses. The Professional Association
of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International encourages safe, optimal out- comes in equine-related activities and therapy for special-needs individuals. Founded in 1969, this organization encourages safe and effective therapeutic riding in both the United States and Canada. PATH International currently oversees 870 member centers.
Speedhose would like to wish eeryone a happy and healhy hoiday season.
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