The EQUUS Foundation is dedicated to securing homes and useful lives for horses, enhancing the lives of people who benefit from horses, and educating the public on the significant impact horses have in our every day lives.
Today, millions of people are involved with horses - recreationally, competitively, and therapeutically. Age is not a limitation - horses are helping children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. Therapeutically, our equine partners have long been helping individuals bear the burdens of disabilities and debilitating diseases as well as those coping with economic disadvantages and at-risk situations.
Most recently, horses are coming to the aid of children with autism. Autism represents perhaps the fastest growing population who can benefit from equine therapies. Based on Center for Disease Control (CDC) data, an average of 1 in 110 children have been diagnosed with autism, a 57% increase in the rate of diagnosis based on a 4-year CDC study conducted from 2002 to 2006. A U.S. Department of Education study determined that autism diagnosis is growing at a rate of 10-17% year.
Additionally, as our soldiers return home from war overseas, horses are part of a national program, Horses for Heroes, which uses therapeutic riding to help rehabilitate our veterans both physically and emotionally from the traumas of war.
Yet with all the value that horses are able to provide to the public, the number of neglected and abandoned horses in the United States has reached an epidemic level. The tragic gap between supply and demand is truly needless when these horses could become critically important aides to the public, especially children.
The EQUUS Foundation provides direct financial support to horse and equestrian charities across the United States. Public Welfare Grants are awarded for therapeutic riding programs and other equine-assisted activities for individuals with physical, emotional, behavioral, and learning disabilities; life-threatening or other serious illnesses; and underserved, economically-disadvantaged and "at-risk" youth. Horse Welfare Grants are awarded for horse rescue, rehabilitation, adoption and retirement; veterinary education and research; and equine ambulance services. Sport Welfare Grants are awarded to advance the equestrian sport, through scholarships, awards, youth involvement, relief for equestrians in need, and programs to promote public education and awareness.
"With our 2010 awards, we have achieved a significant benchmark, now topping $1.5 million in grant awards since our first awards in 2003," said Jenny Belknap Kees, Board Chairman. "We have accomplished this almost entirely from special events and our Horse Whisperers program where donors may make a multi-year pledge and have a grant named by the donor in honor of a family member, friend, associate, or in the memory of a loved one or a loved equine companion.
The 2010 Horse Whisperer Grants include the Michele E. Arnhold Horse Whisperer Grant, established by the family of Michele E. Arnhold in 2008 in memory of Michele's life-long passion, her pursuit of excellence and her commitment and contribution to the equestrian sport. The 2010 grant was awarded to Giant Steps School & The American Institute for Neuro-Integrative Development in Southport, CT. The grant will be used to underwrite the cost of the certified therapeutic riding instruction for the school's therapeutic riding program at the Fairfield County Hunt Club, which donates the use of its facilities and horses for the program. The Bridgeport Police Mounted Unit, an EQUUS Grant Recipient, also supports the program by donating larger horses for the older children involved.
Days End Farm Horse Rescue based in Lisbon, Maryland, was selected to receive The Visse M. Wedell Horse Whisperer Grant. Days End Farm Horse Rescue provides shelter, rehabilitation encompassing medical and psychological intervention and care, training, foster care and qualified adoption to abused, neglected and unwanted equines, operating both a Critical Care Unit and an Extended Care program. In addition to its rescue and rehabilitation programs, Days End conducts education and outreach programs to bring attention to the prevalence of horse abuse and neglect, and also provides disaster relief along the East Coast in major natural or manmade disasters.
The Gray & Jerry Fadden Horse Whisperer Grant was awarded to the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center (BTRC) in Buffalo, New York. BTRC provides a safe, relaxing and non-academic environment for 175 children with physical and mental disabilities to interact with horses, volunteers and peers. The grant will be used for scholarships. Approximately 90% of the children who participate are economically disadvantaged and unable to afford the lessons. BTRC is a North American Riding for the Handicapped (NAHRA) Premier Center, which is the highest level of certification available to charities providing therapeutic riding to individuals with disabilities.
"While we are gratified to have been able to award grants to 60 worthy charities thanks to the generous support of donors, we received over 160 grant inquiries. Our goal is to generate enough funds to award grants to all the charity applicants that meet our requirements", said Belknap Kees. Donors can rest assured that due diligence has been undertaken to insure that their dollars are well spent. The EQUUS Foundation undertakes a thorough review of each applicant's management and financial practices as well as their operations.
For more information contact The EQUUS Foundation at [email protected], or visit our website at www.equusfoundation.org.
Grants Awarded in 2010
Horse Welfare
American Association of Equine Practitioners Foundation, Inc.
To improve the health and welfare of the horse through support of research, education, benevolence and the equine community (http://www.aaepfoundation.org)
Angel Acres Horse Haven Rescue, Inc.
To saving horses bound for slaughter for human consumption and assist in cases of abuse, neglect and abandonment (http://www.angelacreshorsehavenrescue.com)
ASPCA Equine Fund
To provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. (http://www.aspca.org)
Bridgeport Police Mounted Unit
To provide an awareness of the general capabilities and workability of the horse, and exhibit its usefulness in a modern day Police-oriented environment (http://www.bridgeport.ct.us)
Communication Alliance to Network Ex-Racehorses - CANTER Ohio
Communication Alliance to Network Ex-Racehorses - CANTER Michigan
Communication Alliance to Network Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorses - Mid Atlantic
To provide retiring thoroughbred racehorses with opportunities for new careers after the finish line. (http://www.canterusa.org/midatlantic)
Days End Farm Horse Rescue
To foster compassion and responsibility for horses through intervention, education and outreach. (http://www.defhr.org)
Dreamchaser Horse Rescue & Rehabilitation
To rescue and rehabilitate horses and other farm animals from abuse, starvation,abandonment, and slaughter (http://www.dreamchaserhorserescue.org)
Equine Land Conservation Resource
To advance the conservation of land for horse-related activity. (http://www.elcr.org)
Friends of Ferdinand Inc
To provide second chances at life for retiring racehorses through education, advocacy, partnership, rehabilitation and adoption of thoses horses most in need (http://www.friendsofferdinand.org)
H.O.R.S.E. of CT, Inc.
To rescue and rehabilitate abused and neglected horses and ponies and educate the public regarding horse care (http://www.horseofct.org)
Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary
To rescue, rehabilitate and provide an adoption program for abused, abandoned and neglected farm animals (http://www.happytrailsfarm.org)
Horses and Humans Research Foundation
To facilitate universal understanding and appreciation of the significant influence of horses on humans by supporting high-level published scientific research to increase support from insurers, professionals, and the general community (http://www.horsesandhumans.org)
Humane Equine Aid & Rapid Transport (HEART)
To provide the safe and humane transport of horses that have been injured in the course of competition at equestrian events or become ill while at equestrian events. (http://www.equineambulance.com)
Mitchell Farm Equine Retirement, Inc.
To provide a safe and comfortable retirement alternative for aged and infirm horses to live out their lives, and offering educational opportunities to the public on senior horse care and management (http://www.mitchellfarm.org)
Mountain View Rescue, Inc
To rescue, rehabilitate and re-home abused, neglected and unwanted horses (http://www.mountainviewrescue.com)
Mylestone Equine Rescue
To rescue, rehabilitate and re-home abused, neglected and unwanted horses (http://www.mylestone.org)
Pure Thoughts Inc.
To save the lives of horses, yearlings and foals that were intended to go to slaughter for human consumption, and to rescue horses from starvation, abuse and neglect or any horse in need (http:// www.purethoughtshorserescue.com)
Refuge Farms, Inc., Horse Rescue & Sanctuary
To rescue abused, deformed and old horses and provide care to those animals to the end of their days (www.refugefarms.org)
ReRun
To rehabilitate, retrain, and find adoptive homes for Thoroughbreds when their careers on the track are over. (http://www.rerun.org)
Ripley's Horse Aid Foundation
To insure that an equine once rescued from harm will not be in harm's way again by by working independently as well as in cooperation with Animal Control Agencies, Rescue Facilities and equine owners on neglect prevention (http://www.freewebs.com/rhaf)
S.T.A.R. Ranch
To provide a safe haven for horses coming from abusive, nelectful and cruel situations, either via animal control or owner surrender, rehabilitate them to their fullest potential and re-home them to safe permanent homes, no matter how long that takes (http://www.star-ranch-rescue.com)
Shiloh Horse Rescue & Sanctuary
To rescue and rehabilitate abused, neglected, injured, unwanted, and slaughter bound horses of all types, and to give them a second chance at life by adopting them out to new and loving homes or to providing them with a loving environment in which to live out their lives (http://www.shilohhorserescue.com)
Public Welfare
American Institute for Neuro-Integrative Development
To enhance the lives of children and adults with neuro-biologically based learning and developmental disabilities by creating and maintaining outreach, educational, recreational and therapeutic programs and supporting related clinical and medical research (http://www.giantstepsct.org)
Bright Horizons Therapeutic Riding Center
To improve the physical and emotional wellbeing of individuals and their families through therapeutic equestrian activities built on professionalism and trust with a focus on community education, communication and teamwork (http://www.brighthorizonsriding.org)
Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center Inc.
To provide a safe, relaxing and non-academic enviroment for children with physical and mental disabilities to interact with horses, volunteers and peers (http://www.thebtrc.org)
Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding, Inc.
To improve the lives of children and adults with disabilities. (http://[email protected])
City Slickers, Inc
A multicultural diversity awareness program that uses horses to build riding skills and in that process helps youngsters develop growth in educational and social areas. Horses provide the common link for students who bridge racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic isolation to work collaboratively in program activities and projects. (http://www.city-slicker.org)
City to Saddle
To provide a diverse population of culturally diverse, underserved children access to the many benefits of horsemanship programs. (http://www.citytosaddle.org)
CORRAL Riding Academy
To pair at-risk girls with rescued horses to promote healing, transformational growth, and ultimately, lasting life-change. (http://www.corralriding.org)
Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center
To foster personal growth and individual achievement for people with disabilities through a special partnership with horses (http://www.fieldstonefarmtrc.com)
Friends of Green Chimneys
To restore possibilities and create futures for the children and families we serve through a network of social and educational services all aimed to facilitate individual independence. Green Chimneys intermingles animals with children utilizing farm life as a catalyst for the children's healing process (http://www.greenchimneys.org)
G.A.I.T. Inc.
To improve the quality of life of children and adults with special needs resulting in a more independent life in society. (http://www.gaitpa.org)
Garfield Park Academy
A private, non-profit, alternative school for children and adolescents with severe learning, emotional, and behavioral disabilities (http://www.garfieldparkacademy.org)
Giving Alternative Learners Uplifting Opportunities, Inc. (GALLOPNYC)
To bring the joy of therapeutic horseback riding to children and adults with disabilities in New York City." (http://www.gallopnyc.org)
Gleneayre Equestrian Program
To help children and teens who are experiencing challenges in their lives to overcome these obstacles by working with horses in experiential educational programs that support academic achievement and foster enhanced self-esteem, a sense of responsibility, collaboration and teamwork (http://www.gleneayreequestrianprogram.org)
Hearts & Horses
To promote the physical, cognitive, emotional and social well-being of people with special needs (http://www.heartsandhorses.org)
High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Inc.
To improve the lives of people with cognitive, physical and emotional disabilities through the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding and other equine assisted activities (http://www.highhopestr.org)
Hole in the Wall Gang Camp
To provide children with cancer and other serious illnesses and conditions a camping experience of the highest quality, while extending year-round support to their families and health care providers (http://www.holeinthewallgang.org)
Horsepower, Inc.
To promote and enhance the welfare of individuals with disabilities by providing a program of therapeutic, educational and recreational value, and further, to empower individuals who are physically, mentally, emotionally, and/or behaviorally challenged through the use of horses, while providing therapeutic benefits in a safe and controlled atmosphere. (http://www.Horsepower.org)
Horses in the Hood - Los Angeles
To teach children from Los Angeles's most underprivileged neighborhoods important life lessons through horsemanship (http://www.hhla.org)
Lowcountry Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, Inc.
To provide the unique benefits of equine assisted psychotherapy to the South Carolina Lowcountry Communities, regardless of gender, socioeconomic status, race or creed (http://www.LeapinSC.org)
New Canaan Mounted Troop, Inc.
To build leadership, responsibility, and confidence in youth by providing a comprehensive hands-on learning experience that emphasizes teamwork and follows a curriculum focused on horsemanship and equine care instruction (http://www.newcanaanmountedtroop.org)
Partners Therapeutic Horsemanship
To provide therapeutic horsemanship as a means to improve the quality of life for those with special needs, their families and the community. (http://www.partnershorses.com)
People & Animal Learning Services, Inc. (PALS)
To provide high-quality, safe, educational, fun and therapeutic animal assisted activities such as therapeutic horseback riding, hippotherapy, animal care and pet encounter therapy to children and adults with physical, learning, cognitive or emotional disabilities. (http://www.palstherapy.org)
Rio Bravo Therapy Services, Inc DBA Therapeutic Horsemanship of El Paso
To provide quality therapeutic horseback riding programs to children and adults with mental and physical disabilities, to assist disadvantaged individuals in achieving fruitful and productive lives, and to encourage individuals to overcome difficulties and reach their full potential, bodily, emotionally, socially, and mentally (http://www.th-ep.org)
Rocking Horse Ranch Therapeutic Riding Program, Inc.
To provide equine assisted activities and therapy to children and adults with physical, cognitive, or psychological disabilities in eastern North Carolina (http://www.rhrnc.com)
Santa Ynez Valley Therapeutic Riding Program
To provide therapeutic horseback riding to enhance and improve the quality of life for individuals with special needs (http://www.syvtherapeuticriding.org)
Special Equestrians, Inc.
To provide high quality therapeutic horseback riding and equine assisted activities to persons with physical, mental, developmental and emotional disabilities (http://www.specialequest.org)
We Will Ride Therapeutic Riding Inc
To provide individualized programs of equine assisted activities and therapies to people with disabilities ained at enhancing their physical, mental, emotional, and social functioning in everyday life (http://www.wewillrideinc.com)
Windridge Therapeutic Equestrian Center
To enhance the lives of children and adults who face life with a mental, emotional, or physical disability, or debilitating situation and to make a positive difference in the lives of our volunteers and staff through therapeutic horsemanship programs (http://www.windridgetexas.com)
Sport Welfare
American Vaulting Association
To expand the recognition and accessibility of equestrian vaulting throughout the U.S. (http://www.americanvaulting.org)
Equestrian Aid Foundation
To assist anyone in the Equestrian world suffering from life threatening illness, catastrophic accidents or injuries by providing financial support for their medical or other basic needs (http://www.equestrianaidfoundation.org)
Intercollegiate Equestrian Foundation, Inc.
To provide scholarships to undergraduate students who compete in intercollegiate equestrian activities. (http://www.ihasinc.com)
R.W. Mutch Foundation
To provide scholarship opportunities to junior riders who would otherwise be unable to afford these training sessions (http://www.rwmutch.com)
Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament
To further the development of the sport of show jumping by increasing awareness and exposure of the athleticism, dedication, and excitement involved with the sport (http://www.syracuseinvitational.com)
United States Equestrian Federation, Inc.
To provide leadership for equestrian sport in the United States of America, promoting the pursuit of excellence from the grass roots to the Olympic Games, based on a foundation of fair, safe competition and the welfare of its human and equine athletes, and embracing this vision, to be the best national equestrian federation in the world (http://www.usef.org)
United States Equestrian Team Foundation, Inc
To support the competition, training, coaching, travel and educational needs of America's elite and developing International High Performance horses and athletes in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation (http://www.USET.org)
USHJA Foundation
To advance and promote the hunter and jumper disciplines of equestrian sport by supporting the programs of the United States Hunter Jumper Association, Inc. (USHJA) and other activities which are consistent with the mission of USHJA. (http://www.ushjafoundation.org)
About The EQUUS Foundation, Inc.
The EQUUS Foundation, Inc., established in August 2002, as a 501(c)(3) national charitable foundation, seeks to raise public awareness of the value of the horse in society through education and the awarding of grants to charities that use the horse to benefit the public, promote the health and welfare of horses, and elevate the equestrian sport as a whole.
The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors, which is responsible for the selection of the grant recipients. The Board includes: Jenny Belknap Kees, Chairman, Catherine Herman, Vice Chairman, David T. Goodwin, Secretary/Treasurer, Lynn Coakley, President, David Distler, Frank Madden, Richard Mitchell DVM, Clea Newman Soderlund, Susan Weber and Visse Wedell.
Thanks to the generosity of its donors, The EQUUS Foundation helps thousands of people and horses each year. Over $1.5 million in grants have been awarded since the first awards in 2003. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Contact The EQUUS Foundation, Inc., at 168 Long Lots Road, Westport, CT 06880, Tele: (203) 259-1550, E-Mail: [email protected], website: www.equusfoundation.org.