The EQUUS Foundation announced today the award of over $405,000 in grants, including $136,000 in awards of new and gently used riding apparel to individual riders in need, scholastic riding programs, pony clubs, equestrian camp programs and equine charities through The Rider's Closet program.
Woman observing horse in pasture
Through engaging passionate supporters, collaboration, and talents of equine charities nationwide, EQUUS will help ensure a sustainable environment for horses.
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Primary support is awarded to equine charities nationwide that save and re-home increasing numbers of horses from abuse, neglect, and slaughter and charities that partner with horses to improve the well-being of people through the Foundation's Transparency Awards program.
The EQUUS Foundation awarded small grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 to 163 charities that earned the EQUUS Foundation Guardian Seal of Transparency by completing the EQUUS Foundation comprehensive and unique verification process.
Horse Whisperer Awards
EQUUS Foundation Horse Whisperers are a select group of donors who have an extraordinary kinship with horses. The EQUUS Foundation Board of Directors selects those charities from among the grant recipients that best align with the interests of the Horse Whisperers to be recognized with a Horse Whisperer Award.
"Through engaging passionate supporters, collaboration, and maximizing the talents of equine charities nationwide, we will be able to ensure a humane and sustainable environment for America's horses now and in the future," said Lynn Coakley, EQUUS Foundation President.
Horse Whisperer Perpetual Awards
Michele E. Arnhold Memorial Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2008 by the family of Michele E. Arnhold in memory of her life-long passion, her pursuit of excellence, and her commitment and contribution to the equestrian sport.
Giving Alternative Learners Uplifting Opportunities, Inc. (GALLOPNYC), Brooklyn, NY
High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Inc. Old Lyme, CT
Daniel D. Barkan Memorial Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2013 by the family of Daniel D. Barkan, a quiet philanthropist and gentleman, in memory of his life-long love of horses.
Brook Hill Farm, Forest, VA
Communication Alliance to Network Thoroughbred ExRacehorses (CANTER Michigan), Commerce Township, MI
Horse Whisperer Annual Awards
Emma and Georgina Bloomberg Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2019 in honor of Emma and Georgina Bloomberg.
Omega Horse Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, Airville, PA
Elaine Enick Memorial Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2017 in memory of Elaine Enick by her family and friends in recognition of her pursuit to find happiness and joy in everything and her enduring love of horses.
Saving Horses, Inc., Encinitas, CA
Renee Farmer Memorial Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2019 in memory of Renee Farmer by Paul Guilden and Mikelle Terson.
Standardbred Retirement Foundation, Cream Ridge, NJ
The Michael & Kerry Gaynor Award
Established in 2018 by the EQUUS Foundation in appreciation of Michael & Kerry Gaynor's innovative approach to philanthropy in establishing the Houses for Horses Grant program.
Equine Rescue and Adoption Foundation, Palm City, FL
Joan & George Hornig Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2019 by the EQUUS Foundation in honor of Joan & George Hornig in appreciation of their boundless compassion and selfless generosity.
The Equus Effect, Sharon, CT
Francis P. (Frank) Kruel Memorial Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2019 in memory of Frank Kruel by his friends.
Mitchell Farm Equine Retirement, Inc., Salem, CT
Lafitte De Muze Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2018 by Cheryl Olsten in the name of her horse, Lafitte De Muze, to protect America's horses at risk for abuse and neglect, and to inspire others who experience the joy of horses to help ensure that all horses live in comfort and with dignity throughout their lives.
Return to Freedom, Lompoc, CA
Safe Haven Equine Rescue & Retirement Home, Inc., Gilmer, TX
Mighty Nice Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2018 by Caroline Moran in recognition of 2017 Horse Stars Hall of Fame Inductee Mighty Nice owned by HnD Group, which was formed in memory of the late Bruce Duchossois, who owned Mighty Nice before his passing in 2014.
Kentucky Equine Adoption Center, Lexington, KY
Richard L. Parish Memorial Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2014 by the family of Richard L. Parish in recognition of his leadership and dedication for over 45 years to the causes supported by the Richard Laurence Parish Foundation.
Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding, Inc., Johns Island, SC
Green Chimneys Children's Services, Inc., Brewster, NY
Special Equestrians, Warrington, PA
Warioto Farm & Joni Werthan Forever Farms Award
Established in 2018 by the Warioto Farm owned by Joni Werthan, an EQUUS Foundation Forever Farm dedicated to preserving open space for America's horses, especially carriage horses, and safeguarding their comfort and dignity throughout their lives and in memory of her beloved “Magical Max”.
Draft Gratitude, Winchester, NH
Grant recipients from the last three years can be viewed here
In related news . . .
EQUUS Foundation Announces 2019 Platinum Performance Horse Welfare Award Recipients
The EQUUS Foundation is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2019 Platinum Performance Horse Welfare Awards. Five EQUUS Foundation Guardian charities will receive a $500 cash award and a $500 gift card for Platinum Performance products to be used by the charity for the care of one of their horses. In addition, another five horses will receive $250 gift cards for Platinum Performance Equine, and 10 horses will receive gift cards for a bucket Platinum Performance Equine.
We are truly honored to support the EQUUS Foundation and the incredible work that they do to keep America's horses safe with purposeful lives and loving homes. Congratulations to the recipients of the 2019 Platinum Performance Horse Welfare Awards. We celebrate all the deserving applicants for their complete transparency and wonderful effort in protecting horses and appreciating the impact they have on each of us," said Emily Smith, MS, Platinum Performance.
"We are so proud to be associated with Platinum Performance," said Lynn Coakley, EQUUS Foundation President. "Their support enables us to protect America's horses by vetting and investing in the charities nationwide that are saving increasing numbers of horses from abuse, neglect, and slaughter and charities that are partnering with horses to improve the well-being of people. The Platinum Performance program is really special because it benefits specific horses, and I love to be able to share their stories."
Only those charities that undergo the EQUUS Foundation comprehensive and unique verification process and receive the EQUUS Foundation Guardian designation are eligible to receive financial support from the EQUUS Foundation.
ABOUT EQUUS FOUNDATION: The EQUUS Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity established in 2002, also known as Horse Charities of America, the only national animal welfare charity in the United States 100% dedicated to protecting America's horses and strengthening the bond between people and horses. 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: mail@equusfoundation.org, Website: www.equusfoundation.org.
ABOUT PLATINUM PERFORMANCE: Platinum Performance believes in the power of nutrition and supplementation and is committed to providing formulas that produce superior results. Over the past several decades, Platinum has continued to research the role of nutrition in animal health and remains committed to providing veterinarians, owners and trainers with the nutritional tools they need to benefit from cutting edge nutrition. Animal Health is the Platinum Performance Mission, and we look forward to helping you NOURISH YOUR PASSION. For more information, visit www.platinumperformance.com.
Press release provided by Lynn Coakley - EQUUS Foundation