Equine welfare advocates from around the country gathered on July 31 and August 1 in Denver, CO for the Homes for Horses Coalition 2014 Summit. The only national conference for horse rescues and sanctuaries brought together 85 people from 50 different organizations with similar interests and goals and provided training, problem-solving tools and moral support. A wide range of topics vital to horse rescues including strategic planning, seeking and writing grants, lobbying, and the future of horse rescue were discussed.
Helping horse rescues help horses
The only national conference for horse rescues and sanctuaries brought together 85 people from 50 different organizations with similar interests and goals and provided training, problem-solving tools and moral support.
The speakers for the conference included a broad range of experts from national animal welfare organizations, granting agencies and horse rescues. In addition to the workshops, there was plenty of time for networking, and a special screening of the new film Roaming Wild including Q & A with the filmmaker, Sylvia Johnson.
The 3 finalists in the Homes for Horses Coalition 2014 Best Rescue Story Contest were treated to a trip to the Summit by the ASPCA Equine Fund and all received prizes from the Parelli Education Institute and Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals.
The winner, Polo Pony Rescue of Los Angeles, CA also received a $500 cash grant from Best Friends Animal Society, additional prizes from Parelli Education Institute and a spot in the Forever Foundation Clinic to be held at the Doris Day Equine Center in Murchison, TX later this year.
“Attending a conference like this is a big commitment for rescues with limited funds and time and we are so pleased with the turn-out and the learning and sharing experienced by everyone who participated,” said Cindy Gendron, Homes for Horses Coalition Coordinator.
A major theme that emerged from the conference was the need for greater communication and collaboration with stakeholders in the horse industry, and this was a rare opportunity for equine welfare organizations from across the country to come together face-to-face and share knowledge and community.
“The energy and the openness were amazing. These rescues are on the front lines in the battle to save America's at-risk horses from horse slaughter, neglect and other forms of cruelty" said Gendron. "They shared their successes, best practices and war stories and reaffirmed their commitment to always put the welfare of the horse first."
The conference was possible thanks to the Coalition’s supporting organizations, the Animal Welfare Institute, ASPCA and The Humane Society of the United States’ Jeannie Dodson Equine Protection Fund. The Coalition currently has close to 300 members and is the only professional organization dedicated to providing training and support to the nation's equine welfare community.