The EQUUS Foundation renewed its commitment to provide financial support where needed most through the award of over $300,000 in grants to 149 charities and educational institutions dedicated to protecting America’s horses from peril and strengthening the bond between horses and people.
Origami horse dollar bills representing donations to horse charities and institutions
It is only through engaging supporters and collaboration that we are able to identify and invest in programs that find homes for at-risk horses and horses in transition, providing a safe haven for aged horses.
© 2016 by Jiri Markalous New window.
The EQUUS Foundation awarded Transparency Grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 to charities that earned the EQUUS Foundation Guardian Seal of Transparency by completing the EQUUS Foundation’s comprehensive and unique verification process.
In addition, over 620 individual riders in need, scholastic riding programs, pony clubs, equestrian camp programs and equine charities received new and gently used riding apparel through the Rider’s Closet, an EQUUS Foundation program.
“Most horses will have multiple homes during their lifetimes, but each time the career of a horse comes to an end, they are only one unlucky step away from abuse, neglect and slaughter – even champions of the racetrack and the show ring.
It is only through engaging passionate supporters and collaboration that we are able to identify and invest in effective programs that are finding homes for at-risk horses and horses in transition, providing a safe haven for aged horses, and increasing opportunities for more people to benefit from the magic and power of horses,” said Lynn Coakley, EQUUS Foundation President.
EQUUS Foundation Horse Whisperers are a select group of individuals and organizations committed to ensuring that America’s horses are safe and live with dignity throughout their lives and are recognized by the EQUUS Foundation for their extraordinary kinship with horses by the establishment of an award in their names to honor deserving equine charities.
The EQUUS Foundation Board of Directors honors those charities from among the grant recipients that best align with the interests of the Horse Whisperers with a Horse Whisperer Award.
Horse Whisperer Perpetual Awards
Michele E. Arnhold Memorial Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2008 in memory of Michele Arnhold’s life-long passion, her pursuit of excellence, and her commitment and contribution to the equestrian sport.
High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Inc.
Old Lyme, CT
Daniel D. Barkan Memorial Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2013 in memory of Daniel D. Barkan, a quiet philanthropist and gentleman, in recognition of his life-long love of horses.
Brook Hill Farm
Forest, VA
Horse Whisperer Annual Awards
Augusta Mills Equestrian – Matt Metell Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2021 in recognition of the dedication of Augusta Mills Equestrian and Matt Metell to the welfare of horses.
F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Horse Rescue and Sanctuary
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Marguerite Brennan Memorial Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2021 in memory of Marguerite Brennan and in honor of her loving family, Jane Henderson, her daughter, and Michaela and Sean Pritchett, her grandchildren.
Mitchell Farm Equine Retirement, Inc.
Salem, CT
Jackson Family Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2020 in honor of the Jackson Family’s commitment to horse welfare.
Days End Farm Horse Rescue
Lisbon, MD
Endeavor Therapeutic Horsemanship, Inc.
Bedford Corners, NY
Kay Family Foundation Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2021 in honor of Lauren Kay and the Kay Family Foundation
Loudoun Therapeutic Riding Foundation, Inc.
Lovettsville, VA
Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue, Inc.
Dover Plains, NY
Lafitte De Muze Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2018 by Cheryl Olsten in the name of her horse, Lafitte De Muze, to protect and make a difference in the lives of horses who are in need of next chapters, with specific emphasis on the re-homing and retirement of Standardbreds.
Gerda’s Equine Rescue, Inc.
West Townshend, VT
Lannie Lipson Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2021 in honor of Lannie Lipson and her commitment to ensuring a humane environment for horses now and in the future
Sprout Therapeutic Riding and Education Center
Aldie, VA
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.
Thorncroft Equestrian Center
Malvern, PA
Otis Booth Foundation Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2021 in honor of Stephanie Shafran and her daughters, Alexandra and Charlotte Murray, in recognition of their commitment to ensuring that horses remain an important part of American life.
Colorado Horse Rescue
Longmont, CO
Kentucky Equine Adoption Center
Lexington, KY
Ellen R. Pearl Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2021 by Ellen R. Pearl to be awarded annually through 2025 to an equine rescue that ensures the respect, dignity and comfort of their rescued equines throughout their lives.
Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals
South Windham, ME
Newstead Foundation Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2019 in recognition of the long-standing dedication of the Newstead Foundation and the Firestone Family to safeguarding of comfort and dignity of horses throughout their lives.
Secretariat 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 and in honor of Margie and Dick Bondy.
Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding, Inc.
Johns Island, SC
Green Chimneys
Brewster, NY
Split Rock Farm/Bobbie and Derek Braun Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2020 in honor of the dedication of the Braun Family and Split Rock Farm to powerful impact of horses in our lives
Central Kentucky Riding for Hope, Inc. (CKRH)
Lexington, KY
Grant recipients from the last three years can be viewed here
ABOUT EQUUS FOUNDATION: The EQUUS Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity established in 2002, is the only national animal welfare charity in the United States 100% dedicated to protecting America’s horses from peril 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
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Press release by Lynn Coakley