Newsdate: Wednesday, April 26, 2023 - 11:00 am
Location: SAN FRANCISCO, California
National Help a Horse Day is today, April 26th, and we are saddling up to create awareness around taking better care of horses. Horses hold a high status in the United States and this day endeavors to encourage people to come together and safeguard these beloved animals from any neglect.
Mare and yearling grazing near a delapidated building
Since the launch of National Help a Horse Day, many programs have been and continue to be conceptualized to build a better life for horses.
© 2017 by bddigitalimage New window.
History of National Help A Horse Day
Back in 2013, the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) launched an equine campaign in the form of Help a Horse Day to create awareness and promote the protection of neglected and abused horses across the country.
National Help a Horse Day has more than one purpose. This day also serves as a national day of acknowledgment for equine organizations to highlight the work they do to save at-risk horses. Moreover, it even showcases how people can join them to make a difference in the equine community.
Thousands of horses across the country are abandoned and face poor care. Although rescues and shelters work round the clock to take care of them, these organizations still need adequate support to sustain their efforts. Thus, ever since the launch of National Help a Horse Day, many programs have been and continue to be conceptualized to build a better life for horses.
National Help A Horse Day timeline
1863 First Arrest for Horse Mistreatment
ASPCA founder Henry Bergh stops a cart driver from beating his horse, leading to the arrest of the driver for horse mistreatment on April 26 of that year.
1866 ASPCA launched
Henry Bergh returns to New York to devote his time and energy to prevent cruelty to animals by launching what we now know as the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
2014 Help a Horse Day Contest Qualified equine groups stand a chance to win money for holding a Help a Horse Day event.
2018 Raise the Barn Campaign
Animal lovers are encouraged to take impactful actions for the benefit of horses throughout May and June.
How To Observe National Help A Horse Day
Adopt or foster a horse There’s never been a better time to adopt or foster a horse and provide them with the love and nourishment they need. You can visit the ASPCA website to find ways in which you can help a horse.
Donate to a sanctuary or equine care charity Don’t have the space to house a horse? Fret not! You can find horse sanctuaries or equine care charities and donate towards them to be able to better take care of the horses.
Create awareness via social media With the power that social media yields in current times, use it to spread the word on why it is important for people to work towards helping neglected horses. Upload a post or story, write an encouraging caption, reach out to your friends and help towards creating a cohesive community to take care of our horses. You can even use #NationalHelpAHorseDay while posting on social media.
Press release by National Today