The Kentucky Humane Society (KHS) has been awarded a $60,000 grant from the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) to launch an initiative to help owners find the ideal next homes for their horses. The goal is to reduce the number of horses ending up in the wrong hands.
For help rehoming your horse, contact the KHS Equine C.A.R.E. Program at 502-272-1068 or [email protected].
“Most horses will go through multiple owners over the course of their long lifespans, and often the reason for rehoming them has nothing to do with the horse and everything to do with the changing lifestyles of their families. Owners age, kids grow up and families move, which means many horses will need new homes,” explains Lori Redmon, KHS President & CEO. “Owners want the best for their horses, but unfortunately, horses often fall through the cracks.”
Regardless of the reason, KHS’ Horses Welcome Initiative wants to change this by helping owners find the best possible outlets for their horses. The initiative is composed of two programs:
Best Hoof Forward is for horse owners who plan to sell their horse and would like KHS to help them get the best possible price. When horses are sold for a higher price they are less likely to end up in dangerous situations. Through Best Hoof Forward, owners bring their horse to KHS’ Willow Hope Farm in Simpsonville, KY for assessment; the KHS Equine team provides a professional riding and handling evaluation, takes attractive photos and videos that show the horse’s best attributes, and recommends reputable sales outlets. Owners then use this information to better market their horses.
The Open Pastures program is for owners who prefer to surrender their horse to KHS. KHS will take in the horse, provide an assessment and offer placement through their adoption program or one of their trusted equine partner agencies. Often transportation can be provided within a certain radius of the farm. KHS can also help with euthanasia for horses that are deemed not adoptable due to age, temperament or medical issues.
“KHS continues to make great strides in improving equine welfare in Kentucky,” said Dr. Emily Weiss, Vice President of ASPCA Equine Welfare. “The ASPCA is proud to partner with KHS through The Right Horse Initiative, and we are pleased to support them in removing barriers for horse owners to access judgement-free support so they can further assist the horses in their community moving forward.”
About KHS Equine C.A.R.E.
The Kentucky Humane Society’s Equine C.A.R.E. (connect, assist, rescue, educate) Program focuses on horses in transition, helping them find new careers. Priorities include moving horses from crisis into safe homes or rescue, providing re-homing services to horse owners who can no longer keep them, matching available horses with adopters, and making educational tools and resources available to our equine community. Located in Simpsonville KY, KHS’ Willow Hope Farm has 42 acres of pasture, an indoor riding arena and three barns for our adoptable horses. Equine C.A.R.E. is a member of The Right Horse Initiative – a collective of equine industry and welfare advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. Learn more about the KHS Equine program at kyhumane.org/horses or facebook.com/khsequine.
About the ASPCA®
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) was the first animal welfare organization to be established in North America and today serves as the nation’s leading voice for vulnerable and victimized animals. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than two million supporters nationwide, the ASPCA is committed to preventing cruelty to dogs, cats, equines, and farm animals throughout the United States. The ASPCA assists animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary community through research, training, and resources. For more information, visit www.ASPCA.org, and follow the ASPCA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
