In January, we announced our proactive, humane fertility control program that we launched in Eastern Kentucky. We’re using Porcine Zona Pellucida (PZP)—a safe, effective contraceptive vaccine that helps stabilize free-roaming horse populations without harming the horses. We’re proud to share that we’ve made incredible progress and have already exceeded the goals we set for ourselves this year!
With the help of local officials, landowners and community partners, KHS is now working at five former mine sites. We identified 95 mares and young females who were eligible based on their age, and 83% have received their first PZP vaccination, with 68% completing their initial vaccination and booster!
This is a game changer for horses like Crystal, an older mare who likely has had many foals over her lifetime. Repeated pregnancies can take a serious toll on free-roaming mares, especially when food is scarce.
We first met Crystal in fall 2025 and saw her again in spring 2026, when she was very thin after a difficult winter. Crystal was fully vaccinated by May, and by the time we saw her again in September, she had gained considerable weight and looked much healthier! While we won’t know until spring 2027 whether she is pregnant, we’re hopeful that giving mares like Crystal a break from repeated pregnancies will help them stay healthier and stronger.
Our goal is to move beyond emergency rescues alone and create proactive, humane solutions that help prevent horses from ever reaching a point of crisis. We’re proud of the progress so far and are grateful to everyone who supports our mission of helping equines in need!