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EQUUS Foundation

@equusfoundation

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followers

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The nation’s only national charity dedicated solely to horse protection and promoting the horse’s unique ability to empower, teach and heal.

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Equine welfare is evolving. It is no longer enough to ask, “𝘐𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘴𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘧𝘦, 𝘧𝘦𝘥, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩𝘺?” ⁣
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We also need to ask:⁣
👉 Is this horse experiencing a good life? ⁣
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The 𝟱 𝗗𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀 of equine well-being help us look at the whole horse — nutrition, environment, health, behavior, and mental state — and recognize that true well-being includes more than the absence of suffering.⁣
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It includes comfort. Choice. Connection. Trust. Joy.⁣
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At the EQUUS Foundation, our mission is rooted in protecting America’s horses and strengthening the horse-human bond — because every horse deserves safety, dignity, and the opportunity to thrive 💙💚 by @equusfoundation

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5 months ago

“Equine-assisted services” is not one single activity.⁣
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The field includes three primary areas:⁣
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1️⃣ Therapy, delivered by licensed or certified professionals within their scope of practice⁣
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2️⃣ Learning, including education, personal development and organizational development⁣
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3️⃣ Horsemanship, including adaptive equestrian sport and other mounted or unmounted experiences⁣
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Clear language helps families, donors and participants understand what a program provides. Just as important, every service should protect the comfort, dignity and welfare of the horses involved.⁣
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Learn the terms. Ask informed questions. Support responsible programs.⁣
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Review the terminology guide: https://equusfoundation.org/transparency/forms-documents/EAS-Definitions-Guide-for-Researchers.pdf by @equusfoundation

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11 days ago

Before you donate, volunteer, or advocate for an equine charity, ask: 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬?⁣
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Transparency is the foundation of informed giving. That’s why the EQUUS Foundation Equine Welfare Network helps identify organizations that meet rigorous standards for horse welfare, governance, accountability, and responsible stewardship. ⁣
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The Guardian Seal of Transparency recognizes charities committed to making information about their programs, horse care practices, and governance available for public review. The Mentor Accreditation represents the highest level of distinction within our model.⁣
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When organizations are transparent, donors can give with confidence—and horses are better protected. 💙👏⁣
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Curious how organizations earn Guardian or Mentor status? Our rigorous review process ensures they meet high standards of equine welfare, transparency, and governance. Explore the full criteria to learn what makes these organizations stand out: https://www.equusfoundation.org/network/network-eligibility-comparison.php by @equusfoundation

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3 months ago

The future of horses isn’t only shaped in the saddle.⁣
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Today’s young riders will become tomorrow’s horse owners, trainers, veterinarians, instructors, volunteers and leaders. ⁣
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That’s why we’re giving @rideiea teams an opportunity to learn firsthand what protecting horses really means. ⁣
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Through the EQUUS Foundation IEA #HorseProtectors Team Award, teams will work with an EQUUS Foundation Guardian or Mentor charity on a volunteer project supporting horses in need.⁣
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It’s an opportunity to learn. To serve. And, we hope, to build a commitment to equine welfare that lasts well beyond one season.⁣
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🐴 Registration is now open through January 15, 2027.⁣
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Learn more: equusfoundation.org/horseprotectors-award by @equusfoundation

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3 hours ago

For a horse in need, a connection to its past could help shape its future.⁣
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When a horse arrives at a rescue or transition organization, information about its history isn’t always readily available. ⁣
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EQUUS Alliance Member US Equestrian’s Lifetime Care Contact feature gives rescue professionals a way to request contact information for individuals who have chosen to be listed in a horse’s USEF record.⁣
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Whether searching by a horse’s name or microchip number, this resource may help organizations reconnect with people who know the horse and could potentially assist with its next chapter.⁣
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We encourage equine welfare organizations to explore this new resource and learn how it works.⁣
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🔗 https://www.usef.org/horse-welfare/lifetime-care by @equusfoundation

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a day ago

What happens to a horse when it’s time for a new home?

As grooms, we know a horse’s personality, needs, and daily routines better than most. That knowledge can make a real difference when it’s time for a new career, retirement, or rehoming.

Join us for a FREE webinar with Dr. Karin Bump, Chief Operating Officer of the EQUUS Foundation, to learn how grooms can help horses find a safe and suitable future.

We’ll cover rehoming options, how to recognize trustworthy organizations, what questions to ask, and how your experience can help guide decisions.

Tuesday, October 20 | 7 PM ET
Online in the HorseGrooms Community

Register for free:
https://community.horsegrooms.com/c/events/when-a-horse-needs-a-new-home-what-every-groom-should-know

Want to know more before you join? Read our article on what grooms can add to the conversation when a horse’s career changes. You’ll find the registration link there too:
https://horsegrooms.com/when-a-horses-career-changes-what-can-a-groom-add-to-the-conversation/ by @equusfoundation

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2 days ago

“A week too early rather than a day too late.”⁣
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It’s a difficult phrase to hear. But when a horse’s quality of life is declining, it asks us to consider whose needs are guiding the decision.⁣
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Horses cannot understand that we’re hoping for one more week, one more holiday or one more beautiful day together. They only know how they feel today.⁣
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Persistent pain. Difficulty getting up or moving comfortably. Recurring health problems. Loss of condition. Changes in appetite, behavior or interest in the things they once enjoyed. These can all be reasons to begin an honest conversation with your veterinarian.⁣
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There is no single formula that determines when it’s time, and every horse deserves to be considered as an individual. But our responsibility is to protect them from unnecessary pain and suffering, even when doing so means accepting heartbreak of our own.⁣
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Sometimes the final act of protecting a horse is also the hardest. 💙

#EQUUSFoundation | #ForTheLoveOfHorses by @equusfoundation

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3 days ago

They came to be known simply as the Texas 30: thirty Thoroughbred mares whose lives had narrowed to a dangerous question—who would step forward before it was too late? Beyond the Roses Equine Rescue answered the call. The mares’ next chapter began one practical step at a time. Quarantine came first, protecting both the newcomers and the horses already in care. Caregivers began the slow work of turning crisis into recovery. Adoption interest followed — a sign that the emergency was giving way to something better. ⁣
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Thanks to the Brooke USA Bridge Grant Program — a collaborative initiative between Brooke USA and the EQUUS Foundation — Beyond the Roses Equine Rescue received critical emergency funding exactly when it was needed most 💙🧡⁣
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Read the full story at https://www.equusfoundation.org/action-centers/action-center-bridge-funding-story.php?id=42

#EQUUSFoundation | #ForTheLoveOfHorses by @equusfoundation

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3 days ago

At the EQUUS Foundation, horses are at the heart of everything we do, inspiring our work to protect America’s horses and strengthen the bond between horses and people. 💙 ⁣
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That’s why we’re proud to be part of #HORSETOBER, the annual October celebration of the horse-human connection.⁣
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This month, we’re joining people across the horse world in sharing the stories that show why horses matter. ⁣
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What do horses mean to you? Create a braid. Share your story. #PassTheBraid⁣
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https://horsesformentalhealth.org/horsetober/⁣
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#EQUUSFoundation | #ForTheLoveOfHorses by @equusfoundation

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5 days ago

Imagine a world where every horse is cared for, protected, and given the chance to live a life filled with dignity, compassion, and love. ⁣
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That world is possible, and together, we can help make it a reality.⁣
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Let’s imagine it. Let’s believe in it. And most importantly, let’s make it happen. Join us today, equusfoundation.org 💙 ⁣
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#EQUUSFoundation | #ForTheLoveOfHorses by @equusfoundation

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6 days ago

In honor of yesterday’s World Mental Health Day 💙🌎⁣
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For centuries, people have experienced the powerful connection between humans and horses. Today, research is helping us better understand how that connection can be incorporated into mental health services.⁣
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When horses and people come together in safe and thoughtfully designed programs, that connection can create opportunities for healing, growth, and well-being. The horse-human bond has the power to change lives, on both ends of the lead rope.⁣
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#EQUUSFoundation | #ForTheLoveOfHorses by @equusfoundation

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7 days ago

Satin’s Shelly has spent her entire life taking care of others, from being a driving partner for her owner Kate Cabot to now serving as a therapy horse at Strongwater Farm Therapeutic Riding Center. No matter her role, this Morgan mare has always exemplified the best of what her breed has to offer: versatility, enthusiasm, and a loving, reliable temperament. ⁣
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“Her calm demeanor has helped people get over their fear of horses and riding, and her bravery outside and on roads has made her an unflappable trail horse,” says Shannon Giugere, one of Strongwater’s instructors.⁣
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Shelly has worked with a variety of clients with different challenges, but she shares a special rapport with children and those living with dementia. When patients from Fairview Senior Living visit, the mare is a favorite. “Shelly has shown an affinity for people with dementia and has the kind of sweet and patient nature that makes her a natural at working with them,” says Giguere.⁣
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Although Shelly has touched hundreds of lives, her intuitive nature and kind heart made one woman’s difficult diagnosis more bearable. Julie, a lifelong equestrian diagnosed with ALS, regained a measure of independence through weekly rides on Shelly, even as the disease progressed and she needed more support mounting and dismounting.⁣
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When Julie was on home hospice, Shelly visited her one last time, nuzzling her and eating an apple from her lap. “Shelly touched Julie in such a deep way, and for this alone, she is a hero,” says Giguere.⁣
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Recently, Shelly was presented with the 2025 American Morgan Horse Association Therapy Horse Award, and in 2026, she was inducted into EQUUS Foundation’s Horse Stars Hall of Fame.⁣
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“We are truly grateful for her,” says Melissa Salerno, equine operations manager at Strongwater. “She helps people every day, and she is often what some of these people look forward to most about their week. She helps people love, laugh, and feel again. She loves everyone who greets her, and we love her so much more.”⁣
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💙 Read more about Shelly: https://equusfoundation.org/horse-stars/inductees/191/satins_shelly⁣ by @equusfoundation

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9 days ago