TTE ADVISORY BOARD: Giving Back and New Ideas for Non-Profits
Horses have carried us through the ages…how do you give back to this special animal?
As we approach the end of one of the most turbulent years on record, I thought it was time to take a deep breath and focus on ‘giving back’ which coincides with the traditions of the Thanksgiving holiday. When I was growing up, each year my father would ask me and my siblings – one simple question – ‘What are you most thankful for this year?” In unison (this year especially) we would say our health and then for me – horseback riding – because it truly is one of the most gratifying experiences (on so many levels) I can recall. With that in mind, I asked The Tech Equestrian Advisory board the following two-part question to help get everyone in the holiday spirit of giving back:
There are numerous horse/equestrian charities in the US and around the world - please pick your top 3 and if you were going to create your own charity what would it be?
Equestrian charities that seem particularly great to me are:
- The Horseman's Assistance Fund
In addition, there are two nonprofit subscribers that StableSecretary enjoys supporting with our 50%-off-coupon-for-nonprofits that include:
- Faith N Friends - learn more about them on the StableSecretary site.
- emPOWER Equine Assisted Services (on hold due to operational challenges caused by Covid-19) is worth reading about - view article.
I once worked for Meadowbrook Stables which was a lessons/show barn AND a Foundation whose mission was committed to education, character development, community, and stewardship. If I created a charity, I would focus on those same goals. I would try to offer the "Horse" experience (the horse, but also the barn "family", the lessons in responsibility, the relationship with the animal, the challenges and rewards of the sport, etc) to those who could not otherwise afford it. Horses offer so much in terms of character development and comfort that could strengthen so many people of all ages and backgrounds. I'd love to offer those opportunities to kids and adults who aren't able to afford them otherwise.
Kate, StableSecretary
My three charities are:
2. NSBA
With so little real time information about horse welfare available, my intention is to donate funds to a veterinary research institution that would focus on a wide range of important issues -from sport therapy to equine behavioral patterns.
Alan, Steed
We are particularly drawn to those that support vets in helping horses. To that end, these are our top 3 recommended charities or charitable programs:
1. The ASPCA Vet Direct Safety Net Program
3. AAEP's The Foundation for the Horse
Additionally, seeing many vets struggle with their everyday challenges and experiencing so much pressure despite the incredible work they are doing, I would like to add Vetlife to the list (supporting with any mental health issues and offering an open ear whenever needed and for whatever reason).
If I were to create my own charity, it would be to support research programs aimed at advancing equine care through data and technological innovation.
Dorina, Piavita
TOP 3 CHARITIES
1. New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program
· Why? Because it’s important to balance the joy of racing with the responsibility of care long after these animals’ careers have ended
· Largest racehorse adoption program in the US
· Helps >500 horse/year and have placed >7,000 horses since 1992
· 8 facilities in KY, LA, NY, OH, and PA covering 40+ racetracks
· Rehabilitate, retrain, and rehome retired racehorses
· Leandra Cooper, KY Facility Manager & Trainer, is also a loyal NIGHTWATCH® customer
2. Gleneayre Equestrian Program
· Why? Because the healing power of human-horse connections should be accessible to everyone, especially those in need
· Provides a hands-on, experience-based learning environment for people in difficult situations, including children, families, and military personnel, to grow and heal through human-horse connections
· Further provides a safe haven for horses to live with dignity, peace, and veterinary care for the remainder of their lives
· Bill Rube, Executive Direction, is also a loyal NIGHTWATCH® customer
· Why? Because addressing the mental health (not just physical health) of horses is critical to their ability to have a second chance at life
· Rescue horses from severe abuse, neglect, slaughter, and natural disasters
· Offer a full suite of alternative, complimentary, and holistic modalities/therapies such as PEMF therapy, laser therapy, massages, chiropractic care, reiki, sound bowl healing, live musicians, and more
· Maya Benperlas, President and Co-Founder, is also a loyal NIGHTWATCH® customer
NEW ORGANIZATION/RESCUE
If I were to form a new equine-related charity, it would focus on the systemic sourcing, screening, and placement of unwanted horses into new rolls that promote the equestrian sport (across all disciplines) to underserved and underrepresented communities across the US. From therapy horses to mounted patrol, trail and pleasure riding to horsemanship curricula, every horse deserves a “job” and sense of purpose. Together, we can do better.
Jeffrey, NightWatch
If I were to create a new charity it would center it on economic opportunity for equestrian businesses - helping barns, farriers, vets, trainers etc. launch and sustain their own businesses. Most of the existing equine charities seem to center on horse rescue or child/adult equine therapy. While both of those needs are vital to meet, I also believe that economic prosperity provides people with the resources necessary to support charities.
Dave, mystride
The organizations I appreciate the most are those that foster community development through horses. Detroit Horse Power has an equestrian facility built on repurposed land where their program teaches riding and horse care to create opportunities for at-risk youth in Detroit’s metropolitan area. Throughout high school I volunteered with a therapeutic riding program focused on the physical and emotional benefits of horses for children with disabilities up in New York. Closer to our Washington, DC headquarters is Sprout, located in Northern Virginia. The Sprout Therapeutic Riding & Education Center offers equine assisted activities and therapies for people of all ages with special needs. In addition to inviting the greater community to their fully accessible facility they also have a mini horse named Lucky who travels for off-site experiences! What I especially love about programs like Detroit Horse Power and Sprout is that in many cases the horses that are used have had previous careers (high performance competitions or racing) and are re-purposed to positively impact the lives of so many people. Another laudable organization is Brooke USA- they advocate for significant improvements the lives of working animals and the communities they serve throughout developing countries.
In lieu of starting my own organization, I’d like to spend more time giving back to the USPC. I am a very proud United States Pony Club graduate and would like to assist with the continued expansion of their vast educational programs and opportunities. USPC is a fantastic inroad to horsemanship and the various equestrian sports with an incredible emphasis on education. Not only do they underline the importance of good horsemanship, but their teaching emphasizes respect for the environment as well as the importance of conservation and land management.
Natasha, Strider
