Horses have played an indispensable role in human history, yet these sentient, sensitive animals have suffered untold abuse and neglect in work, war, and so-called entertainment. It was the sight of a carthorse brutally beaten by his driver spurred Henry Bergh to found the ASPCA, and we’ve since made horse protection an important focus of our work.
Today, the ASPCA works to protect and aid horses through legislation, advocacy, education, targeted grants, and enforcement of the carriage horse and cruelty laws in New York City.
The ASPCA supports the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, and we recognize the importance of educating owners about basic horse care, responsible horse guardianship, and alternatives to auctions and slaughter.
We also are committed to helping some of the thousands of PMU foals born every year in the pregnant mares' urine industry, and the thousands of PMU mares made redundant by drastic production cuts in 2003.
Other areas of concern include activities with excessive risk, inhumane substitutes for real training, such as the soring of gaited breeds like Tennessee Walkers, indiscriminate and irresponsible breeding, and the fate of our nation's wild horses and burros.
2006 Equine Program Report The ASPCA helps save and care for countless horses all over the country through our quarterly Equine Fund grants. In 2006, we awarded $125,000 in grants.
Equine Fund Grant Application The ASPCA Equine Fund provides grants to non-profit, equine welfare organizations in the United States for purposes in alignment with our efforts to protect horses.
Emergency Hay Support Grants Funds are currently available to help equine rescue groups and sanctuaries cope with the high cost and low supply of hay for horses, ponies, mules, and burros.
Equine Fund Brochure For more on the work supported by the ASPCA Equine fund, please read our Equine Fund brochure.