from the Unwanted Horse Coalition
The Unwanted Horse Coalition is seeking more facilities that accept, place, or use horses to list themselves on the UHC Web site. Currently, more than 200 facilities are listed.
According to recent national and regional news reports, the number of unwanted horses in the United States is rising. Reports suggest that rescue groups and state agencies are seeing an increased number of horses that can no longer be cared for by their owners.
Some reports suggest many rescue, retirement, and rehabilitation facilities are struggling to feed their current inventory as well, and have been forced to start turning horses away
“This is a continuing process for the coalition,” said Dr. Tom Lenz, chairman of the UHC. “We have received many inquiries not only from horse owners who are seeking retirement homes or second careers for their horses, but also from people who are interested in adopting a horse or volunteering at equine placement organizations. We expect that this online directory will continue to furnish valuable information to all these people, and in doing so, be good for the horses.”
The UHC hopes its Web site resources will remain an important bridge between people who are seeking alternatives for their horses and the many facilities that are able to accept them. Such facilities include rescue, retirement, and retraining facilities; therapeutic riding programs; colleges and universities; police and military organizations; public stables; and government and park service programs.
“The more facilities we can list on our Web site, the better," UHC director Julia Andersen said. "The larger our online network becomes, the more options become available for the unwanted horse. If you are a facility that will help with the care, training, and use of these horses, we encourage you to sign on."
The UHC Web site has a series of questions that owners should consider when trying to decide on a facility, program or second use for their horse. “These questions will help owners know what options are available and what to look for in a facility," Andersen said.
