UHC History, Mission, and Goals

UHC History:

The United Horse Coalition grew out of the Unwanted Horse Summit, which was organized by the American Association of Equine Practitioners and held in conjunction with the American Horse Council’s annual meeting in Washington, D.C. in April 2005. The summit was held to bring key stakeholders together to start a dialogue on the plight of horses at-risk in America. Its purpose was to develop consensus on the most effective way to work together to address this issue. In June 2006, the UHC was folded into the American Horse Council and now operates under its auspices.

UHC Mission and Goals:

Through industry collaboration, the UHC promotes education and options for at-risk and transitioning horses.

The United Horse Coalition is committed to helping horses at-risk, or in transition by:

  • Educating current and future horse owners on responsible ownership, proper care and breeding, and options available before a horse reaches a state of being at-risk.
  • Raising awareness about the issue or horses at-risk,  and its impact on the horse industry
  • Reducing the number of horses at-risk, and working toward eliminating the problem
  • Ensuring that horses are treated humanely and with dignity
  • Facilitating the exchange of information on adoption, care, and alternative careers
  • Providing information on end-of-life decisions, including veterinary decisions, euthanasia, and disposal
  • Explaining the issue through presentations at industry gatherings, including horse association meetings, conferences, symposiums, and horse fairs

COLLABORATIONS:

 

The RIGHT HORSE INITIATIVE

The RIGHT HORSE INITIATIVE

As a participant in The Right Horse Initiative, the UHC is proud to support a national movement reframing the conversation about equine adoption. The Right Horse Initiative is a collective of industry professionals and equine welfare advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition through a dialogue of kindness and respect.

The UHC is working with the Right Horse Initiative to promote the bond between horses and humans. We are good people for good horses, and everyone who loves horses has ownership in this movement. The learn more about The Right Horse Initiative, visit: www.therighthorse.org

A HOME FOR EVERY HORSE

A HOME FOR EVERY HORSE

A Home for Every Horse, created in 2011, is the result of a partnership between the Equine Network, the nation’s leading publisher of equine-related content, and the UHC. The AHFEH program helps connect rescue horses in need of homes with people looking for horses. Registered 501(c)(3) rescue organizations can list their horses for free on Equine.com, the world’s largest horse marketplace, where they can be seen by 300,000 visitors each month.

Rescue organizations receive great benefits from program sponsors as well. Purina has donated 800 total tons of feed to eligible rescues through AHFEH. Zoetis, WeatherBeeta and Tractor Supply provide donations to rescues through special events. AHFEH recently introduced the Equine Comeback Challenge; a program designed to help provide rescue horses with a solid training foundation and the opportunity to find a new job and forever home after participating in events that showcase their new skills. To learn more about A Home For Every Horse, visit: www.ahomeforeveryhorse.com

Owning Responsibly

The United Horse Coalition is a broad alliance of equine organizations that have joined together under the American Horse Council to educate the horse industry about the problem of horses at-risk or in transition. We seek to provide information for existing and prospective owners, breeders, sellers, and horse organizations regarding the long-term responsibilities of owning and caring for horses, as well as focusing on the opportunities available for these horses.

Our Mission

Through industry collaboration, the UHC promotes education and options for at-risk and transitioning horses.

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