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Category: Educational Articles for Current Owners

FEATURED EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

How to Identify a Reputable Equine Rescue or Sanctuary

Social media is flooded with pleas for horse lovers to support rescues and sanctuaries that work tirelessly on behalf of equines in need. While there are many reputable organizations doing vital work, not all groups operating under the label of “rescue” meet appropriate standards of care, transparency, or accountability. Conducting due diligence before donating helps […]

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Picture of a pony and small child. Child looks excited to ride. Holiday gift-giving and tax deduction tips.

Holiday gift-giving and tax deduction tips in 2023

November 22, 2023

Things to Know Before You Donate: Holiday gift-giving and tax deduction tips in 2023 By: Brigid Shea, American Horse Council We’re moving into the holiday gift-giving season to be followed shortly by the tax season. One season is fun. The other? Not so much. However, each season holds opportunities for everyone. Whether you’re searching for last-minute tax deductions for 2023, or just feeling charitable with the holiday season, the American Horse Council (AHC) shares some holiday gift-giving and tax deduction tips in 2023. Rehoming or Gifting of Personal Horses Are you thinking about rehoming a horse, whether for a second or third career, via donation to a school or therapeutic program? You can earn a tax deduction, while helping a new generation of riders, by donating a horse to a qualified charitable organization. Many schools with equestrian programs and therapeutic riding organizations rely on donations of horses for their programs.

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Buyer Beware – A Cautionary Tale on Kill Pens

March 6, 2023

BUYER BEWARE – A CAUTIONARY TALE Numerous American Horse Council (UHC’s Parent organization) members have expressed concern regarding the practice of “Ransom” or “Bail-Out” sales marketed online. These complaints echo concerning media reports on fraudulent practices that take advantage of the empathetic nature of the equine enthusiast community. In an attempt to alert uninformed, yet sympathetic, individuals to the risks involved in sourcing animals from these operations, the American Horse Council is releasing the following statement. Instead of contributing to a problematic practice, we strongly encourage interested parties who are willing and able to adopt a horse to utilize the numerous programs listed through the United Horse Coalition’s Equine Resource Database at American Horse Council Statement on “Kill-Pen Bail/Ransom” The American Horse Council and its members are encouraging horse owners, horse rescues, and equine enthusiasts to be extremely cautious before engaging with organizations and individuals promoting time-sensitive rescue offers (often

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The Importance of Microchipping Your Horse

December 17, 2020

Take a look at some of these incredible benefits! It’s permanent – Microchips don’t fade or distort like tattoos and brands. Microchips help positively ID your horse during natural disasters, disease outbreaks, theft, Houdini paddock escapades, and more! Some brands link directly to your horse’s medical history, allowing veterinarians to provide critical care when you’re unable to be contacted. Accurately ID your horse at competitions, ensure your competition record is linked to your horse! Microchips count as equine legal identification for sales documentation and transfers. Enroll your horse in Full Circle programs that list previous owners, rescues, or individuals interested in providing a home or safe landing should the horse become at-risk. Low cost, low pain, low maintenance: chips are implanted by a veterinarian via syringe during routine visits for $35–$60 and require no upkeep. Since microchips last at least 25 years, this one-time fee should be valid for the

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