Equine Welfare Data Collective Releases Seventh Report
For Immediate Release
Equine Welfare Data Collective Releases Seventh Report: Industry Trends, Rising Needs, and a Call to Action
[Washington DC, 02/14/2025] – The Equine Welfare Data Collective (EWDC) is proud to announce the release of its Seventh Report, analyzing data from January through December 2023. This comprehensive study, drawing from equine welfare organizations across the United States and Puerto Rico, sheds light on key trends in equine sheltering, the increasing demands on organizations, and the ongoing effects of economic challenges.
Key Findings from the Seventh EWDC Report:
- Owner relinquishment remains the leading cause of intake (53.13% of cases), signaling financial and personal hardships as primary reasons equines enter shelters.
- Adoption remains the most common outcome (76.20%), reinforcing the commitment of organizations to finding homes for at-risk horses.
- Rising facility capacity concerns—by the end of 2023, equine welfare organizations operated at almost 95% capacity, with some regions exceeding 100%, raising concerns about long-term sustainability.
- Veterinary care and transportation assistance remain challenging to fulfill despite an overall increase in assistance request fulfillment rates (up from 59.61% in 2022 to 73.44% in 2023).
The Growing Need for Support
The report underscores that despite increased participation—27% more organizations submitted data in 2023—demand for services continues to grow. More organizations reported being over capacity, and the need for safety net services such as feed banks, veterinary assistance, and euthanasia support has escalated.
“From the data, we can see, as always, rescues and sanctuaries are doing their best to accommodate as many horses, ponies, and donkeys as possible, even if this means they meet or exceed their capacity,” said Kelsey Buckley, EWDC Program Administrator. “This report serves as a crucial tool for guiding industry efforts, allocating resources efficiently, and ensuring the best outcomes for at-risk horses.”
Looking Ahead: The Eighth EWDC Report
The EWDC is now preparing to analyze 2024 data, with a continued focus on industry-wide trends and solutions to emerging challenges. Organizations that contribute data are the first to receive results and gain access to valuable insights for improving their operations.
About the EWDC
The EWDC is the only national research initiative collecting, analyzing, and reporting data from equine welfare organizations to inform strategies for at-risk horses. Established by the United Horse Coalition (UHC), a program of the American Horse Council (AHC), EWDC is funded by The ASPCA Right Horse Program, The Foundation for the Horse, and US Equestrian Trust.
Join the Effort
Participation in the EWDC is free, and all data collected is aggregated and anonymous. Organizations contributing data receive an EWDC badge to showcase their commitment to transparency and equine welfare.
To access the full report or contribute data, visit www.unitedhorsecoalition.org/ewdc or contact Kelsey Buckley at EWDC@horsecouncil.org.
*Note: The process of collecting, verifying, and analyzing data from equine welfare organizations is extensive and requires meticulous validation. The EWDC surveys are distributed throughout the year, with organizations given ample time to submit complete datasets. Once collected, data undergoes thorough review, including follow-ups for clarification, cross-referencing with prior years, and peer verification to ensure accuracy. Given the complexity of national-scale data aggregation and the need for precise reporting, the final analysis and publication of the Seventh EWDC Report took over a year to complete. This timeline ensures that the insights provided are comprehensive, accurate, and truly reflective of industry trends.
About the American Horse Council and United Horse Coalition
As the national association representing all segments of the horse industry in Washington, D.C., the American Horse Council works daily to represent equine interests and opportunities. Organized in 1969, the AHC promotes and protects the industry by communicating with Congress, federal agencies, the media, and the industry on behalf of all horse related interests each and every day. The AHC is member supported by individuals and organizations representing virtually every facet of the horse world from owners, breeders, veterinarians, farriers, breed registries, and horsemen’s associations to horse shows, racetracks, rodeos, commercial suppliers, and state horse councils. Learn more at www.horsecouncil.org
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 issues facing 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. Learn more at unitedhorsecoalition.org
