What are we?

An initiative to accumulate, analyze, and report data to enhance programming for transitioning and at-risk equines. 

Who are we?

The Equine Welfare Data Collective (EWDC) was created by the United Horse Coalition (UHC), a program of the American Horse Council (AHC). It is a grant-funded program with current and past funding partners being:  The Watershed Animal Foundation, The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the Foundation for the Horse, and the USA Equestrian Trust. 

We are collecting national data on equine welfare from transition centers, adoption centers, rescues, sanctuaries, shelters, and other organizations involved in equine welfare. 

We collect and share baseline trends such as capacity, current population descriptions, intakes, and outcomes.

Why are we doing this?

We understand the power of data and how it can vastly shift the dialogue around an issue and drive positive change. 

Previous data on equine welfare in the United States was anecdotal and more information was needed to make programming decisions across the country. 

Funders and industry professionals identified a need for accurate and credible data and came together to develop the EWDC, and we see it as our responsibility to understand the issues and provide needed insight. 

We must measure progress and identify risks and opportunities surrounding equine welfare on a national scale, so organizations like yours can develop impactful and sustainable programs. 

How do we plan on accomplishing this?

Online surveys are distributed to organizations in the United States involved with helping horses at-risk or in transition. We are transparent with our methodology to encourage participation and produce credible results. All results remain anonymous with no identifying factors of organizations contributing data. 

Identifying information is never shared without a participant’s explicit permission. 

We review our survey questions annually, and take all feedback from funders, participants, and report readers to update our surveys and questions. 

Why should your group become a member and contribute data?

Your data contribution provides for more accurate study results to help us all understand and communicate the scope of the issues you are tackling, better serve your community, and become a benchmark among industry leaders. 

No organization is too big or too small to participate. The landscape of equine welfare organizations is widely varied and it’s important to gather data from everyone to ensure all organization types are represented. All data matters. 

Participants routinely tell us that submitting data has helped them understand their own community impact, better communicate their impact to donors, and further direct and expand their programming based on identified need. 

Granting organizations such as the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, The Right Horse, Colorado Unwanted Horse Alliance, and more will be looking for your contribution to the EWDC as part of their funding considerations. 

Is this data going to be used to promote slaughter?

No. The EWDC was formed with the principal goal of providing data to the public that is pivotal to improving the welfare of at-risk and transitioning equines. The EWDC does not create data reports to promote any singular program or make legislative recommendations. The data analysis is given freely in an objective manner to educate all about the current status of at-risk equines, those in transition, and the 501c3 and municipal  organizations that assist them. Everyone has access to the same data analysis, and we do not restrict, nor promote, the use of the analysis for any one endeavor. 

The EWDC’s ultimate goal is to provide accurate data reports that support programming to prevent horses from ending up in situations that put them at-risk of neglect or poor welfare, and that is inclusive of slaughter. 

What do the results mean for horses at risk?

This data demonstrates the varied demographics of the at-risk equine population, the organizations assisting them, and the various ways equines are entering and exiting programs available to them. We feel our reports are the key to understanding how to improve and expand programming for at-risk equines and those in transition at regional and national levels. 

How do you determine your necessary sample size?

Our goal is to collect from the largest sample size possible. At this point we’ve had over 30% of the population of equine welfare organizations submit data at least once. 

Why didn’t you include other types of groups in the industry?  Why is it just nonprofit, 501(c)(3), and municipal organizations that take custody of equines?

Data was collected from the types of groups whose primary mission involves serving horses in transition: rescues, shelters, adoption agencies, sanctuaries and municipal organizations. We felt this population was a key starting point as they can receive grant funding, public donations, and other public funding. As we grow, we are beginning to survey other aspects of the community, such as groups that provide direct placement services. i.e. assisting transition equines without taking custody of them. 

Can I see the individual survey results?

Individual information, including raw data, is never shared without a participant’s explicit permission. We do not share the full dataset as we always strive to maintain the privacy of our respondents. Our results are audited and verified by a third-party data analyst with identifying information removed and the entire report is peer reviewed by an independent organization. 

Still unsure if you’re comfortable participating? Have more questions? 

We’re always happy to answer any questions people have. Our intent is to help you understand our priorities and processes. We all have a shared goal of improving horse welfare and we want you to have all the information and support you may need before you choose to participate. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us via email.  

Interested in helping to fund our initiative? 

The EWDC is grateful to all funders who support us and welcomes anyone who wishes to get more involved. 

To learn more or to become a member and contribute data:

Contact program manager Kelsey Buckley at EWDC@horsecouncil.org

Or visit us at www.unitedhorsecoalition.org/ewdc/