Formed in 2018, the Equine Welfare Data Collective (EWDC) was created to address the lack of comprehensive and reliable data on equine welfare in the United States. By prioritizing accurate, credible, and data-driven insights, the EWDC supports a clearer understanding of the conditions and trends affecting horses across the industry.
In an industry long influenced by anecdotal evidence, the EWDC represents an important shift toward measurable outcomes and informed decision-making. Consistent national data enables stakeholders to identify challenges, assess progress, and uncover opportunities for improvement.
Through collective participation, the EWDC helps guide the development of effective and sustainable programs and policies that improve equine welfare nationwide. Together, stakeholders can drive positive change and help shape a more informed and responsible future for horses in the United States.
"A collaboration that accumulates, analyzes, and reports data to enhance programming for transitioning and at-risk equines."
About EWDC
We’re a group of agencies working together to collect national data on at-risk equines and those in transition from nonprofit organizations that take custody of at-risk equines and/or provide other services related to improving equine welfare such as assistance with veterinary care, euthanasia, rehoming, and behavioral needs as well as other “safety net” services including but not limited to feed banks and gelding clinics.
Funders and industry professionals identified a need for accurate and credible data, we see it as our responsibility to understand the issues and provide needed insight.
We collect and analyze data and report on baseline trends such as capacity, current population descriptions, intakes, and outcomes.
We understand the power of data and how it can vastly shift the dialogue around an issue and drive positive change.
Here’s What Our Participants Had to Say About the EWDC!
Why Should Your Organization Contribute Data?
- First and foremost, participation in the EWDC is absolutely free!
- Results are aggregated and will remain anonymous with no identifying factors of organizations contributing data.
- Your data contribution will provide for more accurate study results to help you understand and communicate the scope of the issues you are tackling, better serve your community, and become a benchmark among industry leaders.
- Granting organizations will be looking for your contribution to the EWDC as part of their funding considerations.
- Contributing organizations are the first to receive results from the data collected, have the opportunity to participate in a biannual member round table discussion, and are given an EWDC member badge for their website to publicly demonstrate their commitment to our mission.
The EWDC is transparent about our methodology to encourage participation and produce credible data, we’re happy to answer any questions you have about our process.
Detailed FAQ
What are we?
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?
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?
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?
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.