What are we?

A collaboration 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), with funding partners being The Right Horse Initiative (TRH), The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), and The Foundation for the Horse.

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

Initially, we will 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.

Most of the current data on equine welfare in the United States is anecdotal and we feel we’ve done what we can with the data we have.

As funders and industry professionals we identified a need for accurate and credible data, and we see it as our responsibility to understand the issues and provide needed insight.

We must measure progress and identify risks and opportunities within the industry on a national scale, so organizations like yours can develop impactful and sustainable programs.

How do we plan on accomplishing this?

Online surveys will be distributed to organizations in the United States involved with helping horses in transition within the coming months.

We are transparent with our methodology to encourage participation and produce credible data.

Results will remain anonymous with no identifying factors of organizations contributing data.

Why should your group become a member and contribute data?

Your data contribution provides 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 such as UHC, TRH, AAEPF, and ASPCA will be looking for your contribution to the EWDC as part of their funding considerations.

Contributing organizations are the first to receive reports, attend member roundtable discussions, and are given an EWDC member badge for their website to publicly demonstrate their commitment to our mission.

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.

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.

How do you determine your necessary sample size?

Our goal is to collect from the largest sample size possible. 25% is the response rate for the inaugural report, and we constantly strive to recruit more organizations to participate.

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?

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 and the entire report is peer reviewed by an independent organization.

How do you know the reported breeds are correct?

All our data is self-reported by the 501c3, nonprofit, and municipal organizations. This includes data on breeds. Some breeds such as Thoroughbreds are tattooed with registration numbers. Organizations contributing data estimate breeds to the best of their ability and according to their own standard procedures.

What does your report say about the capacity of the entire population of shelters?

At this time, it is out of the scope of the EWDC survey to make national projections based on the sample size. However, it is promising to note that the respondents, representing one quarter of all welfare organizations, reported a total capacity of over 13,000 equines at any one time.

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/