Preventing Crisis Before it Strikes—A Crucial Preventative Measure in Equine Welfare.

Amidst the ever-growing population of equine welfare organizations, the United Horse Coalition (UHC) stands as a pioneering force, quietly but effectively working behind the scenes since its formation in 2005. Founded by equine industry stakeholders who held a shared concern for what was going to happen to “unwanted” horses during the economic downturn and a need to focus on the resources available to help these at-risk horses, the UHC became a recognized entity in 2006, marking the beginning of a journey dedicated to the protection of these horses and their owners.

By focusing on preventative measures in the equine industry, the UHC is more than just another nonprofit; it is a pioneer in another approach to helping at-risk equines and those in transition. While other admirable groups focus on the crucial task of rescuing and rehoming horses in crisis, the UHC takes a unique approach by addressing the root causes of why horses end up at risk in the first place.

One might wonder—what sets the UHC apart in this noble endeavor? The answer lies in its commitment to education on responsible horse ownership and the available resources nationwide to help owners in their time of need. By providing a comprehensive database and a wealth of educational content, the UHC equips horse owners with the necessary knowledge and tools to manage challenges before they escalate and put their horse(s) at risk.

Furthermore, the UHC’s collaboration with esteemed organizations such as A Home For Every Horse (AHFEH), American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), ASCPA’s Right Horse Initiative, Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), National Animal Control Association (NACA), and many other industry partners underscores its dedication to fostering a united front in tackling the difficult issues at-risk horses and their owners face. By partnering with these entities, the UHC not only amplifies its reach but also strengthens the collective effort to ensure the well-being of every horse.

The UHC is also home to the Equine Welfare Data Collective (EWDC), whose program works to research and provide factual data behind the underlying causes of horse relinquishment and abandonment. By leveraging research insights, the UHC aims to preemptively address the root causes of why horses end up at risk in an effort to help keep horses from entering the pipeline and, ideally, find ways to keep horses home with their owners. Here, we are able to take more proactive measures and fewer reactive ones, which is traditionally how these matters were handled in the past.

The UHC extends a lifeline to horse owners struggling with difficult decisions. We are the link between owners in crisis and the collaboration of resources, safety net programs, and organizations available to assist them. By utilizing the UHC’s Equine Resource Database, through the support of hundreds of organizations offering these resources and safety net programs, horse owners can play an active role in preventing their horses from becoming at risk.

The UHC embodies the unsung heroes of equine welfare—the silent guardians who work tirelessly to prevent crises before they unfold. As we look towards the future, let us rally behind this collaboration of not one, but many organizations dedicated to the mission of the United Horse Coalition, support its endeavors, and collectively strive to create a world where we continue to protect the bond between horse and owner. No one organization can do it alone—and you shouldn’t have to.

Did you know? The UHC also offers a library of free resources aimed at helping to create responsible horse owners through education. Have you ever wondered what it actually costs to properly keep a horse? We have an article for that! Not sure where to start when looking for a new horse? We can help with that too.

If you’re unable to keep your horse and need support finding a safe home for it, we’ve got great articles for that as well as resources in the UHCERD. We want to do everything in our power to help you ensure that your horse will be safe and loved in their new home.

No horse should be placed at risk when resources might be available to help them just a click away.  The United Horse Coalition is #HereForHorseOwners.