FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

United Horse Coalition Expands Equine Resource Database to Support Horse Owners Experiencing Domestic Violence

 

Washington, D.C., 08/14/2025

 

The United Horse Coalition (UHC) has announced the addition of a new searchable category to its Equine Resource Database (UHCERD), specifically designed to assist equine owners facing a domestic violence crisis. This new category will help connect victims in need with rescues, sanctuaries, and programs that offer temporary emergency boarding or foster care for their equine(s), ensuring both the safety of the equine and the well-being of the owner.

 

This resource expansion comes in response to a growing recognition of the urgent need for specialized equine assistance in domestic violence situations. Many victims delay or avoid leaving abusive environments due to fear for their animals’ safety. By including this new category in the UHC’s centralized, searchable directory of programs equipped to provide crisis boarding, UHC aims to remove this barrier and support safe transitions for both horses and owners.

 

“The link between domestic violence and animal welfare is well documented and ensuring there are safety net programs for horses in these situations can save lives, both human and equine,” said Ashley Harkins, AHC and UHC Operations Manager. “By adding this category to our Equine Resource Database, we are giving horse owners one more tool to protect their animals during a time of crisis.”

 

Programs like the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals (MSSPA) have already made strides in this area. Their new “A Safe Place to Land” initiative provides a model for other organizations across the country. You can read more about MSSPA’s innovative partnership in The Chronicle of the Horse: Maine Rescue’s Expansion Makes Room for Novel Domestic Violence Partnership.

 

The importance of such programs is underscored by findings from the National Link Coalition’s LINK-Letter (August 2025), which highlight the correlation between animal abuse and interpersonal violence, and the role that safe animal housing plays in breaking cycles of abuse.

 

The UHC’s Equine Resource Database is a free, publicly accessible tool designed to connect horse owners with services such as hay banks, veterinary assistance, euthanasia and aftercare resources, and now, temporary emergency equine housing for domestic violence survivors.

 

To access the new crisis boarding category, visit: https://unitedhorsecoalition.org/equine-resource-database/

 

If your organization provides these services, visit the UHC website to ensure your listing in the UHCERD is current and includes this new category. Since this category has just been added, some organizations may not yet have their services reflected.

 

 

About the United Horse Coalition
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.