NATIONAL HORSE PROTECTION DAY
National Horse Protection Day on March 1st highlights the plight of horses in America and beyond. The day aims to help thousands of unwanted horses in this country to find forever homes.
#HorseProtectionDay
The horse holds a legendary mystique in American culture. In North America, the legendary horse is embedded in our culture and runs deep into the roots of our history. As the country grew, our indebtedness to the horse grew, too. While few people see the horse as much more than a recreational animal today, they still serve on working ranches. As a therapy animal, horses relieve the symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and other disorders. Long past their age as a plow horse or part of the cavalry, they continue connecting to humans, and we continue to rely on them.
However, many go unwanted, abused, or neglected despite their legendary status. National Horse Protection Day is about addressing those issues. Around the country, several organizations support horse rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption. Their programs offer shelter and veterinary care for horses that have been neglected or abused. Many of them provide a sanctuary where the horses live out the remainder of their lives. Once rehabilitated, many of the horses become available for adoption.
All of these services require funds, volunteers, and education for the general public. Food, medical supplies, shelter, and training all take time and money. Depending on the condition of the horse, costs add up.
HOW TO OBSERVE HORSE PROTECTION DAY
- Learn more about horse adoption.
- Volunteer at a horse rescue near you.
- Donate your time, services, or money to the cause.
- Share this story to help prevent abuse and neglect of horses and find homes for those in need by using #HorseProtectionDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL HORSE PROTECTION DAY HISTORY
Pet Lifestyle Expert and Animal Behaviorist/Advocate, Colleen Page created Horse Protection Day in 2005.
Horse Protection FAQ
Q. Can anyone adopt a horse?
A. Anyone considering horse adoption needs to consider the requirements necessary and understand the commitment to horse care. Adopting any animal requires a few basics: time, space, and funds. With horse adoptions, these basic needs are much larger. Horses require a significant investment of time, space, and money compared with other domesticated animals.
Q. Is there a horse rescue near me?
A. Every state in the contiguous U.S. has at least one horse rescue.