Standing Ovation by Ovation Riding: EQUUS Foundation
Every week we team up with Ovation Riding to recognize those doing good in the horse world. Today we recognize the EQUUS Foundation, which has awarded over $500,000 in grants in 2020.
Pixabay/Rebecca Schönbrodt-Rühl/CC
On September 21, 2020, the EQUUS Foundation announced the award of over $500,000 in grants, including $240,000 in awards of new and gently used riding apparel to individual riders in need, scholastic riding programs, pony clubs, equestrian camp programs and equine charities through The Rider’s Closet program.
Primary support is awarded to equine charities nationwide that save and re-home increasing numbers of horses from abuse, neglect, and slaughter and charities that partner with horses to improve the well-being of people through the Foundation’s Transparency Awards program. The EQUUS Foundation awarded small grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 to 160 charities that earned the EQUUS Foundation Guardian Seal of Transparency by completing the EQUUS Foundation’s comprehensive and unique verification process.
EQUUS Foundation Horse Whisperers are a select group of donors who have an extraordinary kinship with horses. The EQUUS Foundation Board of Directors selects those charities from among the grant recipients that best align with the interests of the Horse Whisperers to be recognized with a Horse Whisperer Award.
“Through engaging passionate supporters, collaboration, and maximizing the talents of equine charities nationwide, we will be able to ensure a humane and sustainable environment for America’s horses now and in the future,” said Lynn Coakley, EQUUS Foundation President.
Horse Whisperer Perpetual Awards
- Michele E. Arnhold Memorial Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2008 by the family of Michele E. Arnhold in memory of her life-long passion, her pursuit of excellence, and her commitment and contribution to the equestrian sport.
High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Inc., Old Lyme, CT - Daniel D. Barkan Memorial Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2013 by the family of Daniel D. Barkan, a quiet philanthropist and gentleman, in memory of his life-long love of horses.
Brook Hill Farm, Forest, VA
Horse Whisperer Annual Awards
- Emma and Georgina Bloomberg Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2019 in honor of Emma and Georgina Bloomberg.
Omega Horse Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, Airville, PA - Gore Family Memorial Foundation Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2020 by the EQUUS Foundation in honor of the Gore Family’s commitment to equine rescue and equine assisted activities and therapies.
Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue, Inc., Dover Plains, NY
Saving Horses, Inc., Encinitas, CA - Jackson Family Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2020 by the EQUUS Foundation in honor of the Jackson Family’s commitment to horse welfare.
Gerda’s Equine Rescue, Inc., West Townshend, VT
The Equus Effect, Sharon, CT - Mighty Nice Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2018 by Caroline Moran in recognition of 2017 Horse Stars Hall of Fame Inductee Mighty Nice owned by HnD Group, which was formed in memory of the late Bruce Duchossois, who owned Mighty Nice before his passing in 2014.
Secretariat Center, Lexington, KY - Newstead Foundation Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2019 by the EQUUS Foundation in recognition of the long-standing dedication of the Newstead Foundation and the Firestone Family to safeguarding of comfort and dignity of horses throughout their lives.
Project Horse Empowerment Center, Great Falls, VA
Sprout Therapeutic Riding and Education Center, Aldie, VA - Richard L. Parish Memorial Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2014 by the family of Richard L. Parish in recognition of his leadership and dedication for over 45 years to the causes supported by the Richard Laurence Parish Foundation.
Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding, John’s Island, SC
Green Chimneys Children’s Services, Brewster, NY
Mitchell Farm Equine Retirement, Salem, CT - Lafitte De Muze Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2018 by Cheryl Olsten in the name of her horse, Lafitte De Muze, to protect America’s horses at risk for abuse and neglect, and to inspire others who experience the joy of horses to help ensure that all horses live in comfort and with dignity throughout their lives.
Colorado Horse Rescue, Longmont, CO
This Old Horse, Inc., Hastings, MN - Split Rock Farm/Bobbie & Derek Braun Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2020 by the EQUUS Foundation in honor of dedication of the Braun Family and Split Rock Farm to powerful impact of horses in our lives.
Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center, Inc., Petaluma, CA - Weisberg Family Foundation Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2018 by the Weisberg Family Foundation, a private philanthropic organization with a passion for serving horses, children and veterans.
Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy, Inc (SMART), Bradenton, FL
Horsepower, Inc., High Point, NC
Grant recipients from the last three years can be viewed here
EQUUS Foundation Guardian charities also received Platinum Performance Horse Welfare Awards. Learn more here. The EQUUS Foundation also awarded scholarships to individual volunteers at equine charities through the EQUUS Foundation Champions program sponsored by Ariat International. Learn more here
ABOUT EQUUS FOUNDATION:
The EQUUS Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity established in 2002, is the only national animal welfare charity in the United States 100% dedicated to protecting America’s horses and strengthening the bond between people and horses. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Contact the EQUUS Foundation, Inc., at 168 Long Lots Road, Westport, CT 06880, Tele: (203) 259-1550, E-Mail: [email protected], Website: www.equusfoundation.org.
Many thanks thanks to Ovation Riding for their support of both Horse Nation and individuals and organizations that are doing good work in the horse world. If you know someone who deserves a Standing Ovation, we would love to recognize them in a future post. Email the name of the person or organization along with a message about the good work they do to [email protected]. Photos/videos are always welcome, and include a link to their website if applicable.
