The Association Blog

Time for another installment of The Innovation Bank, our series of short, pre-recorded webinars featuring effective programs and processes developed by your colleagues in the field. Today we focus on Kentucky Humane Society’s 5-year-old Equine C.A.R.E program, which now encompass a large facility that can accommodate over 40 horses.

“Rescuing, housing, and rehoming horses is a huge undertaking,” says Lori Redmond, Kentucky Humane’s President & CEO. It’s also quite costly. While you may have had to redirect resources due to the pandemic, there are still many low-cost ways to help equines. “You don’t have to bust your budget,” assures Redmond. Here are some suggestions she shares in her 30-minute, on-demand webinar, “Helping Horses Without Breaking the Bank.”

Rehoming Efforts

An easy way to help owners who need to rehome their horses? Post the adoption listings on your social media channels and website. “If you choose to also do the screenings,” says Redmond, “you’re only investing staff time and paperwork.”

Assist Owners with Getting Veterinary Care 

Kentucky Humane’s C.A.R.E. program helps horses stay with their families by offering financial assistance for health needs like dewormer, vaccinations, and hoof and teeth care. They pay the veterinarian directly for these services, which also include castration and euthanasia. “Many animals in poor health will linger because folks can’t pay for the expensive euthanasia services,” says Redmond. 

Educate the Community

“We often get concerned citizens reporting ‘blindfolded’ horses in pastures, and are worried the horses can’t see,” shares Redmond.

Staff is ready to explain the horses can indeed see through the fly masks worn to protect their faces and eyes from flies and other biting insects. Common equine-related inquiries that Kentucky Humane regularly handles include coaching/information on how and where to report horse cruelty, as well as connecting horse owners with professional trainers, veterinarians, etc.

Provide Transport

This one’s a heavier lift, but it doesn’t necessary involve direct care. Consider transporting horses in crisis or otherwise in need to rescue facilities or new homes. Kentucky Humane started providing this service, shares Redmond, by focusing on capital items. “We secured a grant for a trailer and a supporter donated the truck,” she says. They then recruited horse-knowledgedable volunteers to drive. In-kind gifts are key here, if donors have equipment and vehicles, for example, they are no longer using.

For more ideas—including suggestions for those who have existing programs they wish to grow—check out the complete webinar recording.

More from The Innovation Bank

4 Behavior Tips for Shy Cats
Dog Day Foster & Field Trip Programs
8 Facts About Pot-Bellied Pigs for Potential Adopters