Equine Humane Society

Equine Humane Society
Name	Equine Humane Society
Founded	1986
Founder	Pat Parelli
Type	Nonprofit animal welfare organization
Location	Texas, United States
Services	Equine rescue, rehabilitation, adoption, education, advocacy

Equine Humane Society The Equine Humane Society is a nonprofit organization focused on equine rescue, rehabilitation, adoption, education, and advocacy. Founded in 1986, it operates clinics and outreach programs across the United States and collaborates with regional animal welfare, veterinary, and law enforcement organizations. The Society engages with breed registries, agricultural institutions, and equestrian associations to advance standards for equine care and protection.

History

The organization was established in 1986 during a period of heightened attention to animal welfare that included actors such as American Humane, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Humane Society of the United States, ASPCA, and regional humane societies. Early efforts drew on partnerships with veterinary leaders from institutions like Texas A&M University, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Colorado State University, and research centers linked to the United States Department of Agriculture. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s the group expanded alongside developments in equine medicine pioneered at New Bolton Center, Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, Riverside Veterinary Clinic, and through collaborations with the American Association of Equine Practitioners and the American Veterinary Medical Association. The history includes responses to emergencies involving agencies such as Federal Emergency Management Agency, American Red Cross, and state agricultural departments during disasters like Hurricane Katrina and drought responses coordinated with State of Texas officials. Leadership transitions reflected influences from prominent trainers and advocates affiliated with organizations including United States Equestrian Federation, Parelli Natural Horsemanship, and regional breed associations.

Mission and Programs

The Society's mission emphasizes equine welfare in conjunction with partners such as PETA (in overlapping campaigns), The Humane Society of the United States (regional coordination), National Animal Control Association, and state-level humane organizations. Programs are designed with input from faculty at University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Oregon State University, and extension services like Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and University of Florida IFAS Extension. Initiative areas mirror standards advanced by the American Association of Equine Practitioners, American Farrier's Association, United States Pony Clubs, and regulatory frameworks influenced by agencies like the United States Department of Agriculture and state agricultural departments. Programmatic work includes clinic operations, field response, adoption services, training for humane officers, and data collection aligned with practices used by Animal Care Centers of New York City, San Francisco SPCA, and other large metropolitan rescues.

Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Adoption

Rescue operations coordinate with local law enforcement such as Texas Rangers (law enforcement), county sheriffs, and municipal animal control units, and integrate veterinary triage methods developed at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, New Bolton Center, and veterinary schools including Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. Rehabilitation programs deploy applied behavior techniques informed by trainers and institutions like Parelli Natural Horsemanship, Monty Roberts, George Morris, and therapeutic modalities connected to organizations like Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association and Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International. Adoption processes incorporate standards adopted by breed registries such as the American Quarter Horse Association, United States Trotting Association, American Paint Horse Association, and thoroughbred organizations like The Jockey Club. The Society maintains records and microchipping aligned with practices at United States Equestrian Federation events and collaborates with sanctuaries and retirement farms, including partnerships similar to Old Friends (horse farm) and other retirement programs.

Education and Outreach

Educational outreach leverages curricula and experts from American Association of Equine Practitioners, University of Kentucky Gluck Equine Research Center, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, and extension programs such as Mississippi State University Extension Service. Public programming includes workshops with figures and institutions such as Parelli Natural Horsemanship, Monty Roberts International, United States Pony Clubs, and collaboration with museums or cultural institutions like the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum for historical context. Outreach campaigns have been conducted in coordination with statewide fairs and events including State Fair of Texas, Kentucky Horse Park, Breeders' Cup, and National Finals Rodeo to promote welfare messaging and humane standards.

Advocacy and Policy Work

Advocacy efforts align with legislative and regulatory entities such as the United States Congress, state legislatures, the United States Department of Agriculture, and agencies that oversee equine transport and slaughter regulations. The Society has participated in coalitions alongside groups like the Humane Society Legislative Fund, Animal Legal Defense Fund, and industry stakeholders including the National Thoroughbred Racing Association and the American Horse Council to influence policy on transport, slaughter, and neglect statutes. Policy initiatives reference standards and precedents from landmark cases and statutes involving animal welfare enforcement, and engage with legal scholars at institutions like Yale Law School, Harvard Law School, and University of California, Berkeley School of Law on regulatory interpretation.

Funding and Partnerships

Funding streams include donations and grants from foundations and donors similar to those supporting American Humane, PetSmart Charities, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation-style philanthropic efforts, and partnerships with corporate sponsors in the equine industry such as feed and tack manufacturers represented in trade groups like the American Feed Industry Association and equine health companies. Collaborative partners include veterinary hospitals like Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, academic centers such as Texas A&M University, industry organizations such as the American Quarter Horse Association and United States Equestrian Federation, and regional humane societies. The organization also receives in-kind support from event organizers at venues like Kentucky Horse Park and Fairplex for adoption events and welfare demonstrations.

Category:Animal welfare organizations