Charities to Consider for National Help a Horse Day

Aftercare
Photo by Eclipse Sportswire

April 26 is National Help a Horse Day, and it’s a chance to donate to charities that make a difference in equine lives all over the world. To celebrate, let's explore some equine charities focused on Thoroughbred racing and beyond that give back to horses who enrich so many lives.

Below are some of my favorite causes; but please be sure to mention some of your favorites on social media!

Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and its affiliated charities 

The TAA does incredible work to fund organizations that find permanent homes for racehorses after their track careers have ended. From accrediting organizations in the retired racehorse community to raising dollars to enable such organizations to operate, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance makes a big impact on the lives of ex-racers. You can see a list of the TAA’s accredited organizations here

Grayson Jockey-Club Research Foundation

The Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation is a leading non-profit committed to the advancement of horses of all breeds. The funds raised by Grayson-Jockey Club go toward veterinary studies that will help horses from elite Thoroughbreds to children’s ponies and everything in between. 

The Brooke

The Brooke is an international organization that seeks to help working equids (aka horses, donkeys and mules) in third-world countries by educating their owners about the best practices for keeping animals. They do heroic work to help the horses, donkeys and mules at the center of some of the world’s poorest communities and concentrate on educating owners about how to provide for the animals who provide for them. 

Thoroughbred Charities of America

The TCA’s mission statement speaks for itself: “To provide a better life for Thoroughbreds, both during and after their racing careers, by supporting qualified repurposing and retirement organizations and by helping the people who care for them.” The Thoroughbred Charities of America’s outreach also includes support for backstretch workers, Thoroughbred rehoming and retraining, equine research, and therapeutic riding. 

Old Friends Farm

Old Friends Farm is a sanctuary for Thoroughbreds whose racing and breeding careers are behind them. Equine luminaries like Game On Dude, Silver Charm, Rapid Redux, War Emblem, and so many more have a forever home at one of the two Old Friends locations. Old Friends is an incredible enterprise that’s done a world of good for the horses it cares for, and it’s a worthy recipient of donations on National Help a Horse Day. 

Saratoga War Horse Foundation

This outstanding organization immerses veterans in a three-day program with horses to help people suffering from PTSD or having trouble adjusting to society in life after military service. It’s important to note that the organization uses off-the-track Thoroughbreds for all of their equine needs, so both humans and horses are helped. 

World Horse Welfare

While this charity is UK-based, their efforts go to help horses all over the globe. If you want to think big on National Help a Horse Day, this charity is a great idea for people who want to help horses of all breeds all over the world. 

The Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary

This 501(c)(3) charity protects the mustangs who helped grow America. The sanctuary is home to 600 wild mustangs on over 11,000 acres of land in South Dakota; and if you live near the area, you can take a guided photography tour on horseback with a donation. 

No matter what charity you choose, if you take the opportunity to help a horse today, you’re going to make at least two lives better: that of a horse, and that of yourself.

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