Kentucky Humane Society Receives $60K Grant To Help Rehome Horses Through Two Unique Programs

The Kentucky Humane Society (KHS) has been awarded a $60,000 grant from the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) to launch an initiative to help owners find the ideal next homes for their horses. The goal is to reduce the number of horses ending up in the wrong hands.

For help rehoming your horse, contact the KHS Equine C.A.R.E. Program at 502-272-1068 or horses@kyhumane.org.

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“Most horses will go through multiple owners over the course of their long lifespans, and often the reason for rehoming them has nothing to do with the horse and everything to do with the changing lifestyles of their families. Owners age, kids grow up and families move, which means many horses will need new homes,” explains Lori Redmon, KHS President and CEO. “Owners want the best for their horses, but unfortunately, horses often fall through the cracks.”

Regardless of the reason, KHS' Horses Welcome Initiative wants to change this by helping owners find the best possible outlets for their horses. The initiative is composed of two programs:

Best Hoof Forward is for horse owners who plan to sell their horse and would like KHS to help them get the best possible price. When horses are sold for a higher price, they are less likely to end up in dangerous situations. Through Best Hoof Forward, owners bring their horse to KHS' Willow Hope Farm in Simpsonville, KY, for assessment; the KHS Equine team provides a professional riding and handling evaluation, takes attractive photos and videos that show the horse's best attributes, and recommends reputable sales outlets. Owners then use this information to better market their horses.

The Open Pastures program is for owners who prefer to surrender their horse to KHS. KHS will take in the horse, provide an assessment and offer placement through their adoption program or one of their trusted equine partner agencies. Often transportation can be provided within a certain radius of the farm. KHS can also help with euthanasia for horses that are deemed not adoptable due to age, temperament or medical issues.

“KHS continues to make great strides in improving equine welfare in Kentucky,” said Dr. Emily Weiss, Vice President of ASPCA Equine Welfare. “The ASPCA is proud to partner with KHS through The Right Horse Initiative, and we are pleased to support them in removing barriers for horse owners to access judgement-free support so they can further assist the horses in their community moving forward.”

Read more here.

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One Year Later: Survivors Of Eastern Kentucky Horse Shooting Thriving In 2020

It's been nearly a year since the Kentucky Humane Society responded to an urgent call to help survivors of a horse shooting in Eastern Kentucky. Last December, 20 members of a herd of free-roaming horses were hunted down and killed in Floyd County, Ky., in an act of unimaginable cruelty and violence. The culprit was never caught.

Miraculously, three horses survived.

Our Willow Hope Farm welcomed Hope, a pregnant mare, and her weanling colt, Knox. They were underweight, fearful and stressed. Several days later, our farm brought in Diamond, Hope's daughter, who was caught on the mountaintop after she searched helplessly for any remaining members of her herd.

With time and patience, the horses began their recovery and rehabilitation at Willow Hope Farm. Knox began to show his spunky attitude and was adopted by Vicki in April. Vicki tells us that he is a sweet and curious colt.

The underweight and pregnant Hope enjoyed the abundance of hay, grass and feed at our farm. In May, she delivered a healthy colt, Lucius. He was adopted in December. Today, Lucius lives with an older pony gelding on a quaint farm in Shelby County. Lucius, meaning “light,” brings us hope for the hundreds of horses still on the mountain.

Since Lucius's weaning, Hope began her riding evaluation at the farm. It seems that Hope was likely owned before becoming a free-roaming horse. Hope can be tacked up, ground worked, and has been ridden by our team. We consider Hope “green broke,” meaning she will require an adopter who can help her brush up on her skills as she is rusty under saddle.

Diamond, who showed the most signs of trauma from the horrors on the mountain, continues to make progress at our farm. Though loud noises and fast movements scare her, she is forgiving and kind. Diamond is looking for an adopter who has advanced training working with feral horses. She enjoys spending time with other horses in the pasture and eating peppermints.

There are still many more free-roaming horses in Eastern Kentucky who need help. The Kentucky Humane Society is committed to working with partner rescues to monitor the population and rescue horses that need the most care.

Donations to continue the work of the Kentucky Humane Society can be made here. Gifts made before Dec. 31 qualify for a matching gift from the Frazier-Joy Family Foundation.

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