ASPCA Equine Fund 2012 Successes

2012 was the first year where the ASPCA Equine Fund provided the equine welfare community both the funding and professional development it so desperately needs. Grantwise, 229 grants were disbursed to groups in 42 states and the District of Columbia for a total of $1,441,664 awarded strictly by the ASPCA Equine Fund. (Other grantmaking within the organization bring the actual total for equine efforts closer to $1.8M.) California led the way once again with 46 grants. Due to drought, wildfires and exports, soaring hay prices prompted the need for another hay bale-out of $250,000 – this time to 54 organization around the country who were paying at least $8/bale and caring for 15 or more horses.

The Rescuing Racers Initiative, in its third year, distributed $290,000 to 14 groups caring for retired racers. It was the first year this program was open to more than just Thoroughbred groups. Primarily due to an increased site visit schedule, the AEF staff identified several programs in need of mentoring in 2012, assisting groups to either get over a daunting challenge, improve their professionalism or help them make the difficult decision to dissolve and find responsible placement for the animals in their care.

Other tools developed and put to use in 2012 were an equine web page, a quarterly e-newsletter, bi-annual equine welfare-focused webinars, and a day-long workshop series that will be presented in 14 locations around the country thanks to a generous gift from the Rosalind & Franklyn Schaefer family. (The Long Island and Southern California workshops were held in 2012 to tremendous acclaim, each drawing approximately 39 participants from 18 groups.)