Horses Give Humans So Much
For more than 5,000 years, horses have helped shape human civilization. They’ve carried us, fed us, worked alongside us, and supported us in roles ranging from war, agriculture and transportation to sport, education, and therapy. Ensuring their welfare is one of the most meaningful ways we can honor that partnership.
Vision
Empower people to live healthier lives while educating them about horses and horse welfare
Mission
Facilitate ground-based activities between humans and horses that can help humans improve their relationship with themselves, and with others, while building awareness about horse history, the equine industry, and how to support organizations and initiatives focused on the health, humane treatment, and long-term protection of horses.
Horses Give
Humans So Much
For more than 5,000 years, horses have helped shape human civilization. They’ve carried us, fed us, worked alongside us, and supported us in roles ranging from war, agriculture and transportation to sport, education, and therapy. Ensuring their welfare is one of the most meaningful ways we can honor that partnership.
Here with the Herd Vision & Mission
Empower people to live healthier lives while educating them about horses and horse welfare
Facilitate ground-based activities between humans and horses that can help humans improve their relationships while building awareness about horse history, the equine industry, and how to support organizations and initiatives focused on the health, humane treatment, and long-term protection of horses.
Initiatives Aimed at Giving Back to Horses
Wild Horse Welfare: A global leader in improving horse welfare through rescue, education, and policy advocacy, working both locally and internationally to raise standards of care and influence systemic change.
Equus Survival Trust: Dedicated to protecting endangered equine breeds, this organization works at the intersection of conservation and science, supporting genetic preservation and biodiversity across horse populations.
The Horse Trust: One of the oldest horse welfare organizations, providing lifetime sanctuary for retired horses while also funding research to advance equine health and care practices.
The Brooke: A leading organization focused on working equids in low-income communities, improving welfare through veterinary care, education, and systemic change for the millions of horses, donkeys, and mules supporting livelihoods worldwide.
Mustang Heritage Foundation: Focused on America’s wild horses, this organization partners with the Bureau of Land Management to increase adoption, reduce long-term holding, and create better outcomes for mustangs.
Rewilding America Now: a conservation initiative focused on restoring ecosystems by reconnecting wildlife, protecting habitats, and supporting the return of native species through land stewardship and collaborative efforts.
Initiatives for Giving Back to Horses
Wild Horse Welfare: A global leader in improving horse welfare through rescue, education, and policy advocacy, working both locally and internationally to raise standards of care and influence systemic change.
Equus Survival Trust: Dedicated to protecting endangered equine breeds, this organization works at the intersection of conservation and science, supporting genetic preservation and biodiversity across horse populations.
The Horse Trust: One of the oldest horse welfare organizations, providing lifetime sanctuary for retired horses while also funding research to advance equine health and care practices.
The Brooke: A leading organization focused on working equids in low-income communities, improving welfare through veterinary care, education, and systemic change for the millions of horses, donkeys, and mules supporting livelihoods worldwide.
Mustang Heritage Foundation: Focused on America’s wild horses, this organization partners with the Bureau of Land Management to increase adoption, reduce long-term holding, and create better outcomes for mustangs.
Rewilding America Now: a conservation initiative focused on restoring ecosystems by reconnecting wildlife, protecting habitats, and supporting the return of native species through land stewardship and collaborative efforts.
EQUUS Foundation (founded 2002)
The only national U.S. charity dedicated entirely to protecting horses and strengthening the human-horse bond. Through accreditation, funding, education, and advocacy, it supports eligible organizations that meet high standards of horse care while connecting individuals and equine organizations committed to horse welfare. Its work focuses on advancing equine welfare, inspiring horse protection and volunteerism, and expanding opportunities for people to benefit from horses as partners, teachers, and healers.
Horse Welfare-Centered NY Tri-state Facilities
Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue (founded 2008)
A New York–based sanctuary providing lifelong care for approximately 45 rescued horses, with a strong emphasis on herd-based living and natural social environments. In addition to sanctuary care, they offer equine-assisted learning programs that use ground-based interaction to support personal growth, awareness, and education, creating opportunities for connection while maintaining a welfare-centered approach.
Endeavor Therapeutic Horsemanship (founded 2014)
A therapeutic riding and equine-assisted services organization working approximately 10-15 horses. Recently featured on CBS Sunday Morning (May 2026), their programs integrate clinical expertise with horsemanship, offering structured sessions that support physical, emotional, and cognitive development while maintaining a focus on horse welfare through attentive care, appropriate workloads, and thoughtful management.
Green Chimneys (founded 1947)
A nonprofit in upstate New York that integrates animal-assisted therapy with education for children facing emotional, behavioral, and learning challenges. Home to a diverse population of farm animals, including horses, Green Chimneys combines therapeutic riding and hands-on care with structured clinical and academic programs, using human–animal interaction to support growth, regulation, and skill development.
EQUUS Foundation
The only national U.S. charity dedicated entirely to protecting horses and strengthening the human-horse bond. Through accreditation, funding, education, and advocacy, it supports eligible organizations that meet high standards of horse care while connecting individuals and equine organizations committed to horse welfare. Its work focuses on advancing equine welfare, inspiring horse protection and volunteerism, and expanding opportunities for people to benefit from horses as partners, teachers, and healers.
NY Horse Welfare Centered Facilities
Lucky Orphans Rescue
A New York–based sanctuary providing lifelong care for approximately 45 rescued horses, with a strong emphasis on herd-based living and natural social environments. In addition to sanctuary care, they offer equine-assisted learning programs that use ground-based interaction to support personal growth, awareness, and education, creating opportunities for connection while maintaining a welfare-centered approach.
Endeavor Therapeutic Horsemanship
A therapeutic riding and equine-assisted services organization working approximately 10-15 horses. Recently featured on CBS Sunday Morning (May 2026), their programs integrate clinical expertise with horsemanship, offering structured sessions that support physical, emotional, and cognitive development while maintaining a focus on horse welfare through attentive care, appropriate workloads, and thoughtful management.
Green Chimneys
A nonprofit in upstate New York that integrates animal-assisted therapy with education for children facing emotional, behavioral, and learning challenges. Home to a diverse population of farm animals, including horses, Green Chimneys combines therapeutic riding and hands-on care with structured clinical and academic programs, using human–animal interaction to support growth, regulation, and skill development.
Equine Welfare Guidelines
The IAHAIO guidelines set international standards for the care, training, and welfare of horses in equine-assisted services, emphasizing that their physical and psychological well-being must be actively monitored and prioritized. They call for qualified professionals, evidence-based care, a strong understanding of equine behavior, and clear welfare protocols. These guidelines were developed between 2018–2020 by an international task force of researchers, practitioners, and organizations working across equine-assisted services.
Guidelines for Equine Care & Welfare