Horses Give Humans So Much
Since ~3500 BCE horses have carried, fed, moved, and supported us across centuries of change shaping how we travel, work, compete, and connect. Roles horses have taken on for us include transport, farming, warfare, policing, sport, entertainment, tourism, learning, and therapy. Giving back to them is an important responsibility.
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
Since ~3500 BCE horses have carried, fed, moved, and supported us across centuries of change shaping how we travel, work, compete, and connect. Roles horses have taken on for us include transport, farming, warfare, policing, sport, entertainment, tourism, learning, and therapy. Giving back to them is an important responsibility.
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.
Support Your Local Barns
Here with the Herd is supporting Horses for Mental Health and Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue, registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, this Mental Health Awareness month. Lucky Orphans supports over 40 retired Thoroughbreds and seniors who cannot be ridden or re-homed. Support and ongoing protection for them means lifelong care.
For a point of reference, it costs $1,733 every single day to operate the Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue farm, more than $52,000 this month alone, to provide:
-
Hay, grain, and specialized senior nutrition
-
Veterinary, dental, and farrier care
-
Safe fencing, shelter, and utilities
-
Professional, trauma-informed programming
-
Lifelong sanctuary for 42 rescued horses
This campaign helps support both people and horses and every contribution, regardless of size, helps sustain programs, rescue efforts, education, and experiences that can have a lasting impact. If this resonates with you please donate or share. Every dollar and share counts.
Thank you for your consideration and chosen form of support!
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.
Support Your Local Barns this Month
Here with the Herd is supporting Horses for Mental Health and Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue, registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, this Mental Health Awareness month. Lucky Orphans supports over 40 retired Thoroughbreds and seniors who cannot be ridden or re-homed. Support and ongoing protection for them means lifelong care.
For a point of reference, it costs $1,733 every single day to operate the Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue farm, more than $52,000 this month alone, to provide:
-
Hay, grain, and specialized nutrition
-
Veterinary, dental, and farrier care
-
Safe fencing, shelter, and utilities
-
Trauma-informed programming
This campaign helps support both people and horses and every contribution, regardless of size, helps sustain programs, rescue efforts, education, and experiences that can have a lasting impact. If this resonates with you please donate or share. Every dollar and share counts.
Thank you for your consideration and chosen form of support!
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.
Horse Welfare-Centered NY Tri-state Facilities
Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue (founded 2008)
A New York–based sanctuary providing lifelong care for approximately 50-60 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.
13 Hands Equine Rescue (founded 2013)
A rescue focused on rehabilitation, rehoming, and sanctuary, typically caring for approximately 40-50 horses at any given time, but recently reaching 200 horses in their care. Known for its individualized care and commitment to transparency, the organization combines hands-on rescue work with public education, helping to improve outcomes for horses while promoting responsible ownership and long-term welfare practices.
Unbridled Sanctuary (founded 2013)
A horse-centered sanctuary providing permanent refuge to approximately 60-70 horses, where they live in social herds with minimal to no human demand. Human interaction is limited to essential care, allowing horses to live largely undisturbed without expectations of participation or performance. Unbridled emphasizes dignity, autonomy, and natural living conditions, supporting horses in forming bonds, moving freely, and self-regulating.
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.
NY Horse Welfare Centered Facilities
Lucky Orphans Rescue
A New York–based sanctuary providing lifelong care for approximately 50-60 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.
13 Hands Equine Rescue
A rescue focused on rehabilitation, rehoming, and sanctuary, typically caring for approximately 40-50 horses at any given time, but recently reaching 200 horses in their care. Known for its individualized care and commitment to transparency, the organization combines hands-on rescue work with public education, helping to improve outcomes for horses while promoting responsible ownership and long-term welfare practices.
Unbridled Sanctuary
A horse-centered sanctuary providing permanent refuge to approximately 60-70 horses, where they live in social herds with minimal to no human demand. Human interaction is limited to essential care, allowing horses to live largely undisturbed without expectations of participation or performance. Unbridled emphasizes dignity, autonomy, and natural living conditions, supporting horses in forming bonds, moving freely, and self-regulating.
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