April 19, 2010
Ride for the Rescues
The HSUS and ACTHA join forces for a national trail ride event
iStockphoto
The Humane Society of the United States and the American Competitive Trail Horse Association (ACTHA), a nationwide trail riders' association, collaborated in an ACTHA-sponsored trail ride held coast-to-coast to benefit The HSUS' equine protection programs.
"We are so grateful that The ACTHA chose to support our efforts to protect America's at-risk horses," said Keith Dane, The HSUS' Director of Equine Protection. "Not only will the Ride benefit horses through our many programs and our relationship with the horse rescue community, it will help to raise awareness about the plight of rescued horses across the country."
The funds will be used specifically to support The HSUS' diverse array of programs and partnerships that assist the national horse rescue community and at-risk horses across the country. The HSUS offers nationwide hands-on assistance in horse cruelty and neglect cases, developed and maintains a national horse rescue database and Horse Adoption Program, was a founding member of the Homes for Horses Coalition, and cosponsors the Coalition's Annual Conference. The HSUS is also the nation's largest provider of sanctuary care to equines, with direct-care facilities in Texas and Oregon.
"While ACTHA has long supported equine welfare organizations, we wanted to do something bigger and more formal than past efforts," said Tom Scrima, general manager of ACTHA. "We are so excited to be able to raise funds that can go towards proven programs to aid at-risk horses."
Each year, The ACTHA sponsors hundreds of rides across the country. The goal is to provide a casual, fun venue to showcase horses of all breeds while at the same time raising funds for equine welfare charities. To date, ACTHA, with the support of their affiliates, has raised more than $100,000 to support equine charities.
