April 7, 2010
(WILL BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY)
To Whom It May Concern:
Habitat for Horses, located in Hitchcock, Texas, is one of the largest equine rescue and protection organizations in the United States. Every year, Habitat for Horses affects the lives of thousands of horses through owner education, rescues, seizures, rehabilitation and foster and adoption programs. Habitat for Horses seeks funding to hire a professional trainer for the three-month period from July, 2010 through September, 2010 to increase the adoptability of recently rescued equines, and the increase the likelihood that adopted horses remain in their forever homes.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is an excellent partner for Habitat for Horses’ training and adoption initiative because this program matches the ASPCA’s dedication to finding safe, compassionate new homes for adoptable animals.
Horse abuse takes many forms and occurs for many reasons. Lack of knowledge, a change in finances or circumstances, or the desire for power and control can lead to dangerous situations for equines. Legalized abuse in the form of facilities that breed mares to produce urine to create pharmaceutical drugs, and domestic and foreign slaughterhouses are some of the biggest challenges facing the American equine industry.
Huge progress was made towards ending slaughter and abuse of American horses with the closing of the three major slaughterhouses in the United States in 2007, and the introduction of H.R. 503, Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act of 2009, in January, 2009. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) defines an unwanted horse as a horse of any age or health level that, for any reason, is no longer wanted by its owner or no longer has a permanent home. Unfortunately, the AVMA estimates that an additional 2700 rescues and sanctuaries will be necessary to assimilate the thousands of unwanted horses that would have been shipped to slaughter each year.
Habitat for Horses seeks to educate those who abuse or neglect their equines, and offers a viable alternative: placing the horse in a safe, secure environment. By expanding our adoption program and increasing the number of horses that can be safely rehabilitated and retrained for placement in permanent homes, Habitat for Horses can do its part to reduce the additional burden of unwanted horses in the United States.
California Senator Dean Florez introduced a Senate Joint Resolution on February 10, 2010 to encourage the passing of H.R. 503. We are on the verge of finally enacting laws to help protect America’s equines, and it is critical now more than ever that our adoption program is able to operate to its fullest potential to care for and defend the safety of as many horses as possible.
Habitat for Horses is uniquely positioned to continue to make a difference in the lives of hundreds of horses and owners. Habitat for Horses was incorporated and received non-profit status in 1998, and was merged with Lone Star Equine Rescue in 2005 to become one of the largest horse rescues in the region and in the country. There are currently over 150 active volunteers who support the organization, and over 3000 members worldwide who contribute to the continued success of Habitat for Horses.
Since 1998, over 1200 horses have been taken in or cared for by Habitat for Horses. Approximately 50% of horses who are placed in foster homes remain in those foster homes permanently, and over 95% of horses who are arrive at the farm are successfully placed in adoptive homes. The rate of horses that return to Habitat for Horses from their adoptive homes has continued to decrease.
Habitat for Horses is requesting $3000 to support the hiring of a professional trainer to expand the adoption program, and increase the rate of horses that remain in their adoptive homes. The project will involve hiring a professional trainer to work exclusively at Habitat for Horses for three months. The trainer will be able to work with eight to nine horses per month. The current average adoption fee for a rideable or lightly-rideable equine is $450. If the adoption fee of a horse with three months’ professional training could be raised by $200, the organization would generate an additional $1600 - $1800 per month in revenue. That amount could support hiring a professional trainer on a full-time basis.
We believe that our experience in horse rescue and adoption, and our community support make Habitat for Horses an excellent candidate to support the ASPCA’s continued mission of compassionate care and adoption. Please contact us if we can provide any additional information or to further discuss our qualifications, either via phone or e-mail. We look forward to the opportunity to present a full proposal for your review.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Habitat for Horses, Inc.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Weekly Update
After speaking with one of the administrators at Habitat for Horses, I have switched gears one last (i hope!) time. Right now, one of their biggest needs is for money to pay for a trainer to come work with the horses. The trainer will cost $6k for 3 months, but will be able to work with 8-10 horses per month. A horse with training can be adopted out for a higher fee, and is much more likely to remain in its adopted home. I am going to try to get a more exact number than "much more likely," but at this point, Im not sure if HfH has any sort of measurement of that statistic.
Below is my re-vamped answer to Question 17 of the Bernice Barbour Foundation application: Describe the project for which funding is being requested:
Habitat for Horses placed 350 horses in forever homes in 2009 as part of their adoption program, but hundreds more are still waiting for their chance at a new life because of the at-times prohibitive cost of training. A horse with professional training and evaluation is far more likely to remain in its forever home, and can be adopted out for a higher adoption fee. Habitat for Horses is seeking funding to hire a trainer for three months, at the cost of $2000 per month. The trainer will be able to work exclusively at Habitat for Horses and will be able to train eight to ten horses per month. Adoption fees for rideable equines – horses that the farm has deemed both physically and mentally sound for work – range from $250 to $1000, with the average being around $450. If the average adoption fee for a rideable equine can be raised from $450 to $650 based on 30 to 90 days of professional training, the additional revenue generated could be used to support the salary of a full time trainer for the farm. Habitat for Horses requests a grant in the amount of $6000 to hire a professional trainer for three months, which will in turn lead to a more sustainable adoption program.
Below is my re-vamped answer to Question 17 of the Bernice Barbour Foundation application: Describe the project for which funding is being requested:
Habitat for Horses placed 350 horses in forever homes in 2009 as part of their adoption program, but hundreds more are still waiting for their chance at a new life because of the at-times prohibitive cost of training. A horse with professional training and evaluation is far more likely to remain in its forever home, and can be adopted out for a higher adoption fee. Habitat for Horses is seeking funding to hire a trainer for three months, at the cost of $2000 per month. The trainer will be able to work exclusively at Habitat for Horses and will be able to train eight to ten horses per month. Adoption fees for rideable equines – horses that the farm has deemed both physically and mentally sound for work – range from $250 to $1000, with the average being around $450. If the average adoption fee for a rideable equine can be raised from $450 to $650 based on 30 to 90 days of professional training, the additional revenue generated could be used to support the salary of a full time trainer for the farm. Habitat for Horses requests a grant in the amount of $6000 to hire a professional trainer for three months, which will in turn lead to a more sustainable adoption program.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Week 10: Progress Update
For my first grant at least, Im asking for the maximum amount that the first sponser is willing to award ($5000) rather than asking for just what we need. So in a way, I guess Im tailoring my project to meet that $5000 limit. The tractor project is definitely going to be over $5000, so having the in-kind and cash matching terminology from Chapter 12 will definitely be a huge help.
I found the section in the reading about calculating indirect costs to be very interesting. I have not tried to calculate the indirect costs for Habitat for Horses yet, but I feel like the percentage is going to be pretty high. Knowing how to ... make that number appear smaller at times could definitely be useful knowledge too.
I found the section in the reading about calculating indirect costs to be very interesting. I have not tried to calculate the indirect costs for Habitat for Horses yet, but I feel like the percentage is going to be pretty high. Knowing how to ... make that number appear smaller at times could definitely be useful knowledge too.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Week 8 - Updates
I am slowly working through this lengthy application for the Bernice Barbour Foundation. The due date is July 31, so at least there's not a huge time crunch (just class deadlines!).
Based on everyone's great feedback last week, I have updated my paragraph for Question 17: Describe the project for which funding is being requested, and I have written my response to Question 12: Mission Statement. Question 12 was challenging because it is supposed to be approximately 6 lines.
17. On February 23, 2010, Jason Meduna was sentenced to 40 - 120 months in prison after being convicted on 145 felony counts of animal cruelty. One hundred thirteen critically ill or injured horses were found on Meduna’s property, along with the carcasses of thirty one dead horses.
Habitat for Horses assisted with the rescue of X horses from Meduna’s property, and is now seeking to place these horses in their adoption program. Habitat for Horses has a strict adoption program which follows guidelines set forth by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries to ensure that adopted horses never face the same cruelty or neglect they previously suffered.
The approximate cost to prepare one horse for adoption is $1500 - $2500. New rescues receive dental care, vaccinations, deworming, farrier visits, and approximately $200 per month worth of feed and hay, along with any other miscellaneous veterinary expenses, plus professional evaluation and training before they are ready to be adopted. We are requesting funding in the amount of $5000 to support the adoption process for two recently rescued horses. Your money will ensure that two horses find loving, permanent homes, and that two families find new lifelong friends.
12. Mission of the Organization – (6 lines) Habitat for Horses seeks to promote and secure the safety and physical well being of all horses. We are dedicated to changing the lives of horses and humans through rescue, adoption, education, and equine-assisted programs. HfH believes that education, commitment and understanding can bring about change in how horses are cared for and treated both by individuals and in society.
Based on everyone's great feedback last week, I have updated my paragraph for Question 17: Describe the project for which funding is being requested, and I have written my response to Question 12: Mission Statement. Question 12 was challenging because it is supposed to be approximately 6 lines.
17. On February 23, 2010, Jason Meduna was sentenced to 40 - 120 months in prison after being convicted on 145 felony counts of animal cruelty. One hundred thirteen critically ill or injured horses were found on Meduna’s property, along with the carcasses of thirty one dead horses.
Habitat for Horses assisted with the rescue of X horses from Meduna’s property, and is now seeking to place these horses in their adoption program. Habitat for Horses has a strict adoption program which follows guidelines set forth by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries to ensure that adopted horses never face the same cruelty or neglect they previously suffered.
The approximate cost to prepare one horse for adoption is $1500 - $2500. New rescues receive dental care, vaccinations, deworming, farrier visits, and approximately $200 per month worth of feed and hay, along with any other miscellaneous veterinary expenses, plus professional evaluation and training before they are ready to be adopted. We are requesting funding in the amount of $5000 to support the adoption process for two recently rescued horses. Your money will ensure that two horses find loving, permanent homes, and that two families find new lifelong friends.
12. Mission of the Organization – (6 lines) Habitat for Horses seeks to promote and secure the safety and physical well being of all horses. We are dedicated to changing the lives of horses and humans through rescue, adoption, education, and equine-assisted programs. HfH believes that education, commitment and understanding can bring about change in how horses are cared for and treated both by individuals and in society.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Weekly Update
The first foundation I am applying to for a grant is The Bernice Barbour Foundation. They provide Animal Welfare Grants, with top priorities being large animals and adoption programs, so this should be a very good fit. They have an actual application (which looks to be pretty strict) that has to be filled out and mailed in in order to be considered for funding. They generally award grants from $500 - $5000, so I am going to try asking for $5000. They do allow you to ask for funding for two different projects on the same application, so I am considering that option.
The one I am definitely going to ask for is money for Habitat for Horses' adoption program. Recently it has been in the news that Jason Meduna, a Nevada ranch owner who had over 100 horses siezed from his property, was convicted of 145 counts (out of 149) of felony animal cruelty and sentenced to 40 - 120 months in jail, plus fines. Habitat for Horses is one of a few rescues who took some of those horses (I am still waiting to hear back from the owner to find out more specifics, unfortunately), but since this is a pretty recent/relevant issue, I am asking for $5000 to prepare the horses for adoption.
The application asks you to describe the project for which funding is being requested, and the response is supposed to be about 12 lines. So here goes...
On February 23, 2010, Jason Meduna of Bridgeport, Nevada was sentenced to 40 - 120 months in prison after being convicted of 145 Class IV felony counts of animal cruelty resulting in serious injury, illness or death. One hundred thirteen critically ill or injured horses were found on Meduna’s property, along with the carcasses of thirty one dead horses.
Habitat for Horses assisted with the rescue of X horses from Meduna’s property, and is now seeking to place these horses in their adoption program. Habitat for Horses has a strict adoption program which follows guidelines set forth by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries to ensure that adopted horses never face the same cruelty/neglect they previously suffered.
The approximate cost to prepare one horse for adoption is $1500 - $2500. New recsues receive dental care, vaccinations, deworming, farrier visits, and approximately $200 per day worth of feed and hay, along with any other miscellaneous veterinary expenses, plus professional evaluation and training before they are ready to be adopted. We are requesting funding in the amount of $5000 to support the adoption process for two new rescued horses.
The one I am definitely going to ask for is money for Habitat for Horses' adoption program. Recently it has been in the news that Jason Meduna, a Nevada ranch owner who had over 100 horses siezed from his property, was convicted of 145 counts (out of 149) of felony animal cruelty and sentenced to 40 - 120 months in jail, plus fines. Habitat for Horses is one of a few rescues who took some of those horses (I am still waiting to hear back from the owner to find out more specifics, unfortunately), but since this is a pretty recent/relevant issue, I am asking for $5000 to prepare the horses for adoption.
The application asks you to describe the project for which funding is being requested, and the response is supposed to be about 12 lines. So here goes...
On February 23, 2010, Jason Meduna of Bridgeport, Nevada was sentenced to 40 - 120 months in prison after being convicted of 145 Class IV felony counts of animal cruelty resulting in serious injury, illness or death. One hundred thirteen critically ill or injured horses were found on Meduna’s property, along with the carcasses of thirty one dead horses.
Habitat for Horses assisted with the rescue of X horses from Meduna’s property, and is now seeking to place these horses in their adoption program. Habitat for Horses has a strict adoption program which follows guidelines set forth by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries to ensure that adopted horses never face the same cruelty/neglect they previously suffered.
The approximate cost to prepare one horse for adoption is $1500 - $2500. New recsues receive dental care, vaccinations, deworming, farrier visits, and approximately $200 per day worth of feed and hay, along with any other miscellaneous veterinary expenses, plus professional evaluation and training before they are ready to be adopted. We are requesting funding in the amount of $5000 to support the adoption process for two new rescued horses.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Weekly Update
Updates are still a bit slow on my projects, but at least I now have two (well, pretty much) concrete projects determined. I am very excited to be working with Habitat for Horses' regular grant writer (who happens to be a full time grant writer for the American Heart Association)- I know I will be able to learn a lot from her this semester. She sent me a great spreadsheet of all the grants/funding opportunities they are currently looking into, and I will try to get it posted on here as soon as Excel and I learn to cooperate. I have also had a chance to review their two recent successful proposals, and some letters of intent they have written.
Our first grant is going to be either looking for a tractor/backhoe or the funds to purchase one. One possible tractor is the 2000 CASE 580SL Backhoe Loader- for a new one, we're looking at around $25,000; a used one in decent condition would probably be around $15,000. I'd like to approach some local companies like Tractor Supply and Bechtel to see if they would be willing to help out or make an equipment donation.
The second grant is not really for a project, but rather for operating funds. I know Dr. Rice has said most foundations will not award grants just for operating funds, so this may be a little more difficult. The farm was recently audited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries who recommended that the farm should have at least $115,000 cash on hand at any given point in case of emergency. The farm's annual budget is about $300,000 per year, and it costs approximately $1000 per day to maintain the farm, so there is obviously not much of a cushion right now.
Our first grant is going to be either looking for a tractor/backhoe or the funds to purchase one. One possible tractor is the 2000 CASE 580SL Backhoe Loader- for a new one, we're looking at around $25,000; a used one in decent condition would probably be around $15,000. I'd like to approach some local companies like Tractor Supply and Bechtel to see if they would be willing to help out or make an equipment donation.
The second grant is not really for a project, but rather for operating funds. I know Dr. Rice has said most foundations will not award grants just for operating funds, so this may be a little more difficult. The farm was recently audited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries who recommended that the farm should have at least $115,000 cash on hand at any given point in case of emergency. The farm's annual budget is about $300,000 per year, and it costs approximately $1000 per day to maintain the farm, so there is obviously not much of a cushion right now.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
First Paragraph
Sorry, this post is a little late because my grant-writing partner and I have not solidified any plans yet. I'm going to approach this post as if we are definitely applying to the EQUUS Foundation for a grant for general operations. The EQUUS Foundation does specify that they will award grants for general ops.
"Habitat for Horses, Inc. (HfH), located in Hitchcock, Texas, is one of the largest non-profit equine protection agencies in the country. HfH appreciates and fosters the important role horses play in society. We coordinate with law enforcement to provide equine rescue services, operate an equine adoption program to place horses in loving, forever homes, and provide rehabilitation and sustainable lifetime care for horses that are too affected to be adopted. HfH also provides educational opportunities to teach youth and adults to appreciate the contributions horses make to civilization. To date, HfH has saved thousands of these beautiful creatures from suffering, abuse, and even death.
The current financial situation has led to an increase in unwanted/improperly cared for horses that are in need of a safe haven. HfH has been in operation for over 12 years, and will continue to foster horse health and wellfare by providing rehabilitation services, care and a chance for mutually beneficial adoptions.
"Habitat for Horses, Inc. (HfH), located in Hitchcock, Texas, is one of the largest non-profit equine protection agencies in the country. HfH appreciates and fosters the important role horses play in society. We coordinate with law enforcement to provide equine rescue services, operate an equine adoption program to place horses in loving, forever homes, and provide rehabilitation and sustainable lifetime care for horses that are too affected to be adopted. HfH also provides educational opportunities to teach youth and adults to appreciate the contributions horses make to civilization. To date, HfH has saved thousands of these beautiful creatures from suffering, abuse, and even death.
The current financial situation has led to an increase in unwanted/improperly cared for horses that are in need of a safe haven. HfH has been in operation for over 12 years, and will continue to foster horse health and wellfare by providing rehabilitation services, care and a chance for mutually beneficial adoptions.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Problem Mapping
I had a great phone meeting today with Olympia, the current grant writer for Habitat for Horses. She has several foundations already selected to apply to for funds, and she is planning to take a look at the EQUUS Foundation as well. She had never heard of EQUUS, so it was nice to feel like I had something valuable to contribute to the conversation!
Right now, the three top priorities for the organization are obtaining a new tractor (the old one is in the 'tractor hospital,' and with $1000 worth of repairs will be usable, but only for so long...), increased cash reserves (they recently underwent an audit by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, who advised having at least $115,000 cash on hand at any given time), and general operating costs (operating costs are approximately $1000 per day).
We don't have a solid solution in mind yet, so for the mapping assignment, I have created a map of my 'conversation' with myself about the problem.
Right now, the three top priorities for the organization are obtaining a new tractor (the old one is in the 'tractor hospital,' and with $1000 worth of repairs will be usable, but only for so long...), increased cash reserves (they recently underwent an audit by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, who advised having at least $115,000 cash on hand at any given time), and general operating costs (operating costs are approximately $1000 per day).
We don't have a solid solution in mind yet, so for the mapping assignment, I have created a map of my 'conversation' with myself about the problem.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Thesis Statement
I have a phone date set up with my organization for this Wednesday, just before class, so I still dont have a specific proposal/project narrowed down. I'm going to post my attempt at a 'thesis statement,' but I'm afraid it might be a little on the generic side.
Tens of thousands of often young and healthy horses in the United States are abused, neglected, or shipped out of the country for horse slaughter each year. We believe that change begins with education, and seek to rescue and rehabilitate abused horses and provide them with useful careers educating America's youth.
Again, I'm afraid its very generic, since I have not narrowed down a specific 'mission' yet with my organization, so obviously lack of specifics could be an issue someone would have with my thesis statement. Once I have a specific project in mind, I think I will be able to provide more facts and statistics, which will be backed up by case studies and examples, to help mitigate concerns about the statement.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Finding an Organization
I found my organization pretty quickly - I've been riding horses since I was ten years old ("Mom! I'm going to be a jockey!"), and I have seen how cruelly people can treat these beautiful animals that would lay down their lives for the right owner, so working with a horse rescue was a natural fit.
I googled horse rescues in Texas, and Habitat for Horses and Lone Star Equine Rescue were the first two that popped up. I found out pretty quickly that Habitat for Horses and Lone Star had merged, so it was an easy choice. I have been in e-mail contact with the person who currently writes their grants, and they seem excited and willing to work with me. Hopefully we'll be able to carve out a time to talk on the phone this weekend.
Finding a potential funding source was a little more difficult. I used the Foundation Finder site to start my search, but there were over 350 results just in Austin. I decided to try my own path to finding some possible sources. I decided to try looking up other equine non-profits to see if I could find information about their sponsors/donors. It seems to be pretty common practice for non-profits to list on their website their funding sources. From there I located the EQUUS Foundation, a community foundation devoted entirely to supporting equine-related grants and projects. This is the foundation I will be doing my presentation on for class on Wednesday. Hopefully I can figure out this voice-over powerpoint thing!
I googled horse rescues in Texas, and Habitat for Horses and Lone Star Equine Rescue were the first two that popped up. I found out pretty quickly that Habitat for Horses and Lone Star had merged, so it was an easy choice. I have been in e-mail contact with the person who currently writes their grants, and they seem excited and willing to work with me. Hopefully we'll be able to carve out a time to talk on the phone this weekend.
Finding a potential funding source was a little more difficult. I used the Foundation Finder site to start my search, but there were over 350 results just in Austin. I decided to try my own path to finding some possible sources. I decided to try looking up other equine non-profits to see if I could find information about their sponsors/donors. It seems to be pretty common practice for non-profits to list on their website their funding sources. From there I located the EQUUS Foundation, a community foundation devoted entirely to supporting equine-related grants and projects. This is the foundation I will be doing my presentation on for class on Wednesday. Hopefully I can figure out this voice-over powerpoint thing!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
First Draft of a Need Statement for Habitat for Horses
This is a hypothetical first draft of a need statement for Habitat for Horses, an organization that has tentatively agreed to allow me to work with them. I have not actually spoken with the organization about this specific idea.
When Marco was seized by Habitat for Horses, his ribs, hips, and spine protruded from his lice-infested skin, and his remaining teeth were loose from scavenging for tree bark to survive. He was lame from overgrown, neglected hooves, and his intenstines were infested with worms. And he was the lucky one. When Habitat for Horses found Marco, he was still being kept in the same pasture as the half-buried, charred carcas of a pregnant mare who bled to death from the owner’s attempt at a backyard cesarian.
The Animal Welfare Institute estimates that one horse is slaughtered in America every five minutes. Over 5,500 horses have already been brutally destroyed this January alone. People often perpetuate the myth that only old, broken-down, or useless horses are sent to slaughter; in fact, 92.3 percent of horses arriving at slaughter plants in this country in recent years were deemed to be in "good" condition, according to the US Department of Agriculture's Guidelines for Handling and Transporting Equines to Slaughter. Horse slaughter plants make a greater profit off of fatter, healthier animals. And slaughter does not even account for the thousands of horses that are neglected and mistreated by abusive, negligent, or just plain ignorant owners each year.
An overwhelming majority of American voters (at least 70%, according to a national poll), support a federal ban on the sale of horses for slaughter or human consumption. A stronger federal solution would help, but action needs to be taken now to protect these vulnerable creatures from slaughter, and from cruelty at home.
Habitat for Horses is an established non-profit equine rescue organization in Hitchcock, Texas. Habitat for Horses currently houses approximately 40 – 50 horses on site, and cares for over 250 horses at foster locations. Habitat for Horses has rescued and rehabilitated over 350 horses just within the past year. Habitat for Horses already has some corporate sponsors in Purina, Dupont, and Southern States, and has a capable and well-trained team of volunteers who assist with the daily care and upkeep required for sick, injured horses and a large equine facility.
Habitat for Horses currently engages in several outreach programs to bring rescued program horses to schools, churches, retirement homes, and hospitals for educational purposes. Habitat for Horses would like to take a step towards providing even more community involvement and support by creating a long-standing program to bring troubled or at-risk youth together with equines from similar situations. Horses are already widely used in rehabilitation programs for children and adults with physical impairments, and their unconditional, trusting natures can be used to reach children with hidden hurts. Habitat for Horses already has many willing and eager volunteers and staff; however, we are seeking funding to undertake the training necessary to begin a program working with at-risk youth. We are requesting funding in the amount of $2000 from your organization to train our volunteers and develop this outreach program.
When Marco was seized by Habitat for Horses, his ribs, hips, and spine protruded from his lice-infested skin, and his remaining teeth were loose from scavenging for tree bark to survive. He was lame from overgrown, neglected hooves, and his intenstines were infested with worms. And he was the lucky one. When Habitat for Horses found Marco, he was still being kept in the same pasture as the half-buried, charred carcas of a pregnant mare who bled to death from the owner’s attempt at a backyard cesarian.
The Animal Welfare Institute estimates that one horse is slaughtered in America every five minutes. Over 5,500 horses have already been brutally destroyed this January alone. People often perpetuate the myth that only old, broken-down, or useless horses are sent to slaughter; in fact, 92.3 percent of horses arriving at slaughter plants in this country in recent years were deemed to be in "good" condition, according to the US Department of Agriculture's Guidelines for Handling and Transporting Equines to Slaughter. Horse slaughter plants make a greater profit off of fatter, healthier animals. And slaughter does not even account for the thousands of horses that are neglected and mistreated by abusive, negligent, or just plain ignorant owners each year.
An overwhelming majority of American voters (at least 70%, according to a national poll), support a federal ban on the sale of horses for slaughter or human consumption. A stronger federal solution would help, but action needs to be taken now to protect these vulnerable creatures from slaughter, and from cruelty at home.
Habitat for Horses is an established non-profit equine rescue organization in Hitchcock, Texas. Habitat for Horses currently houses approximately 40 – 50 horses on site, and cares for over 250 horses at foster locations. Habitat for Horses has rescued and rehabilitated over 350 horses just within the past year. Habitat for Horses already has some corporate sponsors in Purina, Dupont, and Southern States, and has a capable and well-trained team of volunteers who assist with the daily care and upkeep required for sick, injured horses and a large equine facility.
Habitat for Horses currently engages in several outreach programs to bring rescued program horses to schools, churches, retirement homes, and hospitals for educational purposes. Habitat for Horses would like to take a step towards providing even more community involvement and support by creating a long-standing program to bring troubled or at-risk youth together with equines from similar situations. Horses are already widely used in rehabilitation programs for children and adults with physical impairments, and their unconditional, trusting natures can be used to reach children with hidden hurts. Habitat for Horses already has many willing and eager volunteers and staff; however, we are seeking funding to undertake the training necessary to begin a program working with at-risk youth. We are requesting funding in the amount of $2000 from your organization to train our volunteers and develop this outreach program.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Intro Post
Really enjoyed our first class today, and am definitely excited for this semester! I've never even attempted to write any sort of grant proposal before, so I was a little worried coming in, but I think the readings will be helpful and I'm looking forward to giving it a shot...
Horses have always been a huge part of my life - I rescued my first horse when I was 16 - so I think I may try to find a horse rescue to work with. Horse farms are incredibly expensive to run, especially when you're caring for ill , undernourished or abused animals. I've seen some horse rescues/programs that offer outreach/education programs, and I think that is something I would like to try to support or expand.
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