If you’ve ever looked into a horse’s eyes and felt that quiet mix of strength and grace, you already know why they deserve our help. Across the U.S., countless horses are rescued, healed, and given a second chance, thanks to people who care.

In this guide, we’ll spotlight the charities making that possible. Whether you want to donate, volunteer, or simply learn more, here’s where compassion truly meets action.

Best Charities That Help Horses in the USA: Key Takeaway

• The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)
• American Horse Council (AHC)
• Equine Advocates
• Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation
• The Brooke USA
• National Equine Rescue Network (NERN)
• Horse Protection League of North Carolina (HPLNC)
• The EQUUS Foundation
• The Fund for Horses
• The Wild Horse Preservation League
• American Wild Horse Campaign
• Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA)
• SPANA

What is a Horse Charity?

A horse charity is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the welfare of horses. These charities play a role in rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming horses.

These horses may have been abused, neglected, or are otherwise in need of care. They also provide a sanctuary for horses that cannot be rehomed due to age, health issues, or behavioral problems. 

13 Best Horse Charities

Here are 13 of the best horse charities in the U.S. that rescue, heal, and protect horses while giving them the second chance they truly deserve.

1. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)

Founded in 1954 by a group dedicated to promoting animal welfare across the board, the HSUS has broadened its scope to include horses among its many concerns.

HSUS fights cruelty and abandonment, providing rescue and emergency services to animals in need. 

To support HSUS, you can contribute through donations, volunteering your time, and engaging in advocacy to promote animal welfare.

2. American Horse Council (AHC)

Established in 1969, the AHC serves as the unified voice of the horse industry in Washington. It lobbies for policies and regulations that benefit equine health, welfare, and economic interests. 

The AHC has been instrumental in shaping legislation on taxation, gaming, and racing, protecting the industry’s interests. If you’re interested in supporting the AHC, you need to become a member, engage in advocacy, and participate in various activities.

3. Equine Advocates

Since its inception in 1996 by Susan Wagner, Equine Advocates has dedicated itself to rescuing horses from slaughter and abusive situations. 

With a sanctuary for horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules, the organization focuses on rescue, protection, and education about equine abuse. 

4. Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation

The Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation was founded in 1940. It has committed itself to advancing equine medical research, enhancing the health and safety of horses across all breeds. 

The foundation has supported numerous projects that have led to significant medical and surgical advancements in horse health. 

5. The Brooke USA

The Brooke was founded in 1934 by Dorothy Brooke in the USA. It focuses on raising funds in the United States to improve the welfare of working horses, donkeys, and mules in developing countries. 

Through direct veterinary care and educational programs, Brooke USA has made significant strides in improving the lives of these working animals. 

6. National Equine Rescue Network (NERN)

The NERN emphasizes collaboration and networking among equine rescue organizations. By providing a platform for these organizations, NERN has played a pivotal role in numerous successful rescue operations. 

To contribute to the network, make donations, and spread the word to other individuals who can contribute to this cause.

7. Horse Protection League of North Carolina (HPLNC)

The Horse Protection League of North Carolina is a nonprofit organization that rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes abused and neglected horses. 

They also offer education and outreach programs to promote responsible horse ownership and humane treatment.

8. The EQUUS Foundation

The EQUUS Foundation, founded in 2002, stands as a beacon for horse welfare across the United States. Its mission is to protect America’s horses from abuse and neglect while enhancing the bond between horses and people. 

The foundation achieves this through financial support to horse rescues and therapeutic riding. It has been instrumental in providing grants to various organizations, ensuring horses lead healthier, safer lives. 

9. The Fund for Horses

With a focus on legislative advocacy and education, The Fund for Horses has been at the forefront of efforts to end horse slaughter and promote the humane treatment of horses. 

By advocating for equine welfare laws and educating the public, the organization strives to make a difference. Advocacy, donations, and raising awareness are key ways to support their mission.

10. The Wild Horse Preservation League

The Wild Horse Preservation League is fiercely dedicated to the freedom and habitat of America’s wild horses and burros. It strives to protect these magnificent creatures from the threats of capture, displacement, and inhumane treatment.

This organization champions keeping wild horses wild and preserving their natural habitats. It ensures they can live free from harassment and slaughter. 

11. American Wild Horse Campaign

The American Wild Horse Campaign preserves American wild horses and burros in their natural environments. They fight against capture, branding, harassment, and death. 

Through legal actions and advocacy campaigns, the campaign seeks to protect these iconic animals. Support can be shown through donations, awareness-raising efforts, and advocacy.

12. Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA)

Founded in 1990, Thoroughbred Charities of America focuses on the welfare of Thoroughbred horses. They support retirement, retraining, and rehoming initiatives, as well as equine research and education. 

Having granted millions to relevant organizations, TCA plays a crucial role in the Thoroughbred community. Donations and participation in fundraising events help further their mission.

13. SPANA

Founded in 1923 by Kate Hosali and her daughter Nina, SPANA has a long and proud history of extending a helping hand to working animals. The organization focuses on providing free veterinary care to working horses. 

Beyond immediate medical care, SPANA is committed to education and training to ensure the long-term welfare of working animals. Achievements include not only treating millions of animals but also educating future generations on animal welfare. 

Interesting read: How to sell a horse. 

The Mission of Horse Charities

The mission and activities of horse charities include:

Rescue operations. Horse charities work to rescue horses from situations of abuse, neglect, or abandonment. This involves not only removing horses from harmful conditions but also working with law enforcement and animal welfare organizations to ensure that such situations are addressed legally.

Rehabilitation services. Once rescued, horses require extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and socialization to recover from the physical and psychological trauma. Horse charities provide or facilitate access to veterinary care, proper nutrition, and training to help them recover.

Adoption programs. A primary goal of many horse charities is to find loving, forever homes for horses once they have been rehabilitated. These programs screen potential adopters to ensure they can provide a suitable and caring environment for the horse.

Sanctuary and retirement. For horses that are not suitable for adoption, some charities offer permanent sanctuary. These sanctuaries provide a safe and comfortable environment for horses to live out the rest of their lives.

Education and advocacy. Beyond direct care for horses, many charities also engage in educational programs. These programs promote responsible horse ownership and welfare, and advocate for legislative changes to protect horses.

Support and resources for horse owners. Recognizing that financial hardship or lack of resources can lead to welfare issues, some horse charities provide support and resources to horse owners. This can include feed banks, subsidized veterinary care, or educational resources to help owners better care for their horses.

Challenges Faced by Equine Charities

Horse charities face myriad challenges in their mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome horses.

These challenges can stretch resources thin and test the resilience of the organizations. Understanding these hurdles is crucial for fostering effective support and finding solutions. 

Here are some of the key challenges faced by horse charities:

Financial constraints

Caring for horses is expensive, with costs encompassing feed, veterinary care, housing, and rehabilitation. Many horse charities rely almost entirely on donations, grants, and fundraising events to finance their operations. 

Securing consistent funding streams can be an ongoing struggle, impacting the number of horses they can help.

Overpopulation and unwanted horses

Overpopulation contributes to the number of horses in need. Factors such as indiscriminate breeding can lead to an increase in unwanted horses and overwhelming rescue organizations and sanctuaries.

Legal and regulatory issues

Horse charities often face legal and regulatory hurdles. These range from zoning laws affecting the location of facilities to the challenges of navigating animal welfare. 

Legal complexities and slow bureaucratic processes can hamper efforts to rescue horses from neglect or abuse.

Lack of public awareness

A lack of public awareness and understanding about horse welfare issues is a significant challenge. Many people are unaware of the plight of neglected, abused, or abandoned horses. 

Educating the public about these issues is crucial for gaining support and encouraging responsible horse ownership.

The complexity of horse rescue and rehabilitation

Rescuing and rehabilitating horses is a complex and time-consuming process. Horses coming from situations of neglect or abuse may have severe physical and psychological issues. 

The process of rehabilitating these animals for adoption can be resource-intensive.

Finding suitable homes

One of the ultimate goals of horse charities is to find forever homes for the horses in their care. Ensuring that potential adopters have the knowledge, resources, and commitment to provide a horse with a safe and loving home can be challenging. 

The adoption process must be thorough to ensure a good match, which can be time-consuming and labor-intensive.

Maintaining volunteer and community support

Many horse charities depend on volunteers for everything. Recruiting, training, and retaining volunteers can be challenging, especially for organizations located in remote areas.

How to Support Horse Charities

Supporting horse charities doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s how you can help, in a way that’s easy to talk about and understand.

First up, consider donating money. Even small amounts add up. These charities often rely on our donations to feed and care for the horses, provide medical treatment, and keep their operations running.

Another way to help is by volunteering your time. Whether you’re helping with daily chores at a local rescue, organizing fundraising events, or lending your skills in other ways, your time is incredibly valuable to these organizations.

Adopting or fostering a horse is a big commitment, but one of the most direct ways to make a difference. If you have the means and the space, giving a horse a loving home can change its life.

You can also spread the word. Use your voice on social media, in conversations with friends, or by hosting educational events to raise awareness about horse welfare and the work of horse charities.

Finally, consider shopping smart. Some charities partner with businesses, with a portion of your purchase supporting their cause. Look out for these opportunities to support you while you shop.

Remember, every little bit helps. Whether it’s your time, money, or voice, your support makes a big difference in the lives of these majestic animals.

How Can You Select the Best Horse Charities to Support?

Choosing the best charities to support can feel like a big task, but it’s simpler when you break it down. Here’s how to do it, in a way that’s straightforward to talk about.

Start by doing your homework. Look for charities that are transparent about how they spend their money.

Good charities are transparent about their finances and how they use their funds. Websites, annual reports, and charity watchdog sites can give you this info.

Think about what matters to you. What pulls at your heartstrings? Is it rescuing horses, providing them with medical care, or maybe supporting wildlife conservation? Pick a cause that you feel passionate about.

Check their impact. Look for stories of what the charity has accomplished. It’s not just about how much money they collect but how effectively they use it to make a real difference.

Consider the charity’s reputation. Search online for reviews or news articles. A strong, positive reputation is a good sign.

Lastly, reach out to them. If you have questions, give them a call or email them. The way they respond can tell you a lot about how they operate.

By taking these steps, you’ll find a charity that not only aligns with your values but also uses your support effectively. Remember, your contribution, no matter the size, can make a big impact.

Equine Charity: Conclusion

Supporting horse charities isn’t just about donations. It’s about the heart. It’s about standing up for those who can’t speak, and knowing your kindness helps heal, feed, and protect a life.

Every dollar, every share, every conversation counts. When you give your time, voice, or resources, you’re joining a family of people who believe every horse deserves safety, love, and a second chance.

Together, we make that difference possible.