8 Ways to Give Back to the Equestrian Community

December 02, 2024

LITTLE ACTIONS THAT CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE

During this season of gratitude and gifting, it’s the perfect time to give back to the equestrian community. Chances are that somewhere in your journey with horses, the kindness of others played a key role. Maybe you were able to work off riding lessons as a child, were offered a free lease on a horse, or learned to braid from another horse owner who took the time to teach you. Plus, since horses are so meaningful to our lives and we gain so much from our time with them, isn’t it appropriate that we find ways to give back to industry, too?  

There are countless ways to give back to the equestrian community. Here are a few great ideas to get you started.  

Donate to an Equine Nonprofit 

Monetary support is so valuable to equine nonprofits, and a simple donation can help a nonprofit to cover essential expenses. Plus, it’s easy to donate using online payment portals, or you can always put a check in the mail.  

Here you can find a listing of equine nonprofits the option to donate directly. 

Gift a Donation in a Horse’s Name 

You might also consider making a memorial donation in a special horse’s name. Gifting a memorial donation to an equine nonprofit and cause that you believe in can be a meaningful way to keep a horse’s memory alive. Plus, just as the horse made a difference in your life, the donation in their name will continue to make a difference for other horses and equestrians.  

Volunteer at an Equine Nonprofit 

Reach out to local nonprofits, like rescues and therapeutic riding programs, to offer to volunteer. A few hours cleaning horse stalls, cleaning tack, and caring for horses can make a big difference for many nonprofits.  

In addition to your horse skills, offer up other volunteer skills that might be helpful. Carpentry talents, marketing and website maintenance, and grant writing and fundraising are all very valuable talents that nonprofits frequently need. If you have experience in any of these areas, chances are a nonprofit will be very glad to put those skills to work.  

Don’t forget that your local riding clubs can also always use help. Putting on clinics, shows, competitions, and other events is a labor of love, and clubs need a strong volunteer base to be able to host these events. Now is the perfect time to connect with your local clubs, find out what types of support they’ll need in the coming year, and start putting some volunteer dates into your calendar.  

Foster or Adopt a Horse 

If you have an extra horse stall and room for another horse in your life, consider fostering or adopting. Many rescuers depend on foster homes to help maximize the number of horses they’re able to take in and care for. When you foster, the rescue often covers vet care, which can help reduce your overall financial commitment. Providing a horse with attention, care, and training can help increase its chances of being adopted, so the rescue can then help another horse in need.  

If you adopt a horse, you’ll also be helping not just one horse, but two. You’ll give your new horse a loving home while also freeing up a spot so that the rescue can help another horse.  

Donate Used Tack to a 4H Group 

Clean out your tack room and go through your closets, gathering up any used track and apparel that you no longer need. Many 4H groups would be grateful to receive this donation. They can use or sell the items to generate funding. 

Purchase Items for a Nonprofit’s Wish List 

While you’re doing your Christmas shopping and checking off your own gift lists, buy a few items on equine nonprofits’ wish lists, too. You don’t even have to be local to do this; you can purchase online and have them shipped directly.

Say Thanks to Equine Professionals 

Do something extra special for the equine professionals who help you throughout the year, like your trainer, farrier, and vet. A gift card, a meaningful item, and even a gift of homemade food are all great ways to show your gratitude. 

If your vet is part of a larger office, bring something in for the office staff, too. While food is always a nice treat, vet offices tend to receive lots of candy and baked goods around the holidays. A healthier option, like a fruit or veggie plate, will probably be welcome, or you might get the office a gift card that they can use to order lunch from a local restaurant.  

Help a Young Rider 

Look for ways to help a young rider in need this year. Offer up a free lease of a horse or give some free lessons in skills like braiding. Gift a rider some half chaps or new boots or give them some horse books or magazines that you’ve finished reading.  

Make a Difference 

This season is all about giving, but it can also be easy to get swept up into the frenzy of the holidays and overlook what’s most important. Make some time to give back to the equestrian community and to appreciate all the ways that horses – and the people who love them – have changed your life. How do you plan to give back to the community this year? We’d love to hear what you’re planning.  

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