The intent of the Unwanted Horse Coalition's 2009 Unwanted Horses Survey was to gather projectable national metrics that would be useful in identifying and/or creating solutions to the problem. For the first time, voices from one coast to the other were being heard on the unwanted horse problem, and feedback from a broad cross-section of the horse industry was captured. Speculating there is an alarming rise in the numbers of unwanted horses is one thing; hearing that alarm sounded and confirmed by thousands is another. The results are surprisingly consistent nationwide, with little to no variance by region.

The response was greater than anticipated: when the survey site went live in November 2008, nearly 500 respondents had completed the survey in the first day. In a matter of a few weeks, 27,000 more had responded and thousands of those had write-in comments.Horse Aid Live will accomplish its mission by working with and providing support, both financial and organizational, to non-profit organizations that serve the unwanted equine population regardless of breed, including donkeys, miniatures and mules. Horse Aid Live will stage an annual concert event to raise money and awareness for equines so fewer equines end up in crisis.

 

Economic Impact Estimate

To fully understand the financial impact of the unwanted horse problem, it's imperative to look at the current situation faced by rescue/retirement/adoption/retraining facilities. With an annual budget need of $2,300 to care for one horse, the industry will need a minimum of $25,714,000 just to care for the horses that are currently being turned away.

"2009 Unwanted Horses Survey." A study commissioned by the Unwanted Horse Coalition. Reprinted with permission of the Unwanted Horse Coalition/The American Horse Council. www.unwantedhorsecoalition.org.