During the month of April, 173 equine rescue groups across 38 states participated in the ASPCA’s Help a Horse Day grants contest with events and celebrations meant to engage their communities and raise awareness about the work they do year-round for horses in need. This year’s events included a variety of activities and educational opportunities including: open houses, education and volunteer programs, free gelding clinics, scavenger hunts and Facebook Live segments to promote equine adoption. Participating groups raised a combined total of more than $1 million in cash and other resources to help at-risk horses!

“Each year we are proud to recognize the commitment and creativity of equine rescues across the country through the ASPCA Help a Horse Day national competition,” said Matt Bershadker, ASPCA President and CEO. “ASPCA Help a Horse Day illustrates how much can be accomplished when communities and advocates come together to make the most of their ideas, efforts, and resources. I congratulate this year’s winners and thank everyone involved in the lifesaving work of caring for horses who’ve been abused and neglected.”

This year, we are happy to announce that Therapony of Ramona, California took home the grand prize of $25,000 based on the creativity of their events, and their success in engaging their community. Several other rescues were awarded grants of $10,000 or $5,000 as well to support their ongoing efforts in equine protection.

The winning rescue groups include:

$25,000 Grand Prize Winner:

• TheraPony, Ramona, CA

$10,000 Prize Winners:

• Equine Wellbeing Rescue, Inc., Snowflake, AZ
• Freedom Hill Horse Rescue, Owings, MD
• Rancho Tierra Madre Corp, Cave Creek, AZ
• RVR Horse Rescue, Riverview, FL
• The Pegasus Project, Murchison, TX

$5,000 Prize Winners:

• Days End Farm Horse Rescue Inc., Woodbine, MD
• Drifters Hearts of Hope, Franktown, CO
• Mountain Valley Horse Rescue, McCoy, CO
• Phoenix Rising Equine Rescue & Rehabilitation, Clarence, NY
• Save A Forgotten Equine, Woodinville, WA
• Serenity Farm Equine Sanctuary, Louisa, VA

In a special video message, celebrity animal advocates Beth Behrs and Huw Collins commended participating equine rescues and sanctuaries for their year-round lifesaving work caring for at-risk horses who’ve been abused, neglected or are in need of a home.