Standing Ovation by Ovation Riding

A year in review.

Photo by Jodi Ladner.

Every Friday, Horse Nation teams up with Ovation Riding to spotlight an individual or organization doing good work in the horse world. Traditionally, we review all of our Standing Ovation honorees at the end of the year — check out the list and consider if you’re able to help any of these organizations!

January

• New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program: the largest racehorse adoption program in the United States
• Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center: the first therapeutic riding center in the country
• Arabian Rescue Mission: both a rescue center in New Jersey and a nation-wide large-scale herd adoption facilitator
• Ridwan Sururi: Indonesian mobile library on horseback

February

• Kidznhorses Outreach: mulit-faceted horse rescue and outreach in Selah, Washington
• Purina & the Budweiser Clydesdales: teaming up to reward Far View Horse Rescue of Colorado with A Home For Every Horse
• Joan of Banbury Cross Therapeutic Equestrian Center: nominated by Banbury Cross to recognize her hard work
• Detroit Horse Power: riding program for at-risk youth in Detroit

March

• CANTER Illinois: the Illinois branch of the national Thoroughbred placement resource
• Therapeutic Riding, Inc.: therapeutic horseback riding program based in Ann Arbor, Michigan
• Equestrian Aid Foundation: helping equestrian professionals in times of crisis
• The Brooke: specifically aiding donkeys during historic drought in Kenya as part of larger mission to help working animals around the world

April

• Large Animal Rescue Training by Draft Gratitude: a New Hampshire-based draft horse rescue, which hosted a large animal rescue training for first responders
• “30 Geldings in 30 Days” by Therapony: an ongoing clinic for the month of April hosted by Ramona, California-based rescue Therapony
• Help a Horse Day: the ASPCA’s annual contest to engage horse rescues and the public
• Time to Ride: facilitated by the American Horse Council to connect interested individuals with riding opportunities around the country and welcome more people to the sport

May

• Lead-Up International: reducing violence in local communities around the world through horsemanship techniques
• The Right Horse Initiative: facilitating collaborations in the horse rescue community to better connect homes with rescue horses in need
• Equine Tranquility Wellness Center: therapeutic riding center based in Andover, New Jersey
• Homes For Horses Coalition: national coalition of horse rescues

June

• Mea Ola’s Place: equine rescue specializing in both horses and donkeys in Phelan, California
• Montgomery Creek Ranch: mustang and burro sanctuary in California
• USEF Disaster Relief Fund: aiding equestrians in natural disasters
• PATH International: promoting equine-assisted activities and therapies internationally, guiding and certifying therapeutic riding centers
• S&S Finally Loved Horse Rescue: horse rescue based in Calimesa, California

July

• Therapony’s “30 Geldings in 30 Days” follow-up: an ongoing clinic for the month of April hosted by Ramona, California-based rescue Therapony
• L.E.A.R.N. Horse Rescue: based in Ravenel, South Carolina
• LBL Equine Rescue: based in Silver Springs, Nevada
• Voice For Horses Network: horse rescue based in Toledo, Ohio

August

• Akindale Thoroughbred Rescue: aftercare organization for Akindale Thoroughbreds based in Pawling, New York
• The Man O’War Project: supporting the first university-led study to measure affects of equine-assisted therapy for veteran programs aimed at helping PTSD
• Adena Retirement Program: Adena Springs’ own aftercare program for Thoroughbred racehorses
• Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance: network of industry leaders to better facilitate racehorse aftercare

September

• Horsemen Step Up to Help Hurricane Harvey Victims: various industry groups aiding equestrian victims of Hurricane Harvey
• Bearfoot Ranch: therapeutic riding center in Gainesville, Georgia
• South Florida SPCA Needs Our Help: hit particularly hard by Hurricane Irma, this South Florida-based horse rescue was in dire need of assistance
• Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center: Thoroughbred retraining and placement center at the Kentucky Horse Park
• Help Puerto Rico’s Horses in Maria Aftermath: industry groups organizing aid for hard-hit horses in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria

October

• Odysseo & the Tennessee School For the Blind: the traveling equine show hosted the TN School For the Blind for a sensory day
• Morris Animal Foundation: spearheading animal health research in multiple fields
• Edge Brewing Equestrian: the philanthropic arm of Edge Brewing Barcelona
• Washington International’s charity partnerships: the Washington International Horse Show benefits several well-deserving charities each year

November

• The Breeders’ Cup Pledge: connections of horses entered in Breeders’ Cup races can pledge a portion of their winnings to Thoroughbred aftercare
• Make-A-Wish Day at Keeneland: equal parts fundraiser and outreach for children battling life-threatening illness
• Hacienda at the River: Arizona-based senior living offering equine therapy
• Equest’s “Gift of the Horse” campaign: annual giving campaign by Equest therapeutic riding of Wylie, Texas

December

• Polo Players Support Group: aiding polo professionals in times of crisis
• Help Horses Affected by Lilac Fire at San Luis Rey Downs: industry organizations supporting horses and horsemen who lost everything in fast-moving California fires
• Calendar sale to benefit New Vocations: Tracey Buyce sold a fine art photography calendar in December to benefit Thoroughbred aftercare
• Howey Horse Haven Rescue: based in Howey In The Hills, Florida

Many thanks thanks to Ovation Riding for their support of both Horse Nation and individuals and organizations that are doing good work in the horse world. If you know someone who deserves a Standing Ovation, we would love to recognize them in a future post. Email the name of the person or organization along with a message about the good work they do to [email protected]. Photos/videos are always welcome, and include a link to their website if applicable.