NEW YORK– Albert Einstein once said, “The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.” Texas 4-H youth involved with horses know all too well the dangers of looking the other way when it comes to helping horses in transition. Texas is home to the most horses in the United States(approximately 767,100) and with that comes a great responsibility to care for those that become at-risk.

“People may not realize that most horses in need of extra care, a new home, or a career change are simply a reflection of their owner’s circumstances,” says Dr. Chelsie Huseman, AgriLife Extension Horse Specialist. “Horses can live a long time, up to 30 years old, and a lot can change for a horse owner during that time that impacts the horse.” Most horses seeking adoption become extraordinary equine partners when put in the right home.

Texas 4-H Homes for Horses was developed by Drs. Chelsie Huseman and Jennifer Zoller, AgriLife Extension Horse Specialists. The objective of the program is to connect Texas 4-H youth with the opportunity to work towards helping at-risk horses through education, outreach and adoption. With the help of grantor Texas Thoroughbred Association, this dream of giving 4-H youth a tangible way to help became a reality.

The September 2021 program launch event hosted seventeen 4-H youth and their families at the Humane Society of North Texas’ Ranch in Joshua, TX. Youth got to meet their new adoptable, equine partner and take them home after a day filled with introductions and education. “The youth will keep these horses for the 4-H year and work to improve their lives and adoptability through training, health management, and lots of TLC,” says program lead and Texas A&M University graduate student Lexi Romo. She encourages the public to follow the incredible journey of these youth and their horses through Instagram (txhomes_forhorses) and Facebook (Texas Horse) and consider adopting a Texas 4-H Homes for Horses horse at the 2022 Texas State 4-H Horse Show in Bryan, TX. “We can’t wait to see these youth showcase their progress with their horse at the state show next year. It will be transformational!”

Texas 4-H Homes for Horses is grateful to collaborate with the Right Horse Initiative, a program of the ASPCA, and local adoption partners Humane Society of North Texas and the SPCA of Texas to make this program a reality. “The dedicated individuals of these groups have been the defining point of success in launching this program. Their investment in helping horses through transition is inspiring,” says Huseman.

More about the Texas 4-H Homes for Horses program can be found at https://www.tx4-hhomesforhorses.com or by contacting program lead Lexi Romo at [email protected].

About The Right Horse

The Right Horse Initiative is a collective of industry professionals and equine welfare advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition through a dialogue of kindness and respect. Through collaboration with over 50 industry and adoption partners, The Right Horse is able to innovate new and better adoption standards and practices. Together, the goal is to shatter the stigma and reframe the conversation around equine adoption in order to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To learn more, visit www.therighthorse.org.

About The ASPCA®

Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first animal welfare organization in North America and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animals. More than two million supporters strong, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. For more information, please visit www.ASPCA.org, and be sure to follow the ASPCA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About Zoetis 

Zoetis is the leading animal health company, dedicated to supporting its customers and their businesses. Building on more than 65 years of experience in animal health, Zoetis discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes medicines, vaccines and diagnostic products, which are complemented by biodevices, genetic tests and precision livestock farming. Zoetis serves veterinarians, livestock producers and people who raise and care for farm and companion animals with sales of its products in more than 100 countries. In 2019, the company generated annual revenue of $6.3 billion with approximately 10,600 employees. For more information, visit www.zoetis.com.