Dagmar Caramello has joined the American Horse Council as the Director of the Unwanted Horse Coalition (UHC). As the face of the UHC, her responsibilities will include overseeing communication efforts between the UHC and the greater equine community, working closely with UHC members to enhance current and future efforts of the organization, and establishing and cultivating relationships with new UHC members and donors.
“We are very pleased to welcome Dagmar to our team,” said UHC Chairman Dr. Doug Corey. “She has both participated and worked in the horse industry, and brings experience and enthusiasm to her new position with the Unwanted Horse Coalition.”
Caramello grew up in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. She developed a passion for horses at the early age of five that has continued into her adult life. In 2011, she graduated from Penn State having majored in English and minored in Equine Science. Shortly thereafter in 2013, she received her Master’s Degree in English from the University of Maryland. Already an active competitor on the Mid-Atlantic eventing circuit, Caramello, in recent years, has become intimately involved with the Maryland Thoroughbred racing industry as an exercise rider—a position she took on full-time while pursuing her graduate degree.
“Having worked on the racetrack for three years, I’ve gotten to see first-hand the number of horses out there who are not only capable, but are hugely deserving of second careers,” said Caramello. “There is a lot of untapped potential at the racetrack. Just because a horse isn’t a very talented runner, or has lost interest in racing with age, doesn’t mean it can’t have a bright future in a new job. I am excited to join the Unwanted Horse Coalition as an advocate for unwanted horses of all breeds and backgrounds.”
The mission of the Unwanted Horse Coalition is to reduce the number of unwanted horses and improve their welfare through education and the efforts of organizations committed to the health, safety and responsible care and disposition of these horses. The UHC grew out of the Unwanted Horse Summit, which was organized by the American Association of Equine Practitioners and held in conjunction with the American Horse Council’s annual meeting in Washington, D.C., in April 2005. The summit was held to bring key stakeholders together to start a dialogue on the unwanted horse in America. Its purpose was to develop consensus on the most effective way to work together to address the issue. In June 2006, the UHC was folded into the AHC and now operates under its auspices.