Equine welfare advocates from around the country will gather on July 31 and Aug. 1 for the Homes for Horses Coalition 2014 Summit. The Summit is the only national conference for horse rescues and sanctuaries and will bring together organizations with similar interests, goals and problems, and provide training and tools to create solutions. Panel discussions will span a wide range of topics vital to horse rescues including strategic planning, seeking and writing grants, lobbying and the future of horse rescue.
The speakers for the conference include a broad range of experts from the largest national animal welfare organizations, granting agencies and horse rescues.
“You will not get this caliber of speaker and training anywhere for $25 ($75 for non-members),” said Cindy Gendron, Coordinator of the Coalition. “I am pleased that participants will hear from Beverly Jones, Senior Vice President & Chief Legal Officer, ASPCA; Jacque Schultz, Senior Director, ASPCA Equine Fund; Jennifer Dragotta, Community Initiatives Director, ASPCA; Keith Dane, Vice President Equine Protection, The HSUS; Melissa Rubin, Vice President Animal Care Centers & Veterinary Services, The HSUS; Chris Heyde, Deputy Director Government & Legal Affairs, Animal Welfare Institute; Linda Skardon-Pavey, Founder, Brennan Equine Welfare Fund; Stacie Clark, Accreditation Chair, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance; Floss Blackburn, President, Denkai Animal Sanctuary and Kathy Hamm, Executive Director, Dream Catcher Therapy Center & End of the Trail Horse Rescue.
“We understand that attending a conference like this is a big commitment for rescues with limited funds and time, but we are confident that it will be an excellent learning and sharing experience for them,” said Gendron. The registration cost is incredibly affordable thanks to the supporting organizations, the Animal Welfare Institute, ASPCA and The Humane Society of the United States’ Jeannie Dodson Fund. To top it off, participants are invited to stay Aug. 2 for an additional day of learning at the ASPCA Rosalind and Franklyn Schaefer Family Equine Fund workshop. Those who have not previously attended this workshop may qualify for a travel stipend to attend both the Summit and the workshop.
This is a rare opportunity for equine welfare organizations spread out all over the country to come together face-to-face and share knowledge and community. More information can be found at https://www.regonline.com/Register/Checkin.aspx?EventID=1467585.
The Homes for Horses Coalition is supported by the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), the Animal Welfare Institute and The Humane Society of the United States’ Jeannie Dodson Equine Protection Fund. It is dedicated to ending horse slaughter and other forms of equine abuse, while promoting growth, collaboration and professionalism in the equine rescue and protection community. Find us online at www.homesforhorses.org and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/HomesforHorses.
