from the Unwanted Horse Coalition

Washington, DC — The Unwanted Horse Coalition will continue its Operation Gelding Program thanks to generous donations from the American Association of Equine Practitioners and the United States Trotting Association. The UHC will contribute its own funds to the program, as well. Operation Gelding provides funds to assist organizations, associations and events that wish to sponsor clinics to geld horses.

“The seed money provided by the AAEP, USTA and UHC will allow the coalition to continue this program,” said UHC chairman, Dr. Doug Corey. “We appreciate that support and want to build on it. So the UHC is asking for the support of the general horse community. Tax deductible contributions can be made by anyone for the UHC Operation Gelding program through the American Horse Council Foundation. A $50 contribution will help to geld one stallion; additional funds will do even more. All contributions will be used entirely for the gelding program.”

To date, the UHC has distributed $13,350 in seed money to 29 Operation Gelding clinics in 20 different states. The program has aided in the castration of 267 stallions since the first clinic on October 2, 2010.

“The UHC needs the entire industry’s help for the program. All donations are tax deductible and every dollar donated goes directly towards funding the castrations,” said Ericka Caslin, director of the UHC.

“The AAEP Foundation is pleased to be able to continue to help this worthwhile program another year. We hope other organizations will get involved and pledge their financial support as well,” said David Foley of the AAEP.

The UHC provides all information and forms necessary to conduct a clinic, along with seed money to defray the costs. Funds of $50 per horse gelded with a $1,000 maximum will be awarded to groups each year on a first come, first serve basis, subject to available resources. Organizations can apply by filling out the Operation Gelding Funding Form provided by the UHC and following the instructions offered by the program’s “How to Conduct a Clinic.” Funds will be awarded once the clinic is complete and a veterinary statement is provided. Any organization, association or event can participate in the UHC’s Operation Gelding program. The UHC wants to involve as many groups as possible.

“The USTA is delighted to be the first registry to make a pledge toward Operation Gelding. We hope other registries will do the same. This program will have an exponential effect in ensuring that more horses are born as a result of thoughtful, intended matings,” said Ellen Harvey of the USTA’s Harness Racing Communications.

“We are excited with the initial results of the UHC’s Operation Gelding Program. We look forward to continuing the program, and helping more horses and horse owners in need. The issue of unwanted horses is a problem that faces the entire equine industry and our wish is to have all organizations, associations and events organize clinics and fundraise for these important efforts,” said Dr. Corey.

“There are many ways that an organization, association or event can become involved in helping with unwanted horses in addition to Operation Gelding. The UHC’s handbook, Best Practices: How Your Organization Can Help Unwanted Horses, outlines other activities that organizations, associations and events can undertake to create programs that help horses in need. We hope that everyone will get involved in helping unwanted horses or make a tax deductible donation to this very worthy cause,” said Caslin.

Best Practices cites many examples of how organizations and groups can get involved, including gelding clinics. This handbook is available for download at the UHC website by clicking on this link or hard copies can be obtained by contacting the UHC.

To donate to Operation Gelding or to receive a packet of information please contact Ericka Caslin at ecaslin@horsecouncil.org or call 202.296.4031. Visit the UHC website for additional information, forms, and additional assistance at www.unwantedhorsecoalition.org.