The EQUUS Foundation’s board of directors is proud to announce that more than $250,000 was awarded in grants and scholarships in 2015 to ensure the well-being of horses, improve the quality of life of people through equine-assisted activities and therapies, and foster the horse-human bond.

"Our challenge is to not only come to the rescue of horses in need and to make equine therapy available to more people, it is also to ensure that the charities receiving financial support are operating at the highest standards for the care and use of horses," said Jenny Belknap Kees, the foundation’s chairman of the board.

All charities seeking support are required to publicly disclose their horse care and use practices. Modeled like Guidestar, a free information service on the general operations of charities in the United States, only charities that make available to the public detailed information on their equine policies and practices are designated as "messengers" and eligible to apply for an EQUUS Foundation grant.

"We have developed one of the most comprehensive and impartial verification processes to inspire donor confidence in our evaluation and selection process, and immense pride among those charities awarded messenger grants each year,” said EQUUS Foundation President Lynn Coakley