Representatives from dozens of national and state-based equine protection, advocacy, and rescue organizations gathered April 9 and April 10 at Bally’s Las Vegas for the third annual Homes for Horses Coalition Conference to discuss the re-homing of at-risk horses in America and other equine welfare concerns.

The conference was held in conjunction with The Humane Society of the United States’ Animal Care Expo, which included two equine welfare workshops on Wednesday, April 8. Coalition member Best Friends Animal Society also hosted an “Equine Sanctuary Basics” workshop April 11 and April 12 at Best Friends Horse Haven in Kanab, Utah.

“The equine rescue community in the United States is hard at work every day to provide care and futures for America’s homeless horses, and the Homes for Horses Coalition helps this community to excel in its mission” said Keith Dane, HSUS director of equine protection.

Formed in 2007, The Homes for Horses Coalition is dedicated to ending horse slaughter and abuse while promoting growth, collaboration, and professionalism in the equine rescue and protection community. Sponsored by the HSUS and the Animal Welfare Institute, the conference featured a wide range of equine protection issues including: innovative programs for re-homing at-risk horses; fundraising strategies; community outreach; emergency preparedness, and a new accreditation program for equine rescues and sanctuaries