Equine nonprofits provide therapy, rescue, relief

Horse-focused nonprofits are using equine programs to support people and communities, though their missions range from humanitarian relief to therapy and rescue. Relief Riders International says its horseback expeditions have provided medical care to more than 40,000 people and is planning a 2027 ride in India’s Thar Desert. In North Carolina, the Appalachian Therapeutic Riding Center is seeking sponsors to help cover horse-care costs and preserve services for riders with disabilities. Minnesota’s volunteer-run Angel Reins offers free horse-assisted support to combat veterans, human-trafficking survivors and other groups, while New Mexico’s Tamaya Horse Rehabilitation Program is raising funds to continue rescuing and rehabilitating unwanted horses. Beyond Limits Therapeutic Riding grew from one family’s experience with the benefits of riding for a child with epilepsy and now serves riders of varied abilities.