We’re under two weeks away from Christmas and you may be struggling to find a gift for the horse person in your life. If you’re quickly running out of ideas, giving a gift to someone else in their name may be the way to go.
Before we go any farther, let me explain … I’m talking about donations to charitable organizations.
There are many different organizations that help various sectors of the industry that fit nearly any horse person’s interest. I know it ruins the surprise but if you don’t know for sure what organizations and foundations your giftee supports (or doesn’t support), then ask. If you don’t want to ask and are looking for ideas on who to donate to, here are a few of my favorites (click on their name to go to their website). There are plenty more out there that do great work as well. I recommend looking them up if none of the ones below fit what you’re looking for.
1) Grayson-Jockey Club Research
From the name it sounds like the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation is a Thoroughbred-centric organization but it’s been a major help to all breeds and disciplines. Grayson has funded 397 projects since 1983 with its grants going to research on colic, reproduction, laminitis, and many others life-threatening issues.
2) Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund
If whoever you are donating on behalf of is a racing fan, the PDJF is a good one to consider. They help provide financial assistance to those who have suffered on-track injuries in both the Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse industries. According to their website, they are currently providing assistance to 60 former jockeys.
3) Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance
Does your giftee have an OTTB? Supporting racehorse aftercare may be a good gift. The TAA has strict standards their accredited OTTB organizations have to follow so you can be sure your donation is going toward a reputable organization. In 2022, they’ll be granting $3.7 million to 82 Thoroughbred aftercare organizations around North America.
4) Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund
Much like the PDJF is for jockeys, the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund is there to help cowboys who have been injured in professional rodeos. Cowboys are only paid what they make at rodeos so this fund helps them when they are injured and can’t compete. It not only is for retired cowboys but for those with shorter term injuries as well.
5) Retired Racehorse Project
As a disclaimer, I do sponsor their annual Thoroughbred Makeover and work closely with them but the Retired Racehorse Project has played an integral part in raising the popularity of retired racehorses again. The Makeover also shows the versatility of Thoroughbreds with each entrant allowed to show in up to two of the 10 disciplines – with some choosing two very different disciplines.
6) Central Kentucky Riding For Hope
While I didn’t personally ride at CKRH, hippotherapy is a cause near and dear to my heart because it helped my Cerebral Palsy so much that I can now live a normal life. I support CKRH because it is my local hippotherapy organization but there are many others around North America so if you’d like to donate to your (or your giftee’s) area, there is likely one nearby.