With the holidays (and the end of the tax year) just around the corner, many of us are looking for worthy causes to donate to. We polled the community to see who is doing good work in our horse community. So, if you’re looking for a local horse organizations that is making a difference to volunteer at or give money, check out the lists below.
This is not an exhaustive list (we did out best), so if we accidentally left an important one off, let us know via email! Also, we don’t have a 200 point system that we judge these organizations by, but what we do have is the neighborly vibe check – these organizations are doing good work.
AAHC Initiative:
- Oconee Parks Foundation – Donate to support the efforts at Heritage Park. We need to raise $7500 to contribute to updating the footing and fencing in the covered arena at Heritage park. Please email oconeeparksfoundation@gmail.com to ensure that your donation is dedicated to “Heritage Park Arenas”.
Youth Organizations:
- Interscholastic Equestrian Association -There are 16 different IEA teams in the Athens Area. IEA introduces students in grades 4-12 to equestrian sports to develop understanding and appreciation of equestrian sports through organized competitions and educational opportunities. In addition to promoting lifelong involvement in horses, IEA gives kids without their own horse an opportunity to show. They have a 501c3 fund on their website.
- Madison County Cowboys and Angels 4-H Mounted Drill Team – raising money for their fall practices and prepping for competition. For opportunities to donate, visit their Facebook Group. 4-H is 501c3.
- Oconee 4-H Horse Teams – Oconee’s State Winning Hippology team is headed to National Round-up in Denver in January. They are raising funds for the trip to Nationals. If you want to support this team, contact Amanda McCoy (706 338 1358). 4-H is 501c3.
- Oglethorpe County 4-H Club – Recently started a Horse Club! For opportunities to donate, please visit their Facebook Group. 4-H is 501c3.
Therapy Programs:
- Butterfly Dreams Farm (Watkinsville, GA) – offers two types of equine assisted therapy- hippotherapy and therapeutic riding, wherein the horse plays an integral role in targeting the physical, emotional, social, behavioral, and/or cognitive goals tailored to each individual rider. 501c3
- Stardust Equestrian Center (Nicholson, GA) – The mission of Stardust Equestrian Center is introduce people, especially with disabilities or challenges, to the power of the horse. 501c3
Horse Rescues:
- GERL / Georgia Equine Rescue League (statewide)- rescue group working to solve the issues of equine neglect, abandonment, and cruelty in Georgia. 501c3
- Red Clay Ranch Equine Rescue and Sanctuary (Lyerly, GA)- RCR is dedicated to the compassionate care of rescued, unwanted or neglected horses. 501c3
- Redux Equine Rescue (Colbert, GA) – Helping horses who need a fresh start. Evaluating, rehabilitating and re-educating horses to help them heal and with a fresh start. 501c3
- Sweet Olive Rescue (Winterville, GA) – our farm serves as a sanctuary for rescued alpacas, donkeys, mini-horses, sheep, goats, pigs, turkeys, geese, chickens, a wild mustang, and dogs.
- The Rescue at Spirit Ridge Farm (Colbert, GA) – specializes in Equine Assisted Coaching for Veterans and First Responders. 501c3
Animal Shelters and Similar
As of publishing (on 11/19/22), 2 local animal shelters posted that they are full. Supporting local humane societies and pet organizations saves lives – adopt, foster, or donate:
‘Friends of’ State Parks:
We are blessed to have dedicated groups of volunteers who help maintain trails at our local state parks. Donating to their groups means they have the funds to replace that one bridge that is becoming dangerous, or whatever similar project they find out on the trails we use every week.
- Friends of AH Stephens State Park (Crawfordville)
- Friends of Hard Labor Creek State Park (Rutledge)
- Friends of Watson Mill Bridge State Park (Comer)
Local but not-“horsey” non-profits recommended by the community:
- Athens Area Homeless Shelter – provides 90 days shelter, childcare, rental assistance, transitional assistance and much more for Athens unhoused.
- Camp Twin Lakes (Rutledge, Winder, Atlanta, GA) – Powering transformative camps for children with serious illnesses, disabilities, and other life challenges. 501c3
- Comfort Farms/StagVets (Milledgeville, GA) – aids in the therapy of veterans suffering from PTSD and other visible disabilities while recognizing butchers, farmers, and chefs who work together throughout the growing season to prepare seasonal and delicious meals from local, sustainable and organic sources.
“Horsey” but not within an hour drive of Athens recommended by the community:
- Calvin Center Therapeutic Riding Program (Hampton, GA) – Equine-assisted activities for wounded warriors. 501c3
- Compton Cowboys (Compton, California) – Friends from Compton, CA on a mission to uplift the city through horses and farming lifestyle.
- ELCR /Equine Land Conservation Resource (US) – Saving land for horses and horse related activities. Initiatives and Online Resources.501c3
- Hearts in Harmony (Belton, SC) – uses horses to help humans become better versions of themselves. 501c3
- Prince Fluffy Kareem (UK/Egypt) – UK registered charity 1156400. Helping horses, donkeys and camels in the Pyramid area of Cairo, Egypt
- Save The Horses (Cumming, GA) – Their mission is to rescue abused, abandoned, and neglected horses and other animals. 501c3
- The Reece Center (Sharpsburg, GA) – Providing therapy on horseback for disabled children and adults in the Atlanta Area. 501c3
- Trinity Rescue and Equine Sanctuary (Rome, GA) – equine rescue committed to the welfare of all equine 501c3
Know a great cause we left off this list!? Let us know via EMAIL, so we can add it!