2026 Horseshoe Campaign

About the Horseshoe Campaign

Helping Horse horses are one-of-a-kind, and they deserve the best care! Our annual Horseshoe Campaign helps us raise funds that go directly to our herd's needs.

The health and well-being of our herd are paramount, as each horse is essential for our programs.

We are facing increased expenses for necessary medications and supplements that keep them healthy and able to continue the engaging, impactful work they accomplish on our farm every day.

Donations of any amount help to support our herd's health and comfort!

HOW TO DONATE:

Check out the "Items" page or click the "Donate" button above and either 1) donate towards the General Fund or 2) donate towards the sponsorship of a specific horse (both full and partial sponsorships are available).

What are the typical costs related to horse care at the farm?

Horses are incredible animals, and it is a privilege to work with them! That being said, taking care of their individual needs is quite expensive! 

Some of the routine costs we pay for the care of our herd include:

• Grain for their meals and bedding/shavings for their stalls = $900 - $1,200 every three weeks
  
• Hay (essential for maintaining nutrition, proper weight, and oral health) = $11,000 per year
  
• Equioxx (for osteoarthritis pain management) = $8,500 per year
  
• Adequan injections (for osteoarthritis) = $400 per horse
  
• Routine dental care for the whole herd = $1,700 per year
• Farrier (ie. hoof care) = $965 every 5 week cycle, amounting to ~$10,000 annually

Having happy, healthy horses is absolutely worth every single dollar! 

Why are supplements and injection treatments important?

Supplements and injection treatments can drastically improve a horse's comfort and quality of life.

Our entire herd is continually experiencing the benefits of Equioxx, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication for osteoarthritis pain management. With this medication, we have seen astounding improvements in the mobility and temperament (from improved comfort) in our horses.

While the benefits afforded to our herd through Equioxx are priceless to us, the true price is about $8,500 per year. Donations to our Horseshoe Campaign will support our purchase of supplements and medications, like Equioxx, that keep our horses comfortable and engaged. 

Several of our horses are also require Osphos injections for navicular syndrome and Adequan injections for osteoarthritis. Each of these treatments costs $400 per horse.

Which horses need extra care?

Each of our horses requires individualized care for their specific health needs. 

For instance, 

• Jazz, Brick, Esmeralda, and Pixie currently get Adequan injections for age related stiffness and osteoarthritis twice per year.
  
• Jazz, Gena Rose, and Sampson have all experienced or are genetically predisposed to eye cancer, and we protect them with special UV fly masks out in the pastures -- horsey sunglasses!
• Just like humans, Brick and Es experience intense seasonal allergies requiring additional, sometimes prescription strength, medication during these spring and summer months.
• Dually and Sampson both have a potentially dangerous condition called anhidrosis, where in the summer they can get so overheated they stop sweating. We provide additional supplements and, believe it or not, a vet-recommended daily beer to help jumpstart their sweating! Unfortunately, the cheap stuff doesn't work as well as the dark beers like imported Guinness.

Also just like humans, horses are not immune to the occasional injury or ailment. For example, this past year two herd members, Pixie and Rajun, experienced leg injuries while in the pasture. Luckily, our on-site caretaker and fantastic veterinary partners (Neuse River Equine Hospital) catch and respond to these types of situations quickly! This specific situation resulted in emergency care fees and rehab expenses totaling about $3,000.

While our horses' owners do contribute to emergency care and other specific needs of their horses, Helping Horse assists in payment to ease this burden. It's the least we can do for the horse owners who share their beloved companions with us! 

Why use senior horses?

Experience and an even temperament is essential!

Helping Horse's herd is made of mostly senior horses. Just like humans, senior horses require some additional care towards the maintenance of their health. This includes supplements, special grain, medications, and additional veterinary visits. Although these additional health needs are costly, they are far and beyond worth the steady, reliable temperament of our experienced herd. A horse who is comfortable with some unpredictability, flying toys, and the excited energy of our participants is absolutely essential to our programs, and our senior horses excel in this area. 

Social connection is important for everyone!

Also, horses are social animals, happiest in the company of each other and their human companions. While our horses may have moved on from their days of competitive shows and barrel racing, they still deserve the opportunity to be involved in supportive, engaging activities. Helping Horse gives them that chance. Keeping these senior horses appropriately active through our programs is not only beneficial to our participants, but to the horses' mental and physical well-being.

With the care provided through your support of our organization, these horses can continue the rewarding work they accomplish, surrounded by volunteers and participants who love them, for years to come. 

About Us

If you're interested in learning more about Helping Horse, please visit our About Helping Horse page. 

About Helping Horse

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Financial information about Helping Horse, Inc and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 919-814-5400. This license is not an endorsement by the State.