What The EQUUS Foundation does

The EQUUS Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity (EIN 42-1547242) founded in 2002 by Lynn Coakley and headquartered at 168 Long Lots Road, Westport, Connecticut. It is positioned as the only national US animal welfare charity 100% dedicated to safeguarding the comfort and dignity of America's horses throughout their lives. The Foundation operates a portfolio of interconnected programs organized around four pillars: (1) financial and accreditation support to equine charities via the Equine Welfare Network directory, the Guardians transparency designation, and the Mentor accreditation (highest welfare tier, currently held by 43 organizations); (2) horse transition and adoption through Safe Landings, Next Chapters, and Happy Endings; (3) education and advocacy through the #HorseProtectors campaign, the Equine Experiential Learning Initiative, the Equine Education Network, and Equine Studies Scholarships (scaled to a minimum $60,000 annually for 2026); and (4) riding apparel redistribution through The Rider's Closet (merged into the Foundation in 2019, originally founded by Georgina Bloomberg in 2006). The Foundation does not sell products or services; it redistributes donated apparel at no cost and awards grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 to Guardian-designated charities.

The Foundation is funded entirely through donations. Revenue streams include individual gifts (general, monthly recurring, memorial), planned giving via the Legacy Society (wills, estate plans, stock transfers), a tiered corporate sponsorship program called the Winners Circle (Diamond $25,000+, Platinum $10,000–$24,999, Gold $5,000–$9,999, Silver $2,500–$4,999, Bronze $1,000–$2,499), named partnership opportunities (Horse Whisperers Awards, Equine Ambassadors), and custom peer-to-peer fundraisers. The Foundation operates 100% remotely via cloud-based infrastructure since the 2014–2018 strategic plan and was approved for federal workplace giving through the Combined Federal Campaign in 2009. Major strategic alliance members include PATH International, the American Hippotherapy Association, the United States Equestrian Federation, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, the Certified Horsemanship Association, and the Homes for Horses Coalition; Ariat International is the title sponsor of the Champions volunteer program.

The Foundation serves multiple stakeholder segments: 501(c)(3) equine charities seeking visibility, transparency credentials, and grant access; individual horse lovers and donors participating in #HorseProtectors and Champions; elite equestrian athlete ambassadors (40+ including EQUUStars Beth Behrs, Jessica Springsteen, Jill Rappaport, Georgina Bloomberg); horse show organizations (Fairfield County Hunt Club, Old Salem Farm, Washington International Horse Show, Traverse City Horse Shows, Split Rock Jumping Tour); corporate sponsors in the equine industry; and equine studies students receiving scholarships. Notable Mentor-accredited charity beneficiaries include Begin Again Horse Rescue, BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding, Days End Farm Horse Rescue, High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Riding To The Top, Mitchell Farm Equine Retirement, and the National Center for Equine Facilitated Therapy. By August 2023, cumulative grants awarded since founding exceeded $6 million, more than doubling in the 20th anniversary year.

Name

The EQUUS Foundation

Legal name

The EQUUS Foundation, Inc.

Website

https://equusfoundation.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2002

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The EQUUS Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity and the only national US animal welfare organization exclusively dedicated to safeguarding horses, funding equine charities through grants and accreditation while connecting donors with verified rescue, therapy, and retirement organizations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Equine Welfare & Animal Charity Services

NAICS

Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Voluntary Health Organizations (813212)

SIC

Agricultural Services (700)

akta.pro primary industry

Sanctuaries & Long-Term Care (Farm, Equine, Exotic) (BPAGAIAH)

akta.pro secondary industry

Equine Care & Stable Management (EDAOAOAE)

Keywords

• Equine welfare charity
• Horse rescue grants
• Animal welfare accreditation
• Nonprofit fundraising
• Equine education scholarships

Headquarters

HQ city

Westport

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Individual donors contribute general donations, gift donations, and memorial donations to support EQUUS Foundation's programs protecting America's horses. Monthly giving options are available.
2. Planned Giving / Legacy Society: Donors include the EQUUS Foundation in their wills and estate plans through the Legacy Society. Stock donations are also accepted.
3. Named Partnerships and Naming Opportunities: Organizations and individuals sponsor programs such as Horse Whisperers Awards and Equine Ambassadors through naming opportunities.
4. Corporate Partnership Sponsorships: Corporate partners including Ariat International, Brooke USA Foundation, and others provide sponsorship support. The Winners Circle recognizes donors at Diamond ($25,000+), Platinum ($10,000-$24,999), Gold ($5,000-$9,999), Silver ($2,500-$4,999), and Bronze ($1,000-$2,499) tiers.
5. Custom Online Fundraisers: The organization creates custom fundraising links for individuals and organizations to raise funds on behalf of the EQUUS Foundation.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

The EQUUS Foundation is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal welfare charity 100% dedicated to safeguarding America's horses. Its core offering combines an Equine Welfare Network directory of accredited equine charities, Guardian and Mentor accreditation tiers, and grantmaking ($500–$5,000) to vetted organizations that rescue, rehabilitate, retrain, and rehome horses and provide Equine Assisted Services to people with special needs.

Product overview

The EQUUS Foundation operates as a platform of interconnected programs focused on protecting America's horses and strengthening the horse-human bond. The core offerings include the Equine Welfare Network (a directory of verified equine charities), the Guardians and Mentors accreditation programs (providing transparency designations and the highest welfare standards), Champions volunteer recognition, and the #HorseProtectors advocacy campaign. Additional programs include Safe Landings and Next Chapters for horse adoption/placement, Happy Endings success stories, The Rider's Closet for riding attire donation, Equine Experiential Learning Initiative for education, and various awards programs (Horse Stars Hall of Fame, Humanitarian Award, Spirit Award, Honor & Service Award, Horse Whisperers). The Foundation also supports equine education through the Equine Education Network and provides Equine Studies Scholarships totaling minimum $60,000 annually. Financial support is delivered through Equine Welfare Grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 to Guardian-designated organizations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• The Rider's Closet: Program providing new and gently used riding apparel to scholastic riding programs, pony clubs, therapeutic programs, equestrian camps, and individual riders in need throughout the United States
• Equine Welfare Network
• #HorseProtectors
• Champions
• Horse Whisperers
• Horse Stars Hall of Fame
• Safe Landings
• Next Chapters
• Happy Endings
• Equine Experiential Learning Initiative
• Equine Education Network
• Winners Circle
• Legacy Society
• Forever Farms
• Equine Ambassadors

Products and services

• Equine Welfare Network Free national directory of equine welfare organizations across America, providing free listings to eligible equine charities, government agencies, and non-profit entities. Connects donors with verified charities searchable by name, zip code, state, and region.
• Guardians Accreditation Transparency designation awarded to equine charities demonstrating commitment to public transparency by making comprehensive data about their programs, horse care practices, and governance available for public scrutiny. Required for grant eligibility.
• Mentors Accreditation The highest EQUUS Foundation accreditation awarded annually to organizations meeting the highest standards for business and equine welfare practices, receiving a 5-star rating. As of source date, 43 organizations held this top tier.
• Equine Welfare Grants

Quantifiable outcome

• Over $6 million in total grants awarded by August 2023 since founding in 2002
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

40 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Ariat InternationalflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerTitle sponsor of the Champions volunteer program. Major corporate partner and Diamond-level Wins Circle donor ($25,000+). Promotes equine welfare at competitions and through its customer base.
• Augusta Mills Equestrian & Matt MetellcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerHorseProtectors sponsor and Platinum-level Winners Circle donor. Engaged in promoting horse welfare messaging.
• Aurora Pharmaceutical, Inc.coreGTM or Marketing PartnerHorseProtectors sponsor and Gold-level Winners Circle donor. Pharmaceutical company serving the equine health market.
• ConnectOne BankcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerHorseProtectors sponsor and Silver-level Winners Circle donor. Corporate partner providing financial services support.
• EquiParentminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHorseProtectors sponsor and corporate partner serving the horse owner/parent market.
• Fairfield Equine AssociatescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerHorseProtectors sponsor, Silver-level Winners Circle donor, and corporate partner. Veterinary practice providing equine health expertise.
• Hilltop BiocoreGTM or Marketing PartnerHorseProtectors sponsor, Silver-level Winners Circle donor, and education partner. Provides the Hilltop Bio Veterinary Scholarship ($2,500) for students at Texas Tech University Veterinary School.
• Resolute RacingcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerHorseProtectors sponsor, Gold-level Winners Circle donor, and corporate partner in the racing industry.
• R.J. ClassicscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerHorseProtectors sponsor, Bronze-level Winners Circle donor, and corporate partner providing equestrian apparel.
• Taylor Harris Insurance ServicescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerHorseProtectors sponsor and Silver-level Winners Circle donor. Insurance services provider serving the equestrian market.
• W.F. Young, Inc.coreGTM or Marketing PartnerHorseProtectors sponsor and Bronze-level Winners Circle donor. Equine health product company.
• Weatherly StrohminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHorseProtectors sponsor and Bronze-level Winners Circle donor.
• American Hippotherapy Association, Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAlliance member sharing commitment to equine welfare and therapy services. Aligns EAS guidelines with EQUUS Foundation standards.
• PATH InternationalflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremier credentialing organization for therapeutic horsemanship. Alliance member and primary source of EAS statistics (800 member centers, ~1,600 estimated EAS centers). EQUUS Foundation aligns its EAS guidelines with PATH Intl. standards.
• Brooke USA FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAlliance member and Platinum-level donor. International equine welfare organization providing emergency Brooke USA Bridge Grants as a funding partner.
• United States Equestrian Federation, Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAlliance member. Co-administers the Horse Stars Hall of Fame with the EQUUS Foundation.
• Thoroughbred Aftercare AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAlliance member dedicated to retraining and rehoming retired racehorses.
• Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAlliance member credentialing equine professionals and facilities. Referenced as resource for Safe Landings program horse matching.
• Global Federation of Animal SanctuariescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAlliance member accrediting animal sanctuaries and rescue centers. Referenced as resource for Safe Landings program.
• Homes for Horses CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAlliance member. Coalition dedicated to increasing collaboration and professionalism in equine rescue. EQUUS Foundation links to their grants directory and safety net resources.
• United Horse CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAlliance member under American Horse Council. EQUUS Foundation links to their Equine Resource Database and estate planning resources for horse owners.
• Horses and Humans Research FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAlliance member funding research on horse-human interactions.
• Horses for Mental HealthminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAlliance member. EQUUS Foundation references their programs in Safe Landings as resource for therapy horse placement.
• Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAlliance member. Partner for the Samantha 'Sam' Calzone Memorial Scholarship which requires IHSA membership.
• Fairfield County Hunt ClubflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerCompetition partner hosting annual horse shows in Westport, CT. Historical founding partner - first grants awarded in 2003 from donations raised at their June Benefit Horse Show. Hosts Equine Ambassador and HorseProtectors outreach.
• Old Salem FarmflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerCompetition partner hosting major horse shows. Features Equine Ambassador and HorseProtectors programs.
• Washington International Horse ShowflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerCompetition partner hosting major annual horse show event. Features Equine Ambassador and HorseProtectors programs.
• Traverse City Horse ShowscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCompetition partner hosting regional horse shows in Michigan.
• Split Rock Jumping Tour, LLCcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCompetition partner for the Split Rock Jumping Tour series.
• Beth BehrscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerActress and EQUUStar lending her name and platform to motivate equestrians and horse lovers to become HorseProtectors.
• Jessica SpringsteencoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOlympic equestrian and EQUUStar lending her name and social platform to promote horse welfare and the HorseProtectors campaign.
• Jill RappaportcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerRenown animal welfare advocate, best-selling author, and media personality serving as EQUUStar to motivate equestrians to protect horses.
• Georgina BloombergflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerProfessional equestrian, philanthropist, and founder of The Rider's Closet (merged with EQUUS Foundation in 2019). Diamond-level donor and HorseProtectors sponsor. EQUUStar and athlete ambassador.
• Equine AcademicsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner supporting the Equine Education Network by providing direct links to equine programs at colleges and universities.
• Dapper HorseminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDrop-off location for Rider's Closet donations in Brewster, NY. Corporate sponsor of The Rider's Closet.
• Manhattan SaddleryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDrop-off location for Rider's Closet donations in New York, NY. Corporate sponsor of The Rider's Closet.
• RIDE (Bedford)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerDrop-off location for Rider's Closet donations in Bedford, NY. Corporate sponsor of The Rider's Closet.
• The Horse ConnectionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDrop-off location for Rider's Closet donations in Bedford, NY. Corporate sponsor of The Rider's Closet.
• Equestrian LivingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia partner providing editorial coverage of EQUUS Foundation programs and equestrian community.
• EQUUS Television NetworkminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia partner providing television and video coverage of EQUUS Foundation programs.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• American Horse Defense Fund: National equine-welfare advocacy organization focused on protecting horses from slaughter, abuse, and neglect; closely comparable to EQUUS Foundation on the anti-slaughter advocacy mission and equine-welfare nonprofit model.
• International Fund for Horses: Equine-welfare advocacy and rescue organization working on horse slaughter and cruelty issues; comparable to EQUUS Foundation in mission and nonprofit structure focused specifically on equine protection.
• Homes for Horses Coalition: Coalition of equine rescue and welfare organizations advancing collaboration and professionalism in the sector; a Core alliance member of EQUUS Foundation with overlapping rescue and welfare focus.
• Brooke USA Foundation: US affiliate of Brooke, a global equine welfare charity that funds working-horse welfare and emergency bridge grants; a Core alliance partner of EQUUS Foundation with overlapping equine-welfare grantmaking and donor base.
• Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance: Accredits and funds organizations that retrain and rehome retired Thoroughbred racehorses; shares EQUUS's mission of safeguarding horses through transition and is a Core alliance member, making it a directly comparable equine-welfare peer.
• PATH International: Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International is the premier US credentialing body for Equine-Assisted Services and a Flagship alliance member of EQUUS Foundation; both organizations align EAS standards and serve overlapping therapeutic-riding charities, making PATH the closest functional peer.

Broad incumbents

• ASPCA: The largest US animal-welfare charity; competes with EQUUS for household donor dollars across all animal causes and offers broader equine-related rescue and anti-cruelty programs as part of a wider portfolio rather than an equine-only mission.
• Humane Society of the United States: National animal-welfare organization with significant equine advocacy and rescue programs among broader species work; a broad incumbent that overlaps EQUUS on anti-slaughter policy and equine protection.

Others

• American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Foundation: Philanthropic arm of the US equine veterinary professional association funding equine health research and welfare; adjacent to EQUUS because it funds welfare and veterinary work but does not directly compete for equine-welfare donors.

Emerging players

• Days End Farm Horse Rescue: Mentor-accredited equine rescue and rehabilitation charity that is part of EQUUS's Equine Welfare Network; operates at the field level on horse rescue and adoption that EQUUS supports indirectly through grants and accreditation.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/EQUUSFoundation
• Facebookfacebook.com/EquusFoundation
• Instagraminstagram.com/EQUUSFoundation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-equus-foundation-inc-

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about The EQUUS Foundation