The EQUUS Foundation is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2021 Platinum Performance Horse Welfare Awards. Five EQUUS Foundation Guardian charities received a $500 cash award and a $500 gift card for Platinum Performance products to be used by the charity for the care of one of their horses. In addition, another five horses received $250 gift cards for Platinum Performance Equine, and 26 horses received gift cards for a bucket of Platinum Performance Equine.
“We are truly honored to support the EQUUS Foundation and the incredible work that they do to keep America’s horses safe with purposeful lives and loving homes. Congratulations to the recipients of the 2020 Platinum Performance Horse Welfare Awards. We celebrate all the deserving applicants for their complete transparency and wonderful effort in protecting horses and appreciating the impact they have on each of us,” said Emily Smith, MS, Platinum Performance.
“We are so proud to be associated with Platinum Performance,” said Lynn Coakley, EQUUS Foundation President. “The Platinum Performance Awards program is really special because it benefits specific horses. It’s wonderful to be able to provide comfort to horses being rehabilitated by charities that are making them ready for their next homes and charities that are partnering with horses to improve the well-being of people.”
Only those charities that undergo the EQUUS Foundation’s comprehensive and unique verification process and receive the EQUUS Foundation Guardian designation are eligible to receive financial support from the EQUUS Foundation.
Pegasus Therapeutic Riding Academy, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
An extraordinary herd member at Pegasus Therapeutic Riding Academy for the past 22 years, Clyde has been able to serve a wide array of clients from beginner riders through those that independently walk, trot, canter. Whether it be riders who are scared or those very excited, Clyde’s personality ensures every rider that gets off him leaves with a big smile on their face.
At 28 and beginning to slow down, Clyde would greatly benefit from Platinum Performance products that aid in joint health, bone health, skin & coat, weight management, and hoof care. Read more about Clyde here.
Whispering Manes Therapeutic Riding Center, Miami, Florida
When Whispering Manes had to retire one of their long-time much beloved program horses in the middle of a busy school season in January 2019, they knew it would be a challenge to find the right horse who could settle in quickly. As luck would have it, they found Cool, a seven-year old off-the-track Thoroughbred who had ran his last race in 2016 and was in need of a new career.
Whether the rider is a beginner, just learning how to steer, or a more advanced rider practicing posting trot, riding a big, gentle horse like Cool helps riders build independence, confidence, strength, and skill.
Cool’s racing career left him with joint stiffness, especially in his hind legs. He has benefitted from chiropractic adjustments, slow warmups, walking and stretching, and would benefit from Platinum Performance joint supplements to help keep him moving freely. Read more about Cool Man Walking here.
Shepard Meadows Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc., Bristol, Connecticut
When Elmer arrived in May 2019, at just two years old, after a winter of neglect where his ears were frost-bitten and he had little human contact since birth, he was very untrusting. He was skittish and shy and suffered from an extreme skin condition.
Elmer has come a long way in his two years at the center. A staff favorite, he now participates in our Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy Program as well as with Youth Development and Equine-Assisted Learning, and is especially responsive to youth with ADHD and ASD. He keeps an eye on the entire herd, communicating news, such as dinner time and when horses are being brought to the barn for program. Our herd of ten therapy horses have grown to appreciate his uniqueness.
Elmer is a special creature who deserves all the love and attention he gets and would benefit from Platinum Performance products as he grows and matures. Read more about Elmer here.
South Florida Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Homestead, Florida
Found abandoned in October 2019, it took two days to capture Pepper because of fear and anxiety. Although he has progressed from standing in the corner of his stall to willingly hanging his head out to passers-by, Pepper would benefit from a Platinum Performance Equine Calming Formula. “He needs something that doesn’t medicate him but helps take the edge off his anxiety,” said Chris Septer, Executive Director. Read more about Pepper here.
Remember Me Rescue, Burleson, Texas
The Deputy’s final race was the 2000 Kentucky Derby after earning $817,270 during his career, including winning the Santa Anita Derby, only to be found in March of this year at a feed lot in North Texas. His original racing owners bailed him out and sent him to Remember Me where he will be a permanent resident. At 24, and as a retired racehorse, The Deputy would definitely benefit from Platinum Performance supplements for hoof and joint support. Read more about The Deputy here.
Runner-Up Recipients
The following five horses will receive $250 gift cards for Platinum Performance Equine. Read their stories by clicking on their names.
Bear – Inspire Equine Therapy Program
Borrowed Bucks – Gerda’s Equine Rescue, Inc.
Hamilton – Shining Hope Farms
Shadow – Gaited Advocate Intervention Team, Inc. (GAIT)
Venezuelan Beauty – Hidden Pond Farm Equine Rescue
Honorable Mention
The following horses will receive gift cards for a bucket Platinum Performance Equine. Read their stories by clicking on their names.
Aldi – National Center For Equine Facilitated Therapy (NCEFT)
Barnaby – Drifter’s Hearts of Hope
Cash in the Ticket – Horse and Hound Rescue Foundation
CJ – Purple Pony Therapeutic Horsemanship Inc.
Dollar – National Riding Stables Horse Rescue
Ducky – Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals
Equinox Declaration – Therapeutic Riding, Inc.
Explosive Cloud (Vander) – Second Wind Thoroughbred Project
Hamish – Horse Feathers Equine Center Inc.
Haynesfield Best – Friends of Ferdinand Inc
Lady – HETRA (Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy)
Leon Royale – R.A.C.E Fund, Inc.
Lightning Bolt – The Shane Center for Therapeutic Horsemanship, Inc.
Midnight – Ridin’ High, Inc.
Misty – Nature’s Edge Therapy Center
Noffy – Dreams on Horseback
Orion – New Mexico Horse Rescue at Walkin N Circles Ranch
Repeat – Blue Sky Therapeutic Riding & Respite
Romeo – The Horse Protection League
Sebastian – High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Inc.
Sequana – Second Chance Thoroughbreds Inc.
Shiloh – Southern Reins Center for Equine Therapy
Smokin Blackjack – Win Place Home, Inc.
Street to Indy – Thoroughbred Athletes, Inc.
Thomas – High & Mighty Therapeutic Riding and Driving Center
Zee-Oh-Six – Thoroughbred Athletes, Inc.
View all the Platinum Performance Horse Welfare
Award Recipients here
ABOUT EQUUS FOUNDATION: The EQUUS Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity established in 2002, is the only national animal welfare charity in the United States 100% dedicated to protecting America’s horses and strengthening the bond between people and horses. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Contact the EQUUS Foundation, Inc., at 168 Long Lots Road, Westport, CT 06880, Tele: (203) 259-1550, E-Mail: mail@equusfoundation.org, Website: www.equusfoundation.org.
ABOUT PLATINUM PERFORMANCE: Platinum Performance believes in the power of nutrition and supplementation and is committed to providing formulas that produce superior results. Over the past several decades, Platinum has continued to research the role of nutrition in animal health and remains committed to providing veterinarians, owners and trainers with the nutritional tools they need to benefit from cutting edge nutrition. Animal Health is the Platinum Performance Mission, and we look forward to helping you NOURISH YOUR PASSION. For more information, visit www.platinumperformance.com.
View this release online here
Contact: Lynn Coakley
mail@equusfoundation.org
203-259-1550