Uniting for Equine Welfare at the 2024 Homes for Horses Coalition Conference
As September gallops by, we at Freedom & Whiskey Equine Rescue are eagerly anticipating our participation in the 2024 Homes for Horses Coalition Conference, set to take place from September 21-23 at YOTEL Washington DC. This gathering represents a crucial opportunity for our organization to engage with fellow equine welfare advocates, share insights, and collectively address the pressing issues facing horses across the nation.
Why We’re Attending
The Homes for Horses Coalition, founded in 2007, has been at the forefront of equine protection and welfare for nearly two decades. As a member rescue, our participation in this conference aligns perfectly with our mission to strengthen Virginia’s equine welfare community through connection, collaboration, and resource-sharing. Here’s why this event is so important to us and the broader equine welfare landscape:
- Networking and Collaboration
The conference provides an unparalleled opportunity to connect with other rescues, sanctuaries, and animal welfare organizations from across the country. These face-to-face interactions foster relationships that can lead to collaborative efforts, shared resources, and a stronger united front in advocating for equine welfare. - Professional Development
With a focus on supporting the professionalization of equine rescues and sanctuaries, the conference offers valuable workshops and seminars. We’re excited to learn about best practices in areas such as fundraising, volunteer management, and equine care that we can bring back to Virginia to enhance our operations. - Policy Advocacy
One of the coalition’s key aims is advocating for laws and policies that improve the welfare of domestic and wild horses, donkeys, and mules. The conference provides a platform to discuss current legislative efforts and strategize on how we can collectively push for positive change at both state and federal levels. - Rescue Standards and Best Practices
In light of recent controversies within the rescue community, we’re particularly interested in discussions about maintaining high standards of transparency, accountability, and ethical practices in equine rescue operations.
Looking Ahead
As we prepare for the conference, we’re excited about the potential impact this experience will have on our work here at Freedom & Whiskey. We look forward to sharing what we learn with our local partners and implementing new strategies to enhance equine welfare across our state.
Moreover, we see this as an opportunity to contribute Virginia’s perspective to the national conversation on equine welfare. Our experiences and successes in fostering collaboration among rescues within our state can serve as a model for other regions looking to strengthen their equine welfare communities.
Our participation in the 2024 Homes for Horses Coalition Conference is more than just an educational opportunity – it’s a chance to be part of a larger movement dedicated to improving the lives of horses and other equines across the nation. We’re proud to represent Virginia in this important gathering and look forward to the positive changes we can collectively bring about for equine welfare.
If you’re planning to attend, look for us at the event or drop us a line so we can meet up in person!
Stay tuned for updates from the conference and how we plan to implement what we learn to better serve Virginia’s horses and the dedicated individuals who care for them.
