June 28, 2023

Adoption Success at the EQUUS Foundation Hoof N' Woof Jumping Derby

On a day that gloomy weather and storms were predicted, the sun shined through for the adoptable horses and miniature horses from EQUUS Foundation Guardian, Rising Starr Horse Rescue, and adoptable puppies from SPCA Westchester on June 22. It was a joyful day of celebrating animal welfare and adoption at the Fairfield June Horse Show in Westport, Connecticut sponsored by Fairfield Equine Associates.

Shannon Laukhuf with Little Bit, Kelly Stackpole, Allie Gold on Abracadabra, Lynn Coakley, Lisa Bonanno with Blair, Olivia Robertson on Nike, Valerie Angeli, Army with Ella Bradt, Ani Mandara Sandoval with Blaze, and Navy with Alice Fasano © Geoffrey Tischman Photography

Navy with Alice Fasano © Geoffrey Tischman Photography

"We were so excited to kick off the summer season by bringing adoptable horses and dogs together to have fun while also promoting the important message that there are many, many thousands of beautiful animals of all types across the country that need our help to stay safe and thrive," said Valerie Angeli, VP of the EQUUS Foundation.

The minis, Army and Navy, and the adoptable puppies, Blair and Blaze, "competed" with their handlers over a series of small jumps to show off their goofy moves and talents as spectators cheered them on.

Army & Ella Bradt and Navy & Alice Fasano © Geoffrey Tischman Photography

The EQUUS Foundation was thrilled that all three dogs from SPCA Westchester were adopted. Little Bit, a shy, sweet, freckle-faced puppy, was adopted at the event by an equestrian family and Rising Starr Horse Rescue volunteer! View SPCA Westchester's adoptable dogs here.

Kelly Stackpole, Executive Director of Rising Starr Horse Rescue, said that there was also special interest expressed at the event in the adoption of Nike, the off the track Thoroughbred. You can view Rising Starr's adoptables here. If you are not able to adopt a horse, consider a sponsorship!

Olivia Robertson on Nike and Allie Gold on Abracadabra
© Geoffrey Tischman Photography

The EQUUS Foundation's signature Bouncy Horse Races were also part of the event, going on simultaneously, and provided ridiculous fun for both participants and spectators who also enjoyed delicious home-baked cookies and ice cold lemonade, provided in style by the Fairfield Hunt Club as only they can.

Attendees were also invited to take the EQUUS Foundation #HorseProtector Pledge to show solidarity to protect America's horses throughout their lives - that horses bring us joy and need our protection. Tens of thousands of horses are victims of abuse and neglect each year and there are just under 20,000 horses still being shipped across our borders for slaughter.

The Rider's Closet Donation Trunk was on display at the event and all week long during the show to accept new and gently used riding apparel to be donated to equestrians in need.

"The EQUUS Foundation's first 'Hoof and Woof' event was our way of celebrating the joy that animals bring to us and to showcase horses and dogs that need homes," said Lynn Coakley, President of the EQUUS Foundation, who founded the organization exactly 20 years ago with the first event held during the 2003 Fairfield June Show.

"We are back again on our ‘home turf' and proud to have grown from a small, local organization helping a few local equine charities, to becoming a national presence that has helped many horses across the US and those who love them."

Stay Tuned for our next adoption event at the Hampton Classic Adoption Day with Adoptable Horses presented by the EQUUS Foundation on Monday, August 28th.

Learn more at: equusfoundation.org

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 from peril 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: equusfoundation.org.