NATIONAL HELP A HORSE DAY – April 26
NATIONAL HELP A HORSE DAY
National Help a Horse Day on April 26th each year encourages horse lovers and advocates to join forces and protect abused and neglected horses. The day raises awareness of the need for horse sanctuaries and rescues.
In the United States, the horse holds legendary status. Despite that, many go unwanted, abused, or neglected. This day strives to address those issues by drawing attention to several organizations that support horse rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption. Their programs offer shelter and veterinary care for horses that have been neglected or abused. Many of them provide a sanctuary where the horses live out the remainder of their lives. Once rehabilitated, many of the horses become available for adoption.
However, horses require specialized and costly care. These dedicated organizations do not run on love alone. They require funding that comes in the form of monetary donations, volunteers, and in-kind donations. Through National Help A Horse Day, increased awareness of these organizations' needs will further help more horses.
With over 200 breeds, these spirited animals give humans much to love. Their loyalty and devotion throughout history may only be a portion of the reasons to help and love them. Not just a means of transportation, horses cleared fields, fought wars, and moved cattle. Beyond their utility, their companionship was indispensable long lonely trails. Cattlemen, pioneers, and more recognize horses as cornerstones of survival in a burgeoning nation.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalHelpAHorseDay
Equine rescues and sanctuaries across the country hold events celebrating the horse. The events raise awareness and advocate for abused and neglected horses across the country. Support a horse rescue near you. Volunteer or donate to the cause. If you're able to adopt or foster a horse, visit a rescue and find out more. Visit the ASPCA to get involved. They offer resources and events to help you actively contribute to a horses' life.
Use #NationalHelpAHorseDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL HELP A HORSE DAY HISTORY
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals founded National Help a Horse Day to bring awareness and promote the prevention of abandoned, neglected, and abused horses across the country.
Horse FAQ
Q. How many bones does a horse have?
A. Most horses have 205 bones.
Q. What is the world's largest horse breed?
A. The world's largest horse breed is the Shire. It ranges in height from 17-19 hands and is muscular and powerful horse. The largest Shire to ever live was Mammoth. Also known as Sampson, he was born in 1848 and reached 21.25 hands.
Q. What is the world's smallest horse breed?
A. The Falabella is one of the smallest horse breeds measuring up to 8.5 hands.
April 26th Celebrated (and Not So Celebrated) History
The United States Patent Office issued patent no. 473,653 to Sarah Boone for her invention of an ironing board. While not the first, her unique, padded design was curved to make ironing sleeves easier.
If organ music and baseball games go together like kids and candy, then you can thank the Chicago Cubs. During their home game against the St. Louis Cardinals, an organ player filled Wrigley Field with music before the game. While it may have been entertaining, the warm-up music seemed to have benefited the Cardinals as they took home the win 8-5.
One of Chernobyl's four reactors at its nuclear plant in Pripet, Russia exploded.
April 26th Celebrated (and Not So Celebrated) Birthdays
John James Audubon – 1785
The American ornithologist, naturalist, and artist is known as the founding father of American birding. His works inspired the organization of the National Audubon Society, dedicated to the conservation and preservation birds and the habitats where they live.
Frederick Law Olmsted – 1822
Frederick Law Olmsted designed and preserved numerous grand parks and green spaces across the United States and is considered the father of landscape architecture. With an artist's eye, he created spaces where neighborhoods and entire communities continue to relax and enjoy today. Not only have they stood the test of time, but the urban spaces have also flourished. Olmsted also impacted natural spaces, believing strongly places like Yosemite Valley and Niagra Falls should be preserved for their beauty and never be held privately.
Gertrude "Ma" Rainey – 1886
The Mother of Blues beguiled audiences with songs like "I Ain't Got Nobody" and "A Good Man is Hard to Find."
Charles Richter – 1900
Richter was an American seismologist and physicist most famous as the inventor of the Richter magnitude scale, which quantified the size of earthquakes.
Melania Trump – 1970
The 27th First Lady of the United States was born in Novo Mesto, Slovenia, making her the second First Lady born outside the United States. In 2006, Lady Trump became a naturalized citizen. She focused on improving children's lives with her Be Best program during her time as First Lady.