Saturday, October 1, 2011

Update from the Arizona Coalition for Equines (ACE)


Here are some highlights of what Arizona Coalition for Equines (ACE) is working on.  Please forward to others concerned about equine issues!  If you prefer not to receive these occasional updates, please just reply to this message with “Unsubscribe” in the subject line. Thank you!

ACE Mission Statement:  ACE members are committed to enhancing the lives of all equines in Arizona through education and assistance to the owners and, when necessary, the prosecution of persons who commit acts of cruelty against equines contrary to existing laws.

Check out the ACE website at http://ArizonaCoalitionforEquines.org and join us on Facebook!

From the veterinary corner of the Board

Right now it would seem as patience is the most important form of this support, for from the outside it may appear as if ACE is progressing slowly.  However, on the inside we have all been investing many hours to ensure that this organization is formed on a solid foundation of community support and legal grounding.

The Arizona Coalition of Equines has grown!  Since its inception the coalition has already networked to place several horses, distributed grant money to aid horses in emergency situations that might have otherwise lost their homes, and assisted law enforcement officers to get equines out of potentially abusive situations.  We will be setting up a network of volunteers to help screen situations of concern around the state of Arizona to ensure a safety net for horses around the state.

Throughout the next year a primary goal is education.  With improved education of equine wellness and care we can help to break the cycle that leads to unwanted horses in the first place.  We also hope to assist law enforcement officers by helping them to identify cases of abuse objectively.

Thank you for your continued support,

Michael D. Hutchison, DVM, cVMA

Current Projects

Here’s what ACE has been up to in our first year of development: 

    * Developed ACE website
    * Established the financial and operating structures for ACE as an independent organization
    * Developed a statewide Assistance Fund  - providing short-term financial assistance to eligible applicants, helping to keep equines in their homes.
          o This program is funded entirely by donations and contributions.   Donations are needed and may be made via PayPal on the ACE website.

·         Assist in the facilitation and implementation of a $10,000 grant to help equine owners in need

    * Working to develop equine educational training for all equine advocates including law enforcement agencies, rescue organizations and public.
    * Created general ACE brochure and developing “Before you start an equine rescue…” brochure
    * Completed application process for 501c3 status


Upcoming Events

Join the H.E.R.D.  Horse Education and Rider Development

Pima Community College Continuing Education

Multiple sessions on a great variety of topics

Saturday October 8  8:30 to 4:30

For more info visit www.pima.edu/continuinged or 520-206-6579

2nd Annual Southern Arizona Equine Expo

Proceeds to Benefit Care for the Horses Rescue

Saturday November 5th 2011

Lectures, Labs and Lunch!  

Location: Sierra Vista Riding Club

For more info:  Contact Ann Jost   520-559-2224 or www.careforthehorses.com

Large Animal Rescue Training

Special thanks to Soleil Dolce and Arizona Equine Rescue Organization, Inc. for hosting these important training classes!

·         Basic Training
November 14/15, 2011 in Flagstaff, AZ
November 17/18, 2011 in Phoenix Area
The class is two full days and $250.00 per person.  This class covers trailer accidents, water rescues, cliff rescues, loose animal capture and containment, mud rescues, pool rescues, and vehicle accidents.  Please contact them if you need sponsorship assistance to cover the tuition.  Sponsorships are prioritized to first responders.  Meals are included.  Email info@azequinerescue.org  for registration forms.

·         Advanced Training
November 19, 2011 - Phoenix Area
Cost for this one-day class is $125.00.  Advanced will go over additional techniques not covered in basic plus some new material being tested so it's a great way to refresh and strengthen your LAR skills.  In particular, the class will cover incident action plans, handling multi-agency response scenes in large animal emergencies, complex rescue scenarios, and more hands-on practice.  Email info@azequinerescue.org for more info.

Free Training in Wilcox, AZ:  Equine Neglect and Abuse – What Do I Do?

Saturday, November 19th, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m

Many of us have seen equines whose appearance raises a red flag; too thin, visible signs of apparent neglect, or training and handling techniques that appear to be cruel and abusive.  A free training seminar, sponsored by the Arizona Coalition for Equines , will be conducted by Mike Duffey, Co-Chair of the Animal Cruelty Task Force of Southern Arizona, Cruelty Investigator for the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, and retired lead Detective for the Animal Crimes Unit- Pima County Sheriff's Department.

Come and learn to identify the signs of equine neglect and abuse, and the laws that govern the actions that can be taken by law enforcement agencies.  Get involved in the welfare of Arizona's equines!

The event is free, but please RSVP so we can accommodate everyone.  Call:  520-384-4603 and leave a message.

ACE Volunteer Opportunities

As we continue to grow and build our programs, volunteer opportunities abound!  Please join us in expanding our membership and supportive services throughout our state.   If you are interested in helping out with any of the projects listed below, (or have an idea of other ways that you can help) please let us know.

·         Volunteer coordinator

·         Provide foster homes for equines in need

·         Provide expertise/training on equine issues

·         Site visits to help assess needs of other equine owners (free training will be provided)

·         Arrange/host educational events

·         Graphic design – posters, flyers, brochures or other educational materials

·         Newsletter creation/distribution

·         Tabling events/Outreach to the public –  attend events on behalf of ACE, distribute materials for ACE at your own table/booth, or find events that we can attend.

·         Facebook outreach/maintenance

Please let us know about your volunteer interests and your availability.  We are happy to have your help – whether it is a few minutes a week or a few hours a month!

The goal of the Arizona Coalition for Equines (ACE) is to give equine owners the tools necessary to be successful in having all equines thrive in their care. ACE was developed to bring together horse advocates throughout Arizona who share a common goal of enhancing the care and treatment of all equines, and to prevent abuse, neglect, and abandonment. Equine ownership is a privilege that should not be taken lightly. ACE is focused on positive ideas and solutions for equines and their owners.  501(c)3 pending.

Thank you for your concern for Arizona’s horses,


The ACE Board of Directors


Kari Nienstedt, The Humane Society of the United States (ACE Chair)
Mike Duffey, Humane Society of Southern AZ  & Animal Cruelty Taskforce of Southern AZ (ACE Co-chair)
Carol Grubb, Eclectic Equine (ACE Secretary)
Betty Welton, Healing Hearts Animal Rescue and Refuge (ACE Treasurer)
Karen Pomroy, Equine Voices Rescue & Sanctuary
Michael Hutchison, DVM, Pegasus Equine Veterinary Service
Jeannine Alexander, Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries










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