The Unwanted Horse Coalition has launched Operation Gelding, a new program that will provide funds and materials to assist organizations, associations and events that wish to sponsor clinics where horse owners can bring their stallions to be castrated. The initiative is made possible by donations from the UHC and the American Association of Equine Practitioners Foundation.
“The impetus for these clinics is that the castration of a stallion will help prevent overbreeding and produce a gentler horse that is more rideable, more trainable and more saleable, allowing them to be used in several careers,” says Dr. Doug Corey, Chairman of the UHC. “With the inauguration of this program, the UHC will become more directly involved in helping horses.”
The UHC will provide information and forms necessary to conduct a clinic, along with seed money to defray the costs. Funds of $50 per horse gelded, with a $1,000 maximum will be awarded to groups once a year. Any organization, association or event can participate in the UHC’s Operation Gelding program.
Since its inception in August, numerous groups have organized clinics across the country, with locations including Colorado, Ohio, Texas, Georgia, and Kansas. Currently there are fourteen Operation Gelding clinics scheduled before the end of 2010. With three Operation Gelding clinics already completed, the UHC and the AAEP have helped aid in the castration of approximately 30 horses.
For more information about Operation Gelding, to receive an information packet, or to apply for funding, visit the UHC website. Organizations can apply by filling out the Operation Gelding Funding Form.