National Horse Protection Day

National Horse Protection Day : 

National Horse Protection Day is celebrated every year on the 1st of March. This day is celebrated to observe the importance of horses in our lives and help end the abuse and slaughter of unwanted horses.

Twitter Hashtags:

#NationalHorseProtectionDay

#HorseProtectionDay

Related: Other National Days Celebrated on March 1st:

National Pig Day

National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day

National Minnesota Day

National Dadgum That’s Good Day

National Fruit Compote Day

Why National Horse Protection Day?

The national horse protection day was recognized as an effort to promote awareness of horses’ abuse and neglect. Horses have been a part of our lives since time immemorial. They have helped us in many ways, like drawing carts, carrying loads, and so on.

Horses are considered important and valuable animals to humans. Before the cycles, bikes, cars, busses, and trains, horses or horse-driven carriages were the chief sources of transportation for man. There was a time, till the invention and popularization of motorized vehicles, when every household owned horses for transportation purposes. They could be bought very easily and readily available for use.

Horses not only transported people but also goods and farm produce. Farmers used horses to carry produce to markets or buyers. Horses also carried luggage for travelers while moving cities or even countries. They were used on farms to manage cattle and other herd animals that were reared in the farms. Owners of large estates and ranches used horses to go on inspections as they could cover large unpaved areas without any trouble. People in many parts of America still use horses for farm purposes.

Horses were also put in racing competitions where they earned their owners a lot of money and prizes. Horse racing was a popular form of entertainment and sport in the 19th and 20th centuries. There are also many sports activities like polo, rodeo, dressage, vaulting, and so on. Even today, equestrian sports are a part of our entertainment and are included in Olympic Sports.

It is quite evident that horses have always been and still are an important part of our life. However, we humans often forget to treat them with the love, care, and respect they deserve. They are often neglected, starved, and abused by owners everywhere. Horses need a lot of space for a healthy life. However, many owners force these poor animals into small and confined spaces that get overcrowded and are not well maintained. This causes horses to become sick and unhealthy. Sometimes when horses become old or too expensive to maintain, their owners sell them to slaughterhouses for meat. National Horse Protection Day is celebrated to spread awareness and make people treat this loving animal with respect.

How Can We Observe National Horse Protection Day ? 

Here are some amazing ways in which you can observe horse protection day:-

• If you possess the means and space to keep a horse, adopt a horse from your nearby or local shelters.

• Become a volunteer at animal shelters where they take care of abandoned or abused horses.

• Spread awareness on horses and abuse of horses by talking to friends and family. You can also use social media to help spread the message to a large number of people. Use the Hashtag #NationalHorseProtectionDay and #HorseProtectionDay to share your views.

• Help rescue horses at local shelters to get adopted. Find them loving homes where they will be taken care of. 

Interesting Facts On National Horse Protection Day: 

Here are some interesting facts on horses that you may not know:-

• On National Horse Protection Day in 2019, animal activists were able to relocate horse Carrie tracks from 59th Street into Central Park to avoid them from being on the crowded and busy roads.

• Due to horse lovers and enthusiasts’ efforts, horses in NYC who draw carriages are not allowed to be worked in extremely hot temperatures.

• This year in 2020, The National Horse Protection Day completed its 15th anniversary.

• Horses are often made to wear half-covered eye patches to block their hindsight. This keeps them from being distracted or panicked.

• Horses are herd animals and tend to feel better when they have a companion.

• You can also donate money to horse protection shelters or local NGOs who help rescue horses. 

History Of National Horse Protection Day: 

National Horse Protection Day was started on the 1st of March in 2005. It was started by animal behaviorist and pet lifestyle expert Colleen Page. Page was raised around horses and had developed a deep love for them from a very young age.