Welcome Ms. Lynn Coakley!

Welcome to the fascinating world of horses! The purpose of the Equine Experiential Learning Initiative (EELI) is to help people understand the important role horses have played since the beginning of our history, issues facing the welfare of horses in the past and today, and the new and important roles horses are playing in modern society, with horses and humans engaging in various collaborative and therapeutic relationships.

The Horse: Commodity or Partner?

Our online curriculum, The Horse: Commodity or Partner?, will hopefully give you a deeper understanding of the positive impact of the horse-human bond in the past, present and future -- and provide you with the education and tools to advocate for and protect America's horses.

We owe a debt of gratitude to our author, Dr. Terri Champney, who helps us better understand how we can be most succesful in addressing the issues impacting America's horses by learning about the past. There is a lot of truth in the saying, Those who don't learn from the past are doomed to repeat it.

The EQUUS Foundation's mission is to protect and save America's horses at risk of abuse, neglect and slaughter through partnerships with equine organizations and individuals like you across the nation and by investing in new and innovative collaborations between horses and people.


Horses are a perpetual source of encouragement and inspiration, empowering people to be all that they can be. They bring joy to young and old alike - and make those with the deepest of wounds whole again.

However, America's horses are also confronted with a disturbing reality, and their future may be in jeopardy. Thousands of America's horses are transported across our borders for slaughter each year. Tens of thousands more are abused and neglected and in need of rescue, rehabilitation, and re-homing.

No matter your prior horse experience, we hope you leave the EELI program with a greater love of these gifted and amazing animals plus a vision for helping them maintain the essential roles they are now playing as teachers, coaches, and healers! We hope that the EELI will stimulate volunteerism, cultivate advocacy on behalf of horses, and inspire a lifelong commitment to horse welfare.