Equestrians holding a festive barn party or exchanging gifts with their riding friends this holiday season can help an abused, neglected or homeless horse by giving a gift from the Ontario SPCA’s Paws & Give™ 2017 Holiday Symbolic Giving Catalogue.

Horse lovers can “adopt” their very own horse by bringing home Velvet, one of the animals featured in the Rocky & Friends line of plush collectables. Velvet was pregnant when she was surrendered to the Ontario SPCA. This Connemara Pony spent a few months in foster care before she gave birth to a filly, Chantilly Lace, in her new forever home. Velvet now spends her days as a member of an equine assisted therapy team in Huntsville. When you give this plush toy as a gift, you will be helping to rescue other horses like Velvet.

Keep track of veterinary and farrier appointments in the Ontario SPCA’s 2018 Second Chances calendar, which is the perfect addition to any tack room or office. Among the many animals showcased are Dee and her foal Quin. The Quarter Horse-type mare came into the care of the Ontario SPCA and gave birth to a healthy colt that was the subject of a province-wide contest to name him.

There are also a number of symbolic gifts available in the Paws & Give™ catalogue, including “Care for a Horse,” which provides a horse waiting to be adopted with safe shelter, daily grooming, hoof and veterinary care and loving attention. The gift recipient will be notified of the gift made in their honour.

What better gift for the equestrian who has everything than to know your gift made a difference in the life of a horse or pony. Shop pawsandgive.ca this holiday season and help an animal in need.

Holiday revelers hosting parties can also help horses in need by collecting donations at the event. For example, have a special festive treat available by donation or invite guests to make a small donation at the door. A third-party fundraising form to register your event is available at ontariospca.ca/ways-to-give

You can also help a homeless horse or pony by welcoming one into your stable. There are many horses still waiting to find a loving family to call their own. Could it be yours? Visit ontariospca.ca/horses or download the Ontario SPCA smartphone app to view horses available for adoption.

Happy holidays from the Ontario SPCA and its four-legged friends!