The Colorado Department of Agriculture’s Division of Animal Welfare has selected 10 applicants, including two in Jefferson County, to receive a total of $200,000 aimed at improving the well-being of domestic horses in Colorado. During the competitive grant process, a panel of horse experts reviewed over 30 applications seeking more than $1 million in funding, ultimately selecting projects with the potential for the greatest impact on equine welfare.
“From helping our farmers and ranchers to guiding outdoor enthusiasts through our iconic landscapes, horses and donkeys play an important role in Colorado life,” said Colorado Governor Jared Polis.
The grant funding is designated for domestic equine welfare projects in Colorado, supporting education, outreach, and emergency and veterinary services for domesticated equines, which include horses, burros, donkeys and mules.
The Equine Welfare Assistance Grant program is funded through HB24-1458, which was sponsored by Representatives Monica Duran and Ryan Armagost, and Senators Rachel Zenzinger and Dylan Roberts. These competitive grants will be available again in Fiscal Year 2025/26. The grant application, requirements, and contact information will be accessible on the Equine Welfare Assistance Grants website in the second quarter of 2025.
“I was proud to sponsor HB24-1458 which created the Division of Animal Welfare and funded a new grant program to aid recipients that embody strong equine welfare standards,” said Duran, Colorado Majority Leader.
The following projects have been selected as grant recipients:
- Blue Rose Ranch (Baca County)
- Burro Base Camp (Elbert County)
- Colorado Horse Rescue (Boulder County)
- Colorado Unwanted Horse Alliance (Statewide)
- Colorado State University Equine Sciences Program (Statewide)
- Denver Dumb Friends League Harmony Center (Statewide)
- Horse Protection League (Jefferson County)
- Jefferson County Horse Council (Jefferson County)
- Metaphorse (Montrose County)
- Mustang Ambassador Program (El Paso County)
