The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Equestrian Sport Productions, and Gold Coast Feed have partnered to launch the ASPCA Hay It Forward project, designed to raise awareness of equine welfare issues while providing much needed hay to local equine rescue organizations in the Wellington, Fla. community.

Gold Coast Feed is currently accepting donations for the project, which can be made by purchasing hay directly from the supplier. The ASPCA and Equestrian Sport Productions will identify local equine rescue groups in need of hay, and hay will be distributed to recipients throughout south Florida. If successful, this program could serve as a model for other regions of the country.

The ASPCA Hay It Forward program celebrated its official launch at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center on March 16. ASPCA Equine Welfare Ambassadors Hayley Barnhill, Georgina Bloomberg, Brianne Goutal, Paige Johnson, Stacia Madden, and Jessica Springsteen, joined ASPCA advocacy officials, Mark Bellissimo, CEO of Equestrian Sport Productions, and other VIPs for a reception at the new ringside Nespresso Boutique to raise awareness about the issues impacting horses today.

"The ASPCA is proud to be joining forces with Equestrian Sport Productions and Gold Coast Feed to help at-risk horses and provide much needed aid to local equine rescue groups," said Valerie Angeli, senior director of equine and special projects for the ASPCA. "This program encourages equestrians to give back to the local community and brings attention to the fact that there are many horses in this country facing an uncertain future that need our voice and assistance