Member organizations of the Unwanted Horse Coalition (UHC), formed almost 10 years ago, reviewed progress on several fronts June 23 and solicited input on how to maximize existing programs.

The UHC, which falls under the American Horse Council and grew out of an initiative by the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), met in Washington, D.C., as part of the AHC convention. The UHC, a multi-breed organization, was formed in 2005 to foster responsible horse ownership.

There are 27 member organizations, seven associate members, and 10 supporting members in the UHC. More than 40 representatives attended the June 23 meeting.

The UHC was the impetus for a number of efforts in the horse industry, including accreditation of aftercare facilities, gelding clinics, registries for horses that need homes, and networking among equine organizations. It also prepared a 2009 study to determine the scope of the unwanted horse problem in the United States