Today, in our own communities, horses are standing in fields with no food or water. Some are locked in dirty barns so no one will see them. Their basic needs of safe, clean shelter, food, hoof care and worming are not being met. Indiscriminate breeding is occurring with alarming frequency because people cannot afford to geld their colts. Old horses are abandoned or taken to auction because the price of feed and stabling has gone up dramatically and costs to euthanize these animals are prohibitive. In addition, the racing industry is in crisis and racehorses are being cast aside at an alarming rate. It takes a lot of space to house large animals; coordinated efforts are needed to care for special needs cases, and to foster animals while suitable permanent homes can be found for them. Educating the public is the long term solution to reduce the numbers of unwanted horses, and to raise the standards of care. Yet facilities will always be needed to coordinate programs and to offer support to horse owners and authorities, as well as providing a bridge between homes. The Horse Protection Society (HPS) is dedicated to education, support and better horse care.