Group to Expand 'Operation Gelding' Program

Representatives of the Unwanted Horse Coalition plan to expand the organization's "Operation Gelding" program, given results of a recent survey.

The UHC met June 13 as part of the American Horse Council convention in Washington, D.C. Officials said 31 UHC members and 21 representatives of other equine organizations attended the meeting, which focused on a three-year strategic plan to "expand educational efforts, enhance key programs, increase visibility, and develop a strategic fundraising campaign to support current and future initiatives."

The effort will be headed by UHC committee chairs Shannon Luce and Kristin Leshney of The Jockey Club, Ward Stutz of the American Quarter Horse Association, and Cindy Schonholtz of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and Animal Welfare Council.

"The UHC has not surveyed Operation Gelding clinic organizers since the program began in 2010, so this was clearly the first step in our plan to expand the program," UHC director Jennifer Purcell said.

The UHC said 50% of the surveyed clinic organizers from 18 states responded and reported lack of advertising, costs of travel, and inconvenient dates as the three primary reasons horse owners do not participate in Operating Gelding clinics. They suggested a monetary incentive of $90 per horse gelded to help increase participation.

In addition, 70% said they would plan a second clinic if funds were available, and 81% expressed interest in a voucher option. Based on the results, the UHC approved expansion of the program effective Jan. 1, 2017, by increasing the funding per horse gelded to $100, approving two clinics per calendar year for qualified organizations, and offering a voucher option.

"We are so pleased that the board agreed to expand the Operation Gelding program," UHC chairman Dr. Doug Corey said. "The program is working, but there is a clear demand for additional castration clinics across the country, and the UHC is ready to assist organizations in meeting that need."

The UHC, supported by donations and organizational membership, said that since its inception, Operation Gelding has distributed $67,000 in funds for clinics. More than 1,300 stallions have been castrated.