Caring for Our Equine Partners: Choice, Wellbeing, and a New Way to Help
RachaelAt Operation Horses Heal, our horses and donkeys are part of our community. Their wellbeing is a responsibility that shapes how we care for them, how we offer our programs, and how we plan for the future.
They deserve attentive care, companionship, room to move, time to rest, and opportunities to express their preferences. We’re always looking for thoughtful ways to support those needs.
One addition we’re excited to introduce is water buffet enrichment. Through our inclusion in Improve Equine’s Good Hands² program, our community can help bring these experiences to the herd.
What Is a Water Buffet?
A water buffet offers different flavored or scented water options alongside fresh, plain water. Horses and donkeys can investigate, smell, sample, and choose—or decide they would rather stick with their familiar water.
For our equines, this activity will offer an opportunity to explore something new at their own pace. One might approach right away. Another might watch before investigating. An equine may prefer one option, return to another, or show little interest.
Each response gives us an opportunity to pay attention. The goal is to offer an experience in which their choices matter.
Small Choices Are Part of Everyday Care
Our commitment to equine wellbeing includes the daily essentials: appropriate nutrition, clean water, shelter, veterinary and farrier care, and time with companions. It also includes considering what life feels like for each horse and donkey.
Do they have room to move away? Opportunities to explore? Time to rest without interruption? Are we responding when they communicate discomfort or a desire for space?
In our non-clinical equine-assisted learning programs, we respect our equines’ ability to decline participation. That same respect guides enrichment activities. We can offer an opportunity without requiring a particular response.
As we introduce water buffets, we’ll consider each equine’s dietary needs, introduce new ingredients gradually, and consult our veterinarian when appropriate. Fresh, plain water will remain available, and activities will be arranged to allow comfortable access without crowding.
Included Because Equine Wellbeing Matters
Operation Horses Heal is not an equine rescue. We provide free, relationship-based experiences with horses and donkeys for Veterans, military members, and their loved ones.
We were included in this project because of our commitment to doing good for the equine partners in our care.
Although the Improve Equine page’s web address refers to horse rescues, its Good Hands² program also welcomes qualifying equine nonprofits involved in education and equine-assisted services. We’re grateful to be included in a community that supports the wellbeing of horses across these different settings.
For us, this is an opportunity to continue putting our values into practice—providing thoughtful care and making space for curiosity, preferences, and individual needs.
How You Can Support the Herd
Through our dedicated Improve Equine page, supporters can purchase products to be sent directly to Operation Horses Heal.
Improve Equine also adds 10% of the retail value of gifted products as a cash donation to our organization. Your gift provides something for the herd while generating additional support for our work.
To participate:
- Visit Operation Horses Heal’s Improve Equine page.
- Select “Gift this organization” and choose products to send.
- Follow the checkout steps, making sure Operation Horses Heal is selected as the recipient.
Sharing the project is another meaningful way to help. Send the link to an animal-loving friend, share it with your equine community, or help us explain why enrichment and choice belong in everyday equine care.
Caring for Those Who Share Our Work
Our horses and donkeys are individuals with their own personalities, relationships, and preferences. Knowing them means continuing to notice, listen, and adjust.
Water buffets are one small addition to that ongoing commitment. They give us another way to offer something interesting, respect a choice, and learn from the animals in our care.
Thank you for helping us care for our equine partners with the same thoughtfulness we bring to the people who visit Operation Horses Heal.
