The Horse Protection Society was founded in 1984 by the late Melva McLean.  Melva began the Society after hearing a report about an appalling situation on Barnston Island.  A pilot had flown over a field containing a number of horses. A few didn’t look bad, some were in poor condition, but the pilot could see at least four skeletons and one decaying horse carcass lying in a ditch. 

Since its inception, HPS has testified in court on behalf of the BCSPCA, published articles to raise public awareness of the plight of horses, worked tirelessly to educate the public on responsible horse care, built networks in the Horse Rescue community and lobbied for humane conditions for horses. The Society actively searches for good homes for horses that have been abused or mistreated, and sometimes sponsor a difficult case as well. While not strictly a "horse rescue", we often find ourselves unable to turn a horse in need away.

When we take on a horse in trouble it is our mandate to first see them healthy, assess their abilities and find professional training for them before they are placed in a home. We want all horses to have a lasting value into the future so that somewhere down the road they don't join the many untrained, grade horses that end up being sold for meat. 

The Horse Protection Society of BC has been a Charitable Organization since 1984
Registration No. BN89180 0575 RR0001


Guiding Principles
Educate:

We vow not to judge but to educate: To help people learn how to care for their horses and to facilitate the partnership between equine and human.

Partnering:

By partnering with those that share our commitment to horses, and to all animals, we can better serve the needs of many.

Leadership:

We lead by example, setting standards for other like minded groups.

Learning:

We embrace the need for constant growth and improvement, for ongoing learning and re-evaluating of ourselves and the needs of our equine charges.

Integrity:

We maintain the highest levels of integrity in dealing with others and we hold ourselves always accountable.

Our Golden Rule:

We treat all creatures, human and animal, with kindness, compassion and respect.

The Horse Protection Society of BC is dedicated to establishing higher standards of horse care, and public awareness of horse issues, through knowledge and learning.

We pledge to inspire society to create a world where horses, and all animals, enjoy as a minimum these five essential freedoms:

1. Freedom from hunger and thirst.
2. Freedom from pain, injury, and disease.
3. Freedom from distress.
4. Freedom from discomfort.
5. Freedom to express behaviours that promote well-being.