National Horse Protection Day, also known as World Horse Day, is observed worldwide every March 1. Established by Colleen Paige in 2005, the day aims to celebrate the beauty of horses and highlight the importance of their welfare, particularly focusing on the issues of neglect and abuse that many horses face. The day encourages people to adopt horses, as finding new caretakers for them can be more challenging than for other pets like dogs or cats. Participants can engage by volunteering at local shelters, donating supplies, or organizing events to raise awareness about horse welfare. The observance draws attention to the ongoing concerns regarding equine treatment, which have evolved since the 19th century, partly influenced by literature such as Anna Sewell's "Black Beauty."