Standing Ovation by Ovation Riding: The Foundation for the Horse
Every week we team up with Ovation Riding to recognize those doing good in the horse world. Today we recognize the Foundation for the Horse, which is providing assistance for horses affected by the fires in California and those affected by Hurricane Laura.
With the multiple disasters affecting horse across the United States, the Foundation for the Horse has stayed true to its mission by stepping up to help keep as many horses safe as possible. Over the past week and a half, Foundation for the Horse has donated $10,000 in order to ensure the welfare of at-risk equines.
The first move was in response to the over 600 active fires burning in California. To provide immediate aid, the Foundation donated $5,000 total to two groups it has worked with previously: the Northern California Association of Equine Practitioners (NCAEP) and the University of California-Davis Veterinary Emergency Response Team (VERT).
Veterinarians within these groups are actively helping horses impacted by the fires through search and rescue, as well as shelter and care efforts. The LNU Lightning Complex Fires in Napa and Solano counties have numerous horses and hooved animals on the run and in danger.
As of August 20, there were “122 horses and 50 ruminants in Napa shelters and similar numbers in Solano County as well,” said Dr. Claudia Sonder, NCAEP Disaster Response Committee Chair. “The fires are still burning, and many animals sadly have been left behind and are yet to be discovered.”
Screenshot from fire.ca.gov
The next move by Foundation for the Horse was to offer relief for those affected by Hurricane Laura, which battered the East Texas and Louisiana coastlines as the region’s strongest storm in over a century.
To provide aid, the Foundation is donating $5,000 total to two groups it has worked with previously: the Texas A&M University Veterinary Emergency Team (VET) and the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association’s Equine Committee.
These groups are helping horses that are being evacuated or which may have to endure the hurricane in place. Texas A&M’s College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences is currently taking in and sheltering animals, and its VET will be deployed as needed to impacted areas. Similar efforts are underway in Louisiana as well.
The Foundation will work with agencies and veterinary members in Texas and Louisiana to identify the needs of the equine community. Supplies are not being accepted currently because the catastrophic storm is still occurring. Once the Foundation receives an assessment of need and distribution protocols from the agencies and veterinary members in the afflicted areas, The Foundation will work to support them with monetary and other resources as needed.
“The Foundation and the equine veterinary community know the tragic loss of life and incredible destruction and flooding that can and will be caused by Hurricane Laura,” said Foundation Advisory Council Chair Dr. Rick Mitchell. “We are compelled to reach out, together with our members, horse owners and industry leaders, as part of the effort to proactively support the disaster’s equine victims.”
Source: GOES-16 satellite imagery from NOAA
So that they can continue the work they are doing, the Foundation for the Horse is asking for financial assistance to help the horses that are being affected by the fires, the hurricane or may otherwise be in harm’s way. To make a gift to The Foundation in support of disaster relief or another area benefiting equine welfare, visit www.foundationforthehorse.org and click the “Donate” button.
About The Foundation for the Horse
Established in 1994, The Foundation for the Horse is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to improving the welfare of the horse through Education, Research, and Benevolence. Governed and stewarded by world-renowned equine veterinarians and equine stakeholders, The Foundation awards over $700,000 annually in scholarships and grants to impact equine health and well-being throughout the U.S. and developing countries. To learn more, visit www.foundationforthehorse.org.
Many thanks thanks to Ovation Riding for their support of both Horse Nation and individuals and organizations that are doing good work in the horse world. If you know someone who deserves a Standing Ovation, we would love to recognize them in a future post. Email the name of the person or organization along with a message about the good work they do to [email protected]. Photos/videos are always welcome, and include a link to their website if applicable.
