Imagine what it’s like to be in war-torn Ukraine, worrying about not only the safety of your family, but also your horses. The U.S. Equestrian Federation has joined the FEI in raising funds to help with this crisis, with 100 percent of the money going toward the cause. For information or to donate, go to this link.
To understand how dire the situation is, and to contribute through the Ukraine Equestrian Federation, read that organization’s account of what is happening:
All at the Ukrainian Equestrian Federation have been touched by the amazing response to our calls for help and donations to our www.helpukrainehorses.eu fund, the kindness of equestrian communities across the world has been generous and instant. The situation in our country for equines is exceptionally challenging and constantly evolving and we thank everyone for their patience. We are beginning to see our collaborative efforts with a number of organizations beginning to have an impact for those who need help.
We are extremely grateful to the many breeding societies, equestrian federations and charities such as the FEI, the Finnish Equestrian Federation, British Equestrian, World Horse Welfare and individuals from many countries around the world for their ongoing support to help with a hugely complex operation in what is essentially a war zone.
Aid administration: We continue to need aid and now supply channels are being established. We ask all of our supporters to follow very clear guidance to make sure support is handled in the most effective way – for you and for us to facilitate getting aid into the country. We would ask that you please refer to our website www.helpukrainehorses.eu to see the latest logistical advice as these logistics are evolving all the time in this dynamic situation.
What we do ask please, is to try very hard to coordinate with fellow donors to supply at least larger quantities of feed, packed on euro pallets and following the guidance on the website. Trucks with larger quantity of aid are more efficient to deliver and distribute. They can go directly to the border with Ukraine and from the border to the warehouse in Lviv. Only small loads/shipments can be brought to Lesna Wola and will be used for evacuated horses staying in Lesna Wola.
Please do not simply turn up at the Polish/Ukrainian border with stock/aid. There are currently very long lines of lorries and correct accreditation is required, without it you could face long delays. We are working on setting up a rail depot in Berlin, Germany which will take aid directly into the heart of Ukraine. Only full, wrapped pallets will be accepted here. Please follow our website and social media for progress updates on this.
Equine assistance:Through help from the FEI Solidarity Fund, we are setting up a stable facility at Lviv with 40 boxes to house horses in transit as we begin to evacuate more from danger. We continue to work with a number of individuals on both side the border to establish stop-over locations for horses. Some will remain in the west of Ukraine and some will move further west into neighboring counties.
There is also a requirement to establish quarantine stations for horses to complete their health requirements prior to their onward journey. We have had very generous offers from a number of logistics/horse transport companies all over Europe, but crossing the border into Ukraine remains complex for a number of reasons and the logistics of moving horses is extremely challenging.
Michaylo Parkhomchuk, Secretary General of the Ukrainian Equestrian Federation said; “Our small team has been inundated with messages, emails and calls and we’re very humbled by the support we’ve had but would ask everyone is patient while we try to keep up with our inbox. The actual situation is that we are forced to act during war and in war zone, as Lviv has already been bombed several times, there are no safe zones anymore and there are no guarantees that logistics or any services in Ukraine will work as intended. The ongoing war makes even the simplest things difficult. This will not deter us from the absolute focus to assist as many horses and owners in our country as we possibly can during these dark times. РАЗОМ ПЕРЕМОЖЕМО!!!”
We’ll issue a weekly update of what has been achieved and how those who want to provide support can best help with clear instructions and guidance. That way the aid is expedited to where it’s needed as smoothly as possible. We’re still asking for financial donations which will help with the evacuation and housing of equines via our Charity Foundation or a trusted official fundraiser in your country. On behalf of the Ukrainian horses and their people, we thank everyone for their generosity and kindness.