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.
As you clean out your tack room and closets at this time of year, put aside equipment, clothing, blankets and other horse-related items for tack sales being held at several organizations this month and this fall.
Riding with Heart, 639 Route 513, Pittstown, is holding its sale March 26 and 27 to benefit its therapeutic riding program. Drop items from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays-Fridays and Saturdays from noon-3 p.m. Call 908-735-5912 to let the organization know before you come.
Riding with Heart will pick up big donations within a one-hour drive. Email tacksale@ridingwithheart.org. Contributions are tax deductible.
Mane Stream (adaptive riding and therapy services) is seeking donations of new and gently used tack or horse related items for its fall tack sale in Oldwick Nov. 6 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. The spring sale originally scheduled for next month has bee cancelled.
Collections are still ongoing, however. There is a contactless drop-off for unwanted bridles, saddles, blankets, tack boxes as well as outgrown boots, breeches, jackets and horse-related jewelry, models or knick-knacks. Proceeds go toward Mane Stream’s mission to improve the quality of life for children and adults with physical, developmental, emotional, and medical challenges through a diverse program of equine assisted activities, therapy services, and educational initiatives.
All donations can be dropped off at the stable at 83 Old Turnpike Rd. Oldwick during office hours. Those who want to make a donation of have questions should contact Jen Dermody at jen@manestreamnj.org, (908) 439-9636 or visit the website at www.ManeStreamNJ.org
Mane Stream is a 501(c)(3) non-profit registered charitable organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals with physical, developmental, emotional, and medical challenges through a diverse program of equine-assisted activities, therapy services and educational initiatives.
Several British equestrian organizations are collaborating with British Equestrian on a survey designed to help safeguard the future viability of riding centers, many of which are experiencing the same problems as lesson stables in the U.S.
It may be time for a similar survey in the U.S. to assess the extent of the issues and how to address them. In Britain, questionnaires sent to 1,700 stables ask about capacity, facilities, staffing and activities provided, as well as the main challenges faced around viability, marketing and profitability.
“A viable future for our riding centers has never been more uncertain,” said Mandana Mehran Pour, head of participation at British Equestrian.
“Riding centers and schools face a series of difficulties, not least those presented by the global pandemic in recent years. Costs are rising, the licensing process is more complex than ever and a shortage of suitable staff and horses are just some of the early indications from proprietors of the issues they’re facing.
“We aim to deliver accurate and meaningful data that gives a ‘health check’ on the nation’s riding centers, which can then be used to target areas for improvement and where help is most needed. It also will give us facts to present in our lobbying of government on the issues, as well as present a realistic picture of the impact of Covid-19 on the sector,” she continued.
Such facilities in both the U.S. and Britain are where many riders get their introduction to horses, and it’s important that the sport has that kind of base on which it can continue to build.
The “fighting spirit of an entire army in one person” powers professional show jumper Cassandra Kahle as she recovers from a traumatic brain injury suffered in a January fall, according to her mother, Natasha Brash.
Cass, who was in a jumpoff when her horse fell with her, has made huge strides in healing and can now walk on her own, her mother, said, though she keeps a hand through a belt on her daughter’s waist to insure she doesn’t stumble.
Natasha, an equestrian professional from British Columbia, is sharing a room with Cass at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta. Cass is undergoing rehab there, where she’s a staff favorite. It’s easy to see why for anyone who knows her.
“She finds the best in every situation,” explained her mother, noting that characteristically, “she’s the bright light in the room. We laugh all day long.”
Cass, who is 29, rides with Emil Spadone’s Redfield Farm in Califon, N.J., and Ocala, Fla. She expects to come back to New Jersey with the rest of the crew from that stable next month, though their departure north may be delayed a bit from their usual schedule, Natasha said.
Want to send a card? Here is the address: Cassandra Kahle WFRC108
Shepherd Center
2020 Peachtree Road, NW
Atlanta, GA 30309
Shepherd staffers do memory games with Cass to strengthen her recall ability. But she doesn’t remember the week before her accident, the incident itself and the period of unconsciousness that followed. Her memory is good dating from three weeks ago, according to her mother.
When will she ride again? Perhaps a year after the accident, he mother said, though she thought she might do some therapeutic riding before that.
There has been a huge outpouring of support for 29-year-old Cass, not only from the U.S. but also in Canada, where she rode until she was 21. To show they are thinking of her, riders supporting her wear a Disney character pin on their saddle pads or jackets. Cass is well-known to be a huge fan of Disney and a regular visitor to Disneyworld.
I don’t usually link to things I didn’t write or come from an outfit that I don’t know. But I thought this information about the danger to animals from Covid sounded interesting, and I figured it couldn’t hurt to post this link about the subject and how to keep your animals safe. See what you think.
Laura Kraut had been concerned about whether her 2018 World Equestrian Games team gold medal mount, Confu, would recover from a virus. She wasn’t even thinking whether he could compete in a grand prix again, with his last appearance at that level having been in November.
So when he beat his illness and returned to the arena, his victory last night under the lights in the 4-star $216,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix in Wellington, Fla., was especially welcome.
Laura Kraut and Confu. (Sportfot photo)
“The win tonight means everything,” Laura said.
“A few months ago, we were crying because we weren’t sure he was going to make it. It means the world to have him win, and to win on Horseware week, I don’t think we could have scripted it any better,” said Laura about her longtime sponsor. I’m so thankful to have had their support for many years, and it feels like winning this class was meant to be.”
She topped a 10-horse jump-off with a clean round in 36 .44 seconds on St. Bride’s Farm 15-year-old Holsteiner by Contact Me.
The Irish dominated the rest of the podium, with Conor Swail second in 37.10 seconds on Vital Chance de la Roque and Mark McAuley third in 37.55 seconds with Jasco vd Bisschop clocked in over Michel Vaillancourt’s course at the soon-to-be-rebranded Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.
