British equestrian organisations launch Ukraine appeal
"We must do everything we can to prevent the unnessary suffering of all equines and help those who care for them" - Jim Eyre, British Equestrian.
Leading equine organisations across Britain have joined forces to provide emergency support to horses and their carers affected by the devastating crisis in Ukraine.
The coalition, entitled ‘British Equestrians for Ukraine’, has been formed in response to an urgent call from the Ukrainian Equestrian Federation for supplies on the ground, including feed, bedding and veterinary equipment.
Spearheaded by World Horse Welfare, British Equestrian, the British Horse Society and the British Equine Trade Association (BETA), the group aims to facilitate a supply chain to Ukraine and raise money for these essential items, as well as the costs associated with transport.
“This is a dire situation, and, alongside the immediate humanitarian crisis, we must do everything we can to prevent the unnecessary suffering of all equines and help those who care for them,” commented Jim Eyre, chief executive of British Equestrian.
“We’re fortunate that our equestrian community is blessed with so many willing to help those in need. However, it’s apparent that careful coordination is required to make sure urgent goods get to those in need through the correct channels. We hope that we can help facilitate that while urgently raising funds for the emergency requirements and beyond.”
Initially, the group will work with trusted local partners, including the Ukraine and Polish Equestrian Federations, and will expand its reach as the situation progresses.
The group is also working with leading equestrian brands and BETA members to coordinate offers of the supplies, and will then match them with planned haulage trips to the Polish logistics hub established by the Ukrainian and Polish Equestrian Federations.
“What has been achieved in such a short time shows what we are able to do by working together,” said Claire Williams, executive director of BETA. “Shipments of hay and bedding are already on their way, but the logistics due to Brexit are challenging.
“Feed companies with distributors and stock on the Continent are stepping up to assist while others who are experienced exporters are committing supplies to be sent over either through shared loads or direct with their usual hauliers. Other companies who are not in a position to send products have also pledged cash donations to the new fund.”
The group states that the most immediate and direct benefit will come from donations, which can be made at worldhorsewelfare.org
Companies wishing to make donations of reasonable quantities of the following in packs weighing less than 20kg should contact BETA on info@beta-uk.org, who can help with the logistics of supply:
- small packaged haylage/forage
- compound/hard feed
- shavings.
With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
