Ride for Ukraine fundraiser launched
Over 20,000 horses remain in the critical welfare zone in Ukraine.
'Ride for Ukraine', a fundraising campaign working to feed 5,000 Ukrainian horses over the wintertime, has officially been launched by the Ukrainian Equestrian Federation Charity Foundation (UEF-CF).
With limited availability of food and warm stables in the upcoming wintertime, UEF-CF aims to raise €500,000 to cover the costs of feed and hay, and the transportation of this across the country.
The funds raised will also support horses in an evacuation shelter provided by the foundation, with extra shelters currently being prepared in the west of Ukraine.
Inna Logutenkova, the chef d'equipe of the Ukrainian dressage team and multiple-time participant of the Olympic Games, World Equestrian Games WEG, European Championship and finalist of the World Cup, said: “I’m proud to become one of the first ambassadors of the campaign and help Ukrainian equestrians to save and feed their horses.
“I believe that after Ukraine wins, the country will recover and show the best result in the sports arena. Our team is defending Ukrainian sports honor while our army defends European freedom from Russian invasion.”
UEF-CF is calling upon equestrian show organisers to consider placing information about Ride for Ukraine on their site, or to organise a special class or show dedicated to the campaign.
Partnership opportunities are available for equestrian goods producers, publishers, media companies and educational organisations who wish to get involved with the fundraising.
Mykhaylo Parkhomchuk, UEF-CF founder and secretary-general of the Ukrainian Equestrian Federation, explained: “Situation on the frontline is very unpredictable and as a biggest foundation that focuses on helping horses and equestrians we feel responsible for the horses that stay in Ukraine.
“We know that the biggest problem for Ukrainian horse owners is feeding and caring about their horses because of the lack of money.
“The economy collapsed, their normal income sources doesn't exist anymore. And we are keen to help them to save horses while they are recovering and looking for new jobs or rebuilding their businesses.
“We believe that the equestrian community in the world will not stand aside and help Ukraine to save their horses' lives.”
Further information on the campaign, including how to donate, can be found at rideforukraine.info
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.
