British Equestrians for Ukraine launched to aid developing equine crisis

Leading organisations within the equestrian community have united to form British Equestrians for Ukraine, which aims to help those caught up in the crisis created by the Russian invasion

In response to the Ukrainian Equestrian Federation’s urgent call for supplies, British Equestrian (BEF), The British Horse Society (BHS), the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) and World Horse Welfare – with the support of member bodies across the industry – have joined forces to form British Equestrians for Ukraine. The group has been set up to meet the immediate need for goods on the ground, and raise money to help purchase supplies and cover the costs associated with transport.

Describing the events unfolding in Ukraine as “a dire situation”, British Equestrian Chief Executive, Jim Eyre, commented: “We must do everything we can to prevent the unnecessary suffering of all equines and help those who care for them,” and commended the efforts of the equestrian community so far. He added: “Careful co-ordination 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.”

The group’s first action was to facilitate a trusted method for financial contributions, with World Horse Welfare setting up the British Equestrians for Ukraine Fund on their website where direct donations can be made by individuals or organisations. Donations will help the group to work with trusted, local partners, including the Ukraine and Polish Federations and recognised charities to provide emergency support. UK taxpayers can sign up to Gift Aid on their donations, which means the fund will receive an extra 25p in every £1 given – at no extra cost.

The group is also working with leading equestrian brands and BETA members to co-ordinate offers of the urgently required goods and then matching them with planned haulage trips to the Polish logistics hub established by the Ukrainian and Polish Equestrian Federations. This is the best way to ensure lorries are leaving British shores full, with the right supplies and correct exportation documentation to expedite the goods getting into Poland and on to Ukraine.

Executive Director of BETA, Claire Williams, praised the efforts so far: “What has been achieved in such a short time shows what we are able to do by working together. 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 product have also pledged cash donations to the new fund.”

How you can help – via British Equestrians for Ukraine

The most immediate and direct benefit will come from donations:

• Equine – via the British Equestrians for Ukraine Fund
• Humanitarian donations to the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal will be match funded by the UK Government up to £25 million and funds from Oxfam and the Red Cross are being channelled to the REC

If any companies can help with donations of reasonable quantities of the following in packs weighing less than 20kg, please contact BETA on [email protected] who can help with the logistics of supply…

• small packaged haylage/forage
• compound/hard feed
• shavings

Any product supplied will need to be accompanied by export documentation and should not require export health certificates.

A spokesperson for the BEF added: “The group doesn’t recommend that private individuals collect donations of goods or equipment and/or attempt to transport them to Europe themselves, unless they have extensive experience of exporting goods. There are significant logistical barriers and the required exportation documentation for mixed loads is extensive plus the inherent costs associated with the trip could become prohibitive.”

James Hick, BHS Chief Executive finished; “We would encourage anyone who feels that they can afford to donate to do so. These are unprecedented times and just these small actions we’re taking will make a difference.”