Donations to British Equestrians for Ukraine reach £164,000

Four weeks after the launch of British Equestrians for Ukraine (BEU) here’s an update on what’s been achieved so far and what the plans are for continuing to provide support

As the with fighting intensifies in the south and east of Ukraine the need for humanitarian and equine aid grows more desperate. Working in collaboration with parties in the UK, Europe and Ukraine, British Equestrians for Ukraine (BEU), created by British Equestrian (BEF), the British Horse Society (BHS) and the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA), has distributed lorry loads of supplies to equines in need and established all-important safe supply routes through the country, meaning the next shipment of supplies can reach people more quickly.

Donations, hosted by World Horse Welfare, have now reached £164,000 plus an additional £44,000 has been raised by British Veterinary Professionals for Ukraine (BVP4U), who’ve joined to help maximise aid efforts. The funding will be used to send veterinary supplies and aid to holding facilities that have been set up for equines whose owners have fled Ukraine into neighbouring countries. David Rendle, BVP4U member, is travelling to Ukraine in the coming weeks to assess veterinary standards at holding facilities.

Roly Owers of World Horse Welfare said: “The situation in Ukraine remains dire but thanks to people’s generosity we’re starting to have some impact in getting aid to where it’s needed. The initial response to the appeal has been amazing and to have legends like Lucinda Green and Carl Hester supporting our collective effort is incredible.”

“However, the stark reality is that the desperate need to support Ukrainian horses will remain for months to come, whatever happens on the ground. We would implore everyone to continue to donate and to fundraise in support of this much needed initiative.”

If you’d like to donate, please visit worldhorsewelfare.org.uk