Help continues to flood in for British Equestrians for Ukraine

10 weeks since its launch British Equestrians for Ukraine are continuing to help urgently needed supplies reach the war-torn regions of Ukraine

Thanks to donations from public, private and corporate sources the British Equestrians for Ukraine fund has raised around £250,000 which has already supported a variety of humanitarian and equine aid across the country.

As the summer begins the need for bedding, feed and forage has lessened and there’s been a shift in focus to providing veterinary care to horses, ponies and donkeys in need. Currently, there’s a shortage of veterinary medicines, dressings and trained staff, but thanks to the gargantuan efforts from countries around Europe there’s now a regular supply line of necessities making its way through Poland and into Lviv in Ukraine, where a temporary distribution centre has been set up.

Dr Till Hörmann of Hörmann Equine, a mobile veterinary practice based in Leicestershire, has sent two deliveries of veterinary supplies, worth over £190,000 each to a transit stable in Poland. This is where many owners and their horses who’ve fled Ukraine are based while horses receive treatment.

David Rendle, President of the British Equestrian Veterinary Association, has recently returned from visiting Poland’s border with Ukraine and said: “We’ve managed to get a good quantity of much needed aid into Ukraine. We’re also helping with remote support by video call to help those in the transit stables. The need for veterinary supplies will be ongoing but through the help we’ve facilitated, there’s a reasonable supply for the immediate shortages.”

The organisations and individuals behind British Equestrians for Ukraine, British Equestrian and its member bodies, World Horse Welfare, the British Horse Society, the British Equestrian Trade Association, British Equine Veterinary Association and Alec Lochore, are working with partners, including the Ukrainian Equestrian Federation, to back parties from across the globe supporting the vital equine and related humanitarian effort. The next focus is on the increased need for farriery support in Ukraine, so talks have begun with the Worshipful Company of Farriers to find out what help can be provided.

Jim Eyre, British Equestrian Chief Executive, said: “We’re committed to the ongoing provision to help with funding, supplies and assistance wherever possible to minimize human and equine suffering. However, we are under no illusion that the situation in Ukraine will continue for some time, and we want to further support the Ukrainian Equestrian Federation and other partners to devise a longer-term plan which supports their equine community fully.”

To donate to the British Equestrians for Ukraine fund, visit worldhorsewelfare.org