Vital veterinary aid reaches horses in Ukraine

 Funds and veterinary supplies from British Equestrians for Ukraine are making a significant difference to the lives of horses caught up in the Russian war in Ukraine

When war broke out in Ukraine, organisations including the British Equestrian Trade Association, British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA), British Equestrians, British Horse Society and World Horse Welfare joined forces to form British Equestrians for Ukraine – a team dedicated to supporting Ukrainian vets in treating sick and injured horses.

Now, we get to hear first-hand the incredible impact that this support is having. Anatoly Levitsky is a vet who came out of retirement when war broke out to set up a network of the remaining vets who weren’t called into military service. Anatoly said: I’m grateful to all the organisations who made this help possible and for not giving up when faced with difficulties. Also, for collaborating to make such a huge difference – it can’t have been easy. You’ve not only bought relief to the animals but given support to the people by showing them that they’re not alone and that you’ll be there as long as this war lasts.”

Anatoly also personally thanked David Rendle, president of BEVA, who travelled to Ukraine to provide on-the-ground support. He commented: “Many international organisations took part in providing food and evacuation of horses from the war zone, but only you came to the help of Ukrainian vets in treating the wounded, burned and traumatised equines. The two big trucks you provided with drugs and equipment was brilliant – so much so it wasn’t easy to unload, to sort and to distribute between different regions of Ukraine – but we’re so grateful.”

The lorry loads contained £190,000 worth of supplies secured by David and BEVA alongside Till Hormann, a mobile vet from Leicestershire. To read more about the support sent to Ukraine, head to our previous articles.

David Rendle said: “It’s been a huge collaborative effort and the results speak for themselves with the number of equine lives saved and relief provided. However, the situation in Ukraine is ongoing and with winter not that far away, further support will be needed. Anatoly and the network of vets and volunteers have done some incredible work in the most testing of conditions and I call on everyone’s support so that we may continue to provide whatever help is required to the horses and people of Ukraine.”

If you want to donate to British Equestrians for Ukraine, you can do so by visiting worldhorsewelfare.org