America sets up fund for equine disaster victims

An emergency fund for equine victims of natural disasters has been set up by the Unites States Equestrian Federation (USEF).

The Equine Disaster Relief Fund was inspired by lessons learned during hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. USEF reported that the “biggest challenge” back then was not manpower — as there were hundreds of volunteers — but finding money to provide veterinary assistance and to buy and transport food to stricken horses.

USEF, the national governing body of equestrian sport in America, is appealing for contributions from both individuals and organisations.

A spokesman said: “Money donated will be used to prepare for disasters and to assist horses of any breed who are victims of hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, blizzards and fires”.

The spokesman added that the fund would be permanent and strictly ring-fenced for this purpose.

To make a donation visit www.usef.org

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now