Fund Distributes Hay To Drought-Stricken South

By Staff

An eclectic group of horsemen—including bestselling authors to a screenwriter and veterinarians—have banded together to provide hay shipments to the drought-stricken areas of the South. The plight of horses in need, always an emotional issue, has become more critical in recent months.

Authors Sara Gruen, who wrote Water For Elephants, Riding Lessons and Flying Changes, and Beth Helms, who wrote Dervishes, along with screenwriter Dana Katselas, have spearheaded the Hay Fund with the help of Fairfield Equine Associates in Newtown, Conn. The first load of hay has been sent to Tennessee, and as soon as more donations are secured further relief shipments will be made.

Mary Hord, of the Almost Home rescue organization in Tennessee, said, "Please tell people we are desperate here. I can't tell you how it helps my heart to know that there are folks who are trying to help."

Since winter is a critical time of year for underfed horses, donations from the public—every penny of which will go to feed the horses—will bring relief to horses in need.

For further information on contributing to the Hay Fund, see the Fairfield Equine Associates website or send a check to Fairfield Equine Foundation, Attn: Hay Fund, 32 Barnabas Rd., Newtown, CT 06470. All donations to the fund are tax deductible.