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NEWTOWN, CT [January 25, 2008] – Affected by last summer’s drought in the south, starving horses will soon get relief thanks to a grassroots effort undertaken by concerned horse owners, friends and veterinarians. The plight of horses in need, always an emotional issue, has become more and more critical in recent months.
Equine rescue organizations have developed in past years to provide necessary care to malnourished and abused horses. However, due to drought and a failing economy, finding hay and pasture to feed even beloved horses has become an increasingly desperate problem. Many horse owners who wish to keep and care for their animals are finding it impossible to do so and accordingly, equine rescue organizations in the Southern US have been overwhelmed--the increase in abandonments, rescue calls, horses sent to slaughter or turned loose to fend for themselves, has inundated an already stressed equine rescue system.
A small group of horse lovers has joined together seeking donations to send much-needed hay to rescue organizations in the South. Authors Sara Gruen (Water For Elephants) and Beth Helms (Dervishes) along with screenwriter, Dana Katselas, have spearheaded the Hay Fund with the help of the doctors and staff at Fairfield Equine Associates in Newtown, CT. The first load of hay is on the way to Tennessee and as soon as more donations are secured, further relief shipments will be made immediately. Every penny donated will go to buying and delivering hay where it is needed most.
Mary Hord, of the Almost Home rescue organization in Tennessee, writes: "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. I have a video playing in my head of the day I see that big rig pulling in with all that hay!!"
Since winter is a critical time of year for underfed horses, donations from the public will bring rapid relief to desperate animals and save many more from rescue and abandonment. All donations to the Fairfield Equine Foundation's Hay Fund are tax deductible.