In response to the ongoing pandemic, Ontario Equestrian has launched For The Herd, an emergency fundraising initiative to support lesson horses and riding school facilities in Ontario.
The reality of the situation is, without support these businesses will fold and our sport becomes obsolete. And worse yet, these riding school facilities won’t have the means to support these animals’ lives.
100% of all donations and funds raised go towards the riding school facilities and lesson horses of Ontario. Here are some of the ways you can help right now.
This includes hay as well as different types of grain. An average 1000lb horse requires approximately 15-20lbs of hay, daily. Additionally, some horses require supplemental grain depending on workload, metabolism, age and their level of performance.
For some school horses, a stall is required and bedding is needed to keep them comfortable. Bedding needs to be changed or ‘mucked out’ daily for sanitary and health reasons. Bedding comes in different material such as wood shavings, straw, expandable pellet bedding, all which come with their own benefits and costs.
Is a specialist in equine hoof care, including trimming and balancing of horses’ hooves and the placing of shoes on their hooves if necessary. Most horses require hoof maintenance every 4-8 weeks depending on growth of foot and individual needs. Some horses require shoes for corrective use and to protect the horse during work.
Horses require annual vaccinations, wellness checks and dentals just as our small animal friends do. And of course, emergencies do happen. There are also supplements and medicines which are only available with a prescription from an equine veterinarian.
Our goal is to distribute a pandemic relief package for each riding facility in need. Relief will be used to ensure the basic needs, welfare and health of school horses during the pandemic. The need is great, and as a community we will come together and protect these horses.
Due to the limited amount of funds available, For The Herd will only be able to assist with covering expenses directly related to immediate needs of horse care.
Ontario Equestrian will help direct people to government programs and/or legal/accounting advice to seek additional funds for personal or other business expenses.
