Alberta Equine Partners for the Herd -- Photo credit to Alberta's Equestrian Federation

By Dori Modney

Alberta Equine Partners take action for those facing financial distress

Aug 11, 2020 | 3:14 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB. — Alberta’s Equestrian Federation (AEF) is taking pro-active action to ensure horses are cared for during the coming winter months.

It’s estimated Alberta is home to 33 per cent of Canada’s horse population – roughly about 320,000 horses. The equine industry is diverse and includes racing, sport, ranching, breeding, boarding, pleasure, recreation, and companion animals.

With that in mind, it’s known the COVID-19 pandemic is already causing financial distress on the equine industry in the province and there is likely to be a struggle this winter to provide basic care to horses.

A recent province-wide survey of the Alberta equine community, found one in five respondents said that they need help for their horses, donkeys or mules.

— 72% will require hay and veterinary assistance

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— 52% are down to 3 months or less of reserves

— 43% will require pelleted feed and straw

— 33% will require shavings, salt and minerals

The AEF, along with other industry partners, launched “Alberta Equine Partners for the Herd”, a fundraising initiative to support the equine community during these difficult and uncertain times to come.

The goal is to raise $250,000 to ensure the health, safety, welfare and care of equines in Alberta and ensure the pandemic doesn’t cause strain on care of the animals.

A donation of $5 buys a salt block; $20 buys a bag of pelleted feed. If 50,000 Albertans donated $5, the fundraising goal would be reached. Donations of $50 or more are eligible for a charitable tax receipt through the Government of Alberta.

One hundred per cent of donations will go towards helping those in the community by providing basis needs, such as salt, minerals, shavings, pelleted feed, etc.

AEF Past President and chair of the fundraising initiative, Les Oakes, says without support, many in the community may be faced with difficult decisions.

More information can be found on the Alberta Equestrian Federation website.