IN THE COMMUNITY
Helping Alberta’s Herd this Winter
AEF and industry partners teamed up to form “Alberta Equine Partners for the Herd,” a fundraising initiative to help Alberta equines in need. PH OT O S B Y DE B B I E HA R OL D PH OT O G R A PH Y.
As we know, 2020 and COVID-19 have brought many challenges – and those within Alberta’s equine community are not immune to these challenges. The potential impact on the welfare of Alberta equine herd, prompted the Federation to create and distribute a province-wide survey in June to get a sense of how the equestrian community was doing. The survey results highlighted that almost 1 in 5 respondents need short-term support over the winter of 2020-2021 to ensure the welfare of the equines under their care. As well, about one-half of survey respondents said that they only had three months of available reserves of finances or supplies for the equines under their care. In response, the AEF called together other Alberta industry partners to form Alberta Equine Partners for the Herd, with the goal to raise funds to help Alberta’s herd get through the winter. “We care wholeheartedly about Alberta’s horses and we are concerned about the risk to their well-being due to the financial difficulties brought on by the pandemic,” says Les Oakes, AEF Past President and chair of the fundraising initiative. “Without support, many in the community may be faced with difficult decisions. We want to do what we can to ensure the health, safety, welfare and care of equines in Alberta.” “We wanted to stand together and make a difference for horses, donkeys and mules in need in the province this winter,” says Sandy Bell, President Elect and committee member.
“With so much uncertainty, we wanted to provide relief to ensure the short-term financial effects of the pandemic does not cause strain on care for Alberta’s herd.” The goal of Alberta Partners for the Herd was to raise funds during the summer and early fall. An extremely generous financial contribution from John Anderson of Rocky Mountain Show Jumping kicked off the initiative. The United Farmers of Alberta (UFA) also helped to ensure that Gift Cards could be made available to assist with providing care. One hundred per cent of donations went towards helping those in the equine community by providing basic needs such as salt, minerals, shavings and pelleted feed. Generous community members also donated hay and straw, while others showed support by purchasing AEF merchandise. The Alberta Equine Partners for the Herd fundraiser managed to raise $78,653 to assist applicants with basic care for their equines over the 2020-2021 winter months. The AEF and everyone involved with Alberta Equine Partners for the Herd – fundraising committee members, Horse Racing Alberta, CapriCMW Insurance Services, RCMP Livestock Investigators and Veterinarians – are truly thankful and grateful to all those who generously donated to this fundraiser and helped make a difference in the equine community. “We couldn’t have done any of this without you, Alberta’s caring people, behind us,” says Bell. “We appreciate all the donations and efforts, especially as we know that so many of you are dealing with how COVID-19 has changed and affected your lives as well. Thank you very much.” AB
Financial difficulties brought on by the pandemic has threatened the wellbeing of some of the province’s equines.
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ALBERTA BITS I FALL/WINTER 2020
Alberta Equine Partners for the Herd fundraiser managed to raise $78,653 to assist applicants with basic care for their equines over the 2020-2021 winter months.
