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.

PHOTOS BY DEBBIE HAROLD PHOTOGRAPHY.

In response, the AEF called together other Alberta industry partners to form Alberta Equine Partners for the Herd, with 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 As we know, 2020 and COVID-19 have brought many challenges – and those within Financial difficulties months. The AEF and everyone involved with Alberta’s equine community are not immune to these challenges. The potential impact on the welfare of Alberta equine herd, prompted brought on by the pandemic has Alberta Equine Partners for the Herd – fundraising committee members, Horse Racing Alberta, CapriCMW Insurance the Federation to create and distribute a province-wide survey in June to get a sense of how the equestrian community was doing. threatened the wellbeing of some of the Services, RCMP Livestock Investigators and Veterinarians – are truly thankful and grateful to all those who generously do-

The survey results highlighted that almost 1 province’s equines. nated to this fundraiser and helped make a in 5 respondents need short-term support over difference in the equine community. the winter of 2020-2021 to ensure the welfare “We couldn’t have done any of this of the equines under their care. As well, about one-half of without you, Alberta’s caring people, behind us,” says Bell. “We survey respondents said that they only had three months of appreciate all the donations and efforts, especially as we know that available reserves of finances or supplies for the equines under so many of you are dealing with how COVID-19 has changed their care. and affected your lives as well. Thank you very much.” AB

the goal to raise funds to help Alberta’s herd get through the winter. 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

“We care wholeheartedly about Alberta’s horses and we are winter months.

their equines over the 2020-2021 winter