Residents and communities are coming together to help those displaced by the devastating California wildfires. For those looking to help, a number of donation drives have been organized, and we know the eventing community will step up and give generously to help those horses in need.
Here is a running list of resources that have been brought to our attention, which we will keep updated. Please email [email protected] with additional listings.
Ali Hamman of South Coast Sport Horses LLC is organizing equipment donations, including halters, leads, wraps and barn supplies. Contact via Facebook with equipment donations.
American Association of Equine Practitioners, or AAEP, is already working with vets in Southern California and is accepting donations via the Disaster Relief Fund to continue supporting those vets. Select “Disaster Relief” when donating.
Animal Care Foundation of Los Angeles County “Noah’s Legacy Fund” is accepting donations to support the Department’s emergency response efforts. Donate via the website and specify “Noah’s Legacy Fund.”
California Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association is collecting donations to assist victims of the fire. When donating via the website, select “Add Special Instructions to Seller” and then type in the words “For victims of the SLRD fire.”
CARMA — California Retirement Management Account, a local CANTER partner — is accepting donations to assist San Luis Rey Downs horses. Earmark your donation by typing “FIRE” in the comments.
Del Mar Fairgrounds is now in need of supplies — it’s serving as the evacuation center not just for San Luis Rey Downs but for multiple horse owners and facilities in the evacuation area. Particular needs include pitchforks and rakes, buckets, bedding and feed. Del Mar has stated it currently has enough volunteers to help care for horses, watch for signs of colic and identify tattoos and markings on the Thoroughbreds evacuated from San Luis Rey. Donate via the website.
Little Red Feather Cares is accepting donations to assist with all horses and horse owners affected by fire. Earmark your donation by typing “FIRE” in the comments.
Local feed stores are accepting donations over the phone to assist displaced horses:
- Damoor’s Feed (will match donation): (818) 242-2841 9 a.m.-6 p.m. PT
- Mary’s Tack and Feed: (858) 755-2015, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. PT. Mary’s Tack and Feed has also opened a donation page on its website and will be matching the first $500 donated.
- Carter’s Hay and Grain: (760) 436-4738, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.PT
- Broken Horn Supply: (626) 337-4088 10 a.m.-6 p.m. PT
- East Valley Feed and Tack: (818) 767-3060, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. PT
Thoroughbred Charities of America is prepared to assist San Luis Rey Downs horses, once the immediate crisis starts to resolve and needs are assessed. TCA aided the race horses of Puerto Rico after two hurricanes devastated the island earlier this year. Visit TCA’s website to make a cash donation.
Santa Anita Park, Stronach Group & Del Mar Thoroughbred Club are joining forces through GoFundMe to raise funding to buy needed supplies for evacuated horses, including bedding, feed and supplies for horses, as well as medical bills; funds will also support those individuals who lost everything at San Luis Rey Downs such as grooms and staff who lived on the premises.
USEF Disaster Relief Fund is accepting donations via its website.
Use caution when donating to crowdfunding sites. We have “vetted” crowdfunding links we share here.
Our hearts go out to all those affected by wildfires.
Listing compiled by Kristen Kovatch of Horse Nation.
