Classic Eventing Nation

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: More #BurghleyPony Training

By on Aug 30, 2017 3:00 pm -

World Horse Welfare Pamela, an 8.3 hand rescued Shetland pony, is set to become the smallest-ever Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials competitor. Supported by equestrian icons with her “star rider” yet to be revealed, the #BurghleyPony’s journey to four-star fame has been documented by a series of behind-the-scenes training videos released in the leadup to the event.

Throughout the summer Pamela has been training hard under the watchful eye of legendary horseman, including Carl Hester in dressage and Mark Todd on cross country.

This week her training continued via a show jumping masterclass with Tim Stockdale, who remarked after the session: “It makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up — the majesty of her jump, the power, the grace … it’s fabulous equine magnificence.”

Yogi Breisner also stepped up with a last-minute pep talk for the horse, taking her tiny nose in his hands as he imparted his wisdom:

We can’t wait to see where all of this is going, and our own Jenni Autry will be at Burghley this week to provide a firsthand report!

Go #BurghleyPony. Go Eventing.

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Fresh Horses Abound & All Accepted at Burghley First Inspection

By on Aug 30, 2017 1:29 pm -

Mackenna Shea and Landioso. Photo by Jenni Autry.

A brisk, overcast afternoon set the stage for the first horse inspection at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, with 61 combinations coming forward to present to the ground jury of Harry Payne, Martin Plewa and Katarzyna Konarska.

The chilly temperatures in Stamford and buzzing crowd in the main arena collided to create an excitable atmosphere for the horses, many of whom crow-hopped, bucked and reared their way down the jog strip in dramatic fashion.

All eight American horses were accepted and look in fantastic form — massive shout out to the super grooms for turning them out to perfection. The Donner Syndicate’s Donner seemed determined to steal the spotlight, and the ground jury asked Lynn Symansky to jog him twice. He was then accepted to much applause from the crowd. Nothing runs like a deer!

Donner says, “I MUST DANCE!” Photo by Jenni Autry.

We saw the riders wearing plenty of traditional tweed, hats adorned with feathers, boots sporting tassels and capes draped in fur, and our Americans definitely embraced the occasion and dressed the part.

Hiho Silver sponsored the Best Dressed competition for the first horse inspection, awarding a prize to the best dressed male and female riders. Nicole Brown of Event Rider Masters and Eventing Podcast fame, international dressage judge Jillian Kyle and Hiho Silver managing director Andrew Ransford served as fashion judges.

Mark Todd took honors as the best dressed male rider, while Clare Abbott won for the ladies. Nicole told EN the judges “were impressed with a number of the outfits, but the level of detail shown by our winners is what set them apart.”

Clare’s attire was “stylish, practical and classy,” Nicole Brown said. That’s how you win best dressed at a trot up! Photo by Jenni Autry.

Just one horse, Roo Fox’s mount Fleet Street, was sent to the holding box and passed upon re-inspection. High-profile withdrawals that occurred prior to the start of the event include Qalao des Mers, NZB Campino, Borough Pennyz and Malin Head Clover, who Lissa Green sadly withdrew just prior to the horse inspection when the horse knocked himself.

It will be a quiet start to dressage tomorrow for Team USA, as all four of our combinations are going nearly one right after the other in the last group for Thursday. On Friday the remaining four American pairs are spread across all three sections. Click here for a full list of dressage ride times.

Thursday dressage times:

  • Hannah Sue Burnett and Under Suspection: 3:10 p.m. BST/10:10 a.m. EST
  • Andrea Baxter and Indy 500: 3:26 p.m. BST/10:26 a.m. EST
  • Mackenna Shea and Landioso: 3:34 p.m. BST/10:34 a.m.  EST
  • Woodge Fulton and Captain Jack: 3:42 p.m. BST/10:42 p.m. EST

Friday dressage times:

  • Boyd Martin and Steady Eddie: 10:40 a.m. BST/5:40 a.m. EST
  • Lauren Kieffer and Veronica: 10:56 a.m. BST/5:56 a.m. EST
  • Lynn Symansky and Donner: 11:48 a.m. BST/6:48 a.m. EST
  • Lillian Heard and LCC Barnaby: 3:18 p.m. BST/10:18 a.m. EST

We are delighted to have Nico Morgan shooting beautiful photos of our American combinations at Burghley. Please visit his website at https://www.nicomorgan.co.uk to view his full photo galleries from the event.

You can watch dressage live and for free on Burghley’s Facebook page. All the details on how to watch live are here. Stay tuned for much more from Burghley! Go Eventing.

Burghley: Website, Entries, Schedule, Dressage Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

How to Watch Burghley 2017 Live Online + On Demand

By on Aug 30, 2017 10:48 am -

Hello from a rainy but beautiful Burghley! The grounds are buzzing here in Stamford, England, with the first horse inspection scheduled to start at 4 p.m. EST/11 a.m. EST. It’s an incredibly exciting week for USA eventing, as we have eight American combinations competing at this year’s event.

EN confirmed with the Burghley press office today that every phase of the event, including both horse inspections, will stream live on The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials Official Facebook Page — free and with no geo-restrictions worldwide.

The broadcast schedule is as follows:

Wednesday: First horse inspection 4-5 p.m. BST/11 a.m.-noon EST

Thursday: Dressage 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. BST/4:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. EST

Friday: Dressage 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. BST/4:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. EST

Saturday: Cross country 11 a.m.-4 p.m. BST/6 a.m.-11 a.m. EST

Sunday: Final horse inspection 9-10 a.m. BST/4-5 a.m. EST

First section of show jumping 10:30 a.m.-noon BST/5:30 a.m.-7 a.m. EST

Final show jumping and prize giving 3-5 p.m. BST/10 a.m.-noon EST

For viewers in the UK, cross country will also air live on BBC Red Button 11 a.m.-4 p.m. BST/6 a.m.-11 a.m. EST. Clare Balding, Ian Stark, Jonty Evans, Nick Luck and good friend of EN Nicole Brown will provide the commentary.

If you aren’t able to watch the action live, each ride from each phase will be available to view on demand at www.burghley.tv.

Burghley Links: Website, Entries, Schedule, Live Scoring, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Your Official AEC Social Calendar

By on Aug 30, 2017 10:35 am -

Eats, drinks and the best company in the land at the 2016 AEC Welcome Reception. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

The party never stops at the USEA American Eventing Championships! Tryon International Equestrian Center will play host to a full week’s worth of evening entertainment throughout the AECs, from competitor parties to Friday night polo and Advanced show jumping as this week’s “Saturday Night Lights” headliner.
Here’s a rundown of the action:
 
AEC Welcome Reception, Wednesday, August 30
Celebrate the commencement of the 2017 USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena® at the AEC Welcome Reception in Legends Club. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be served throughout the event, which will begin at 6 p.m. and continue through 7:30 p.m. All entered competitors will receive one free ticket, but additional tickets can be purchased online by clicking here.
AEC Adult Rider Party presented by Beohringer Ingelheim, Thursday, August 31
 
Thursday night activities will feature the Adult Rider Party hosted by Beohringer Ingelheim at the Silo Bar. A cash bar will be available, but riders registered for the USEA Adult Rider Program will receive drink tickets. This event is open to USEA competitors and family members.
AEC Young Rider Party, Thursday, August 31 
 
Younger riders will not be left out of the Thursday evening fun! The Young Rider Party is free to USEA riders age 21 and under, and will feature pizza and ice cream buffets. USEA competitors and their families are welcome at this event.
Brooke USA “Shelter the Donkeys” Fundraiser, Friday, September 1
 
Friday night will also feature the Brooke USA “Shelter the Donkeys” Fundraiser, which will highlight the initiatives of Brooke USA, a recognized 501c3 based in the United States dedicated to providing resources and awareness for working equines and donkeys in underdeveloped countries. From 5:30 – 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 1, be sure to swing by the decorated lounge area underneath of the Announcer’s Tower for a themed cocktail made by celebrity bartenders and Brooke USA ambassadors including Boyd Martin, Sinead Halpin, Tik Maynard, Allison Springer and more. A silent auction will run in conjunction with the event and feature mini-horse appearances, too.
 
AEC Competitor Party, Friday, September 1
Enjoy Gladiator Polo™ from the Special Events Tent during the 2017 USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena® Competitor Party on Friday, September 1! Beginning at 6:30 p.m. and finishing at 9 p.m., offering heavy hors d’ouvres and a cash bar for competitors, family, and friends! All entered competitors will receive one free ticket, but additional tickets can be purchased online by clicking here.
 
Gladiator Polo™ Argentine Asado Buffet, Friday, September 1
Kick-off the evening with an authentic fire-grilled Argentine Asado buffet on the Legends Club Porch overlooking the ring starting at 6 p.m. The all-you-can-eat buffet features tri-tip of beef with chimichurri, garlic Parmesan corn, roasted potatoes, Russian potato salad, smoked trout, chicken with rice, and more! A cash bar will be available. For pricing and to purchase your Argentine Asado buffet tickets click here.
“SNL” Advanced Show Jumping Legends Club Buffet, Saturday, September 2
Enjoy the highlight class of the 2017 USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena® under the lights in George H. Morris Arena on Saturday, September 2. Doors open at 6 p.m. The class will begin between 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., showcasing the best of U.S. eventing, as combinations complete the final phase of this impressive discipline to crown the winner of the 2017 Adequan® Gold Cup Series. An all-inclusive buffet dinner and open bar offers a fantastic view of the main arena and a lively social atmosphere during our signature “Saturday Night Lights” evening competition. Tickets are available online. Click here to purchase.
“SNL” AEC Craft Beer Festival, Saturday, September 2
There will be a Craft Beer Festival held in the Special Events Tent during Saturday Night Lights on September 2, with private seating and viewing for the 2017 Adequan® Gold Cup Series Advanced Show Jumping competition. The festival, held from 6 – 10 p.m., will include unlimited four-ounce pours from participating craft breweries, a heavy hors d’ouvres buffet, and a souvenir cup from TIEC. Some of the featured beers from Asheville craft breweries include Sierra Nevada, New Belgium, French Broad Brewing Company, Pisgah Brewing Company, Oskar Blues, Bold Rock, Catawba Brewing, Asheville Brewing, Highland Brewing, Noble Cider, Hi Wire and more. Tickets can be purchased at the door and online by clicking here.
Edited from a press release. 
American Eventing Championships: Website, Schedule, Ride Times/Live Scores, EN’s Coverage

Wednesday News & Notes from SmartPak

By on Aug 30, 2017 12:01 am -

Indy 500 enjoys the English sunset. Photo via Andrea Baxter’s FB page.

There’s something inherently romantic about the horses flying into England from all over the world for big, bad Burghley. While they might not be spending a great amount of time in the English countryside, the advent of these big four-stars seems almost a little magical. Plus, the American Eventing Championships starts today.

National Holiday: Meteor Day

Major Events This Week:

Burghley: Website, Schedule, Entries, EN’s Coverage

American Eventing Championships: Website, Schedule, Ride Times/Live Scores, EN’s Coverage

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Seneca Valley Pony Club H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Silverwood Farm H.T. [Website]

Woodland Stallion Station H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Park Equine Kentucky Classique H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Your Wednesday News & Notes:

It’s never to late to pick up the reins again. Judy Clark is finding a second wind as a re-rider who tried again at age 59. Now running Beginner Novice at the AECs, Judy worked up the levels from starter after thinking she was too old to try jumping again. [A Return to Tryon]

Here’s everything you need to know about the AECs. Did you know that five of the horses there came early, fleeing from Hurricane Harvey’s wrath? Did you know that Rider divisions are being offered at Beginner Novice through Preliminary for the first time? Did you know that 2,350 bags of shavings are being used at Tryon this weekend? [Fast Facts]

Britain is providing some top notch weather for Burghley. With temperatures in the high sixties and below, the British Isles have really come through on temperatures. With partly cloudy and sunny skies predicted, we’re in for a beautiful go this weekend. [Weather Forecast for Burghley]

SmartPak Product of the Day: Schooling is important and Labor Day means back to school sales. SmartPak is joining in on the fun, with their offer of buy one get one free for schooling boots. [SmartPak]

Tuesday Video from SpectraVet: Stuff Eventers Say

By on Aug 29, 2017 5:00 pm -

Washington state eventer Robin Loch sent us this video, several parts of which hit pretty darn close to home!

She explains the impetus behind the video’s creation. “I was sitting on my bum eating M&Ms when I started thinking of things eventers say or commonly run into and thought … heck, I have nothing to do but homework and adult activities so might as well procrastinate and make a video that I thought was hilarious. There are definitely things that happen that I forgot to include and some of these apply to all riders, but ya know, close enough!”

Robin has been riding since age five and gravitated toward eventing from the get-go, on whatever pony was available. “I always ended up with the bratty ponies no one else wanted to ride but they taught me the most, and to this day my favorite horses to work with are the difficult ones no one else wants to work with,” Robin says.

Now 20 years old, Robin is in her junior year of college and was last competing at Training level with her “spicy” little Thoroughbred mare, Trin (AKA Cool Lady Taylor). School has been keeping her busy lately, she says that eventing is always on her mind and in her heart: “Eventually I want to compete at the top of our sport and tackle the Kentucky Three-Day event as well as compete in the Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover and Mustang Magic Makeover. I know some high goals, but I figure with a box of Pop Tarts and a cute pony there is no challenge I can not conquer.”

We like your style, Robin! Go Eventing.

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Elle Choate’s Epic Save at Richland Park

By on Aug 29, 2017 3:00 pm -

Elle Choate is up for the Spider Monkey Award of the Year after she managed to recover from what looked like an unavoidable fall at the Richland Park Horse Trials last weekend. Entered in the Junior Training division, she and her Irish Sport Horse gelding Paddrick were having a lovely round when everything went sideways.

We’ll let Elle take it from here:

“He was having an absolutely fabulous warm-up and round up until that point… like a severe wood allergy…

Elle Choate and Paddrick, looking fab. Photo by Vickie Choate.

“He got in a little bit deep to the third fence and oxer so I clucked twice to him for a little encouragement…

Photo by Vickie Choate.

“I guess the second cluck was offensive and on landing he surged forward a stride then threw in the first massive twisted buck…

Photo by Vickie Choate.

“I probably could have recovered from that as he bucks all the time, but after that he threw his head straight down…

Photo by Vickie Choate.

“So it looked like I was going to become a lawn ornament, but I kept my reins short and I believe that I caught him in the mouth enough (sorry Paddy) that he immediately threw his head straight back up and caught me before I could go flying.”

Thanks to photographer Barbara Jean Martin, see what happened next.

After slowing Paddy down, Elle scooted back into the saddle and carried on with no stirrups.

Between this and Leslie Wylie’s 25km stirrup-less leg of the Mongol Derby, we have very little excuse to skip No Stirrup November ever again. Photo by Barbara J. Martin.

“I got one stirrup back before the next jump, which was a combination, and the second after that and we continued on like nothing happened and he finished the course beautifully.”

Photo by Barbara J. Martin.

Well done, Elle and Paddy for getting the job done!

5 Tips for a Better Clinic Experience

By on Aug 29, 2017 1:00 pm -
Amy Nelson in a George Morris Clinic. He is surely yelling at her to Amy Nelson in a George Morris Clinic. He is surely yelling at her to "RELEASE HIM" through the bullhorn. He said this a lot.

As eventing season in many regions winds down this fall, you may be looking to get a jump start on 2018 by riding in a clinic with an upper level rider. For those with year ’round eventing (I’m insanely jealous), you are likely riding with four-star riders to get ready for your next three-day event this fall.

Chances are you’ve spent a small fortune to ride in the clinic, so here are some tips to get the most out of your experience. While clinicians don’t expect you to have the fanciest clothes and the most expensive equipment, they do expect it to be neat and clean and in good working order. They do expect you to have manners, and for you to be humble. Spending an extra couple of minutes in the days before your ride will set the tone, and may even help you get ahead in the future.

  1.  Look the part. I have ridden with the likes of George Morris, Dom and Jimmie Schramm, and many other upper-level clinicians. They don’t expect you to have the most expen

    “I rode with George and didn’t cry.” — Amy Nelson

    sive anything but it shows them that you are putting forth an effort when you arrive in sensible tan breeches, a tucked-in collared shirt, a belt, and your hair tucked neatly away in your helmet. Don’t be the person showing up in a tank top with animal print breeches.

    They may not overtly say it, but a clinician will try harder if it looks like you care. And YES, George Morris WILL likely say something. I managed to not have any of his famous quotes directed at me, and I did have this tee shirt made for the occasion … which I still wear.

    2. Listen.

    They have seen a million horses and riders just like you. They don’t want to hear your excuses of he never does this at home. But this … but that. None of that matters. You are riding in the clinic because you believe that they have something valuable to say. If you know everything already then just stay home. 

    We learned in elementary school that we have two ears, but only one mouth, for a reason. Listen twice as much as you talk. IF you do talk, ask actual questions. It’s OK to ask a clinician to clarify something you don’t understand, or to ask for suggestions of exercises to practice at home. But don’t be the person who comes across as arrogant by talking more than the person who rode in Rolex.

    3. Be polite. Say things like thank you, and yes ma’am or yes sir. Sounds obvious?  You’d be surprised. These little details can set you apart and may convince the clinician to give you an extra couple of minutes of instruction, or extra tips that they might not otherwise divulge.

    Amy Nelson and Hummingbird’s River with Dom Schramm.

    4. Be punctual. Arrive early and be ready for your ride time. If you hang around for 45 minutes because you’re early, no one will be upset. But NEVER be late. The majority of clinicians expect you to be already warmed up by the time your group starts. Walk, trot, maybe a little bit of canter before your assigned ride time. They really don’t need to waste 15 minutes watching you warm up. You can do this in advance, and then you are ready to go for the actual instruction. Nothing irks a clinician more than you strolling up at 9:02 having just gotten on your horse.

5. Watch everyone. You paid for the clinic not just to ride in your group, but to watch and learn from ALL the groups. Maybe I look like the creepy stalker, but I don’t care. When I go to a clinic, I make it a point to watch every single group. Maybe my horse was in Prelim, but can I watch Beginner Novice or even Starter level and learn something? You bet. Maybe a new gymnastic, maybe a new way to approach to a cross country obstacle on the greenie I left at home. Maybe something to pass along to a student of mine, or a friend.

As the summer winds down you are probably looking to fill your calendar with fall and winter clinics. With a little preparation and effort, you will have a great time, learn heaps of new information, and make contacts along the way that can help you rise to the top of whatever level you have your eyes on. Because as George Morris once said (not to me, but someone in my group at a clinic): “You’re soooooo pretty, with your pretty little horse, and your pretty little clothes, but at some point you have to LEARN HOW TO RIDE!”

So get out there and learn.

3 … 2 … 1 … Have a good ride.

Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin: New Vocations Pony Club Challenge Edition

By on Aug 29, 2017 11:00 am -

Earlier this year New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program partnered with the United States Pony Clubs, Inc. to launch an exciting educational opportunity: the New Vocations Pony Club Challenge. The incentive-based competition is designed to give Pony Club members an opportunity to adopt retired racehorses, with participants showcasing their horse management and riding skills learned through Pony Club while providing qualified homes and new careers for retired racehorses.

For the Challenge, New Vocations will provide up to 50 free, retired racehorses, along with a $1,800 stipend, to eligible and pre-approved Pony Club members. These Pony Club members will compete for $10,000 in cash and prizes at the 2018 USPC Championships East in dressage, eventing, games, polocrosse, show jumping or western disciplines.

“By bringing together two organizations that are leaders in their fields, we will be able to provide an educational, incentive-based competition for Pony Club members that will ultimately increase the number of retired racehorses being moved into second careers,” explains Anna Ford, Thoroughbred Program Director for New Vocations. “We feel very strongly that this program will help educate the public on how much these horses have to offer once they leave the track while providing a wonderful opportunity for Pony Club members to experience equine ownership.”

Teresa Woods, Pony Club Executive Director, adds, “We are thrilled to partner with New Vocations to give Pony Club members this unique training and ownership opportunity. Education and horsemanship is synonymous with Pony Club, so what better way for members to utilize their Pony Club knowledge?”

For more information check out the New Vocations website. Here are three New Vocations Pony Club Challenge eligible OTTBs that caught our eye!

Photo via New Vocations.

Bi Light of Day (Five Star Day – Lady Bi Bi, by Lord Avie): 2010 15.2-hand New York bred mare

Bi Light Of Day, nicknamed “Lolli,” is a very elegant and refined girl with an attractive athletic build. Sired by multiple graded stakes winner Five Star Day, Lolli was a consistent runner on the track earning an impressive $185,875 in 46 career starts.

After Lolli’s 9th place finish on 6/14/17 her connections felt it was time for her to move on to her next career. Lolli has retired sound and has been transitioned into a turnout routine since arriving at the New Vocations facility. She is easy to handle on the ground and well behaved under saddle. Lolli is not spooky and a very straight forward ride. NV has been working on getting her to relax her top line and settle into a steady rhythm. She is naturally forward, but not a “hot” ride.

Lolli has made steady progress with every ride and has been more relaxed each day. She has been started over fences, and while she was uncertain at first, once she understood what was being asking of her she picked it up very quickly. Lolli is suitable for any discipline and does not have any limitations.

View Bi Light of Day on New Vocations.

Photo via New Vocations.

Tracy Island (U S Ranger – Moolakaya (FR), by Alzao): 2013 16.0-hand mare

Tracy caught NV’s eye as soon as she stepped off the trailer. She has a large intelligent eye and good looks to go with it. Tracy is a substantial, well built girl with a driven work oriented personality. She has retired after 13 career starts and is ready for her next job in life.

Tracy has been enjoying daily turnout and has buddied up with another mare in the program. They both have benefited immensely from having a companion. In the stall Tracy is well mannered, however she does prefer is you work slowly around her. She tends to get a little anxious while you tack her up but she settles once you get her into the arena. Tracy is not quite ready to stand patiently at the mounting block just yet, she relaxes more with each ride and is settling into a quieter atmosphere.

Tracy is a forward ride, with comfortable  ground covering gaits. She will make an excellent partner for an intermediate rider that will understand her desire to “go” at this time and will be patient as she continues to transition into life as a riding horse. Tracy will be suitable for flatwork and low level jumping. She is also available for the Pony Club Challenge and is recommend for a C-2 and above.

View Tracy Island on New Vocations.

Photo via New Vocations.

Issheit (Crimson Classic – Tidesinn, by Tricky Creek): 2008 16.1-hand Kentucky bred mare

“Sheila” is an elegant, leggy mare with a big heart. She has earned herself war horse status after a total of 73 lifetime starts! Sheila earned over $250,000 during her seven-year career and is ready to step into her new life as a riding horse. She is friendly, willing and likes to work!

Sheila has been enjoying regular turn out with a buddy. She is currently partnered up with a gelding and is getting along great. When they tried turning her out with another mare she was a bit too dominant.

Sheila has steady gaits and is brave in new atmospheres. She has worked happily inside and out and really enjoys hacking out. Sheila has a surprisingly soft mouth for the length of time she’s spent in race training. She is learning to relax through her top line more with every ride. Sheila has a ground covering canter stride and steadies easily in her downward transitions. She has also been started over small fences and was eager to please. Overall Sheila is a pleasure to work with and she enjoys having a job! She is suitable for most disciplines including dressage and low level jumping with an intermediate rider.

View Issheit on New Vocations.

Hurricane Harvey and Horses: How You Can Help

By on Aug 29, 2017 9:00 am -

Embed from Getty Images

Texas is reeling from Hurricane Harvey, with record floodwaters in Houston displacing 30,000 people from their homes since the Category 4 storm made landfall on Friday. The death toll rose to five yesterday. More than 450,000 people are expected to seek federal aid, according to the the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The people and animals impacted by this monumental disaster are in our thoughts and prayers, and we’ve compiled information for those interested in helping Houston residents and horse owners.

To help our human friends: We suggest making a simple donation to the American Red Cross or giving blood at one of the local blood banks in your area. Blood donations are always low this time of year, and it will be even more helpful now.

The Red Cross are also some of the first groups on the ground assisting those in shelters and getting people out of their homes, so a donation can go a long way towards getting victims what they need. [Donate to American Red Cross – Hurricane Harvey Fund]

Humane Society standing by for animal rescues outside East Texas. Photo courtesy of HSUS.

To help our animal friends: There are a few groups doing rescue operations on the ground who would no doubt appreciate a little financial support.

  • The Humane Society of the United States – They have an animal rescue team on standby with horse trailers, crates, food, clean water and medical supplies to handle animal rescues in the floods and downed buildings. Your donation helps pay staffers and keep supplies stocked. They have a Harvey-specific link where you can donate directly toward disaster relief. [Click here to donate to HSUS Harvey Relief]
  • US Equestrian Disaster Relief Fund – Coordinating fundraising efforts to assist the Houston SPCA for horses and horse owners [Click here to donate to the US Equestrian Disaster Relief Fund]
  • The Houston SPCA – They will be taking in strays and rescues through the storm and helping how they can outside the shelter. [Click Here to donate to Houston SPCA]
  • Crossfire Equine Rescue – a Houston based equine rescue, they’ve got trailers standing by and are helping coordinate dry evacuations for horses in the south-east Texas area. Get more info at their Facebook Page: [Crossfire Equine Rescue]
  • Why They Cry Animal Rescue – They are coordinating many additional equine rescues in the Houston area and distributing lost and found lists. See more here: [Why They Cry]

Please keep Texas in your thoughts this week. We know they’ll be in ours.

Jenni Autry contributed to this report.