Horses and humans seek refuge in Zuma Beach  (Brittny Mejia / Los Angeles Times)
 

Wellington, Florida—Nov. 14, 2018—It's heartbreaking to watch the images coming out of California this week, especially those involving fellow horsemen. For those who feel compelled to help, it can be hard to know where donations will have the most impact. While many credible efforts to raise funds for California's wildfire victims exist, here are four direct and effective ways you can help members of the equestrian community in crisis:

 

1. Donate to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation

This foundation provides vital private funding for the Los Angeles Fire Department when city funds run out. Tax-deductible donations go directly to the firefighters, securing the equipment and supplies they need for their courageous effort on the front lines. 

 

2. Donate to Woosley Fire Horse Relief

This Facebook fundraiser initiated by California horsewoman Sami Gros is grassroots-meets-digital-age mobilization at its finest. Sami and others are working around the clock to locate, transport and care for horses and horse people in devastated  areas. She knows what these horsemen need because she's beside them in the thick of disaster, and she pledges that every dime raised will be put toward the immediate needs of these animals and their caretakers who have lost everything. 

 

3. Donate to Horse Relocation and Support Costs

Devon Maitozo, WEG team coach and the most decorated vaulter in U.S. history, is working to help other horsemen even as the safety of his renowned vaulting center in Thousand Oaks remains in question. Donations to Devon's Facebook fundraiser will help provide feed to displaced horses and veterinary care to those injured by fire and smoke.  

 

4. Donate to the USEF Equine Disaster Relief Fund

One hundred percent of the your tax-deductible donation will go to the North Valley Animal Disaster Group, U.C. Davis Veterinary Emergency Response Team, and the Humane Society of Ventura County. US Equestrian will be working through the USEF Disaster Relief Fund with these organizations and others over the coming weeks to support the ongoing rescue and rehabilitation efforts throughout the state of California.

 

No donation is too small. Together, we can make a difference.

 

#HorsemenHelpingHorsemen