By Equestrian Life
 
The bushfire crisis in Australia has affected many in the equestrian community, from professional riders and businesses, to those who have a retired horse in the backyard.
 
The only positive to emerge from these terrible few months has been the response of the industry — individuals and businesses alike have banded together to help those who have been affected. These initiatives have been done to provide assistance, not garner attention; however, we thought it would nice to share some of these stories as a reminder of the wonderful community we’re a part of.
 
In Victoria, family-run transport business M & J Peterson Horse Transport stepped up to help those who were unable to evacuate their horses in the path of fire. Matt and Jackie Peterson and their employee Steph Gray gave up a week of their time and their resources to move hundreds of the animals out of harm's way. In some cases they were loading horses that had never been transported before, and they no doubt saved many animals. Read more. 
 
Animal health company Virbac is working very closely with its partners and supporting through donations to help much-loved horses, pets and livestock. The impact on Australian businesses, individuals and animals has been devastating and may never be restored, but like so many in this industry, Virbac feel it’s important to provide assistance and continue to rally support where they can.
 
The joint health team at Interpath (makers of 4CYTE) have contributed to the Provet Bushfire Disaster Relief Fund alongside many other suppliers. 
 
Hygain Group (inc. Mitavite) and New Zealand based Fiber Fresh Feeds are providing immediate support to front-line horse evacuation centres and support groups on the ground in affected regions. So far the companies have committed over 75 tonnes ($100,000) worth of much needed feed and equine specific supplements to support the front-line disaster evacuation centres. This support will help to feed horses housed at the centres in NSW and VIC, as well as being distributed directly to farms via the support groups throughout the fire affected regions.
 
The Equestrian Fundraising for Fire Relief Facebook page still has many great auctions underway with 100% of funds raised going to Blaze Aid — a charity that rebuilds fences and other infrastructure on rural properties after natural disasters. Many business and individuals have donated amazing auction items to this cause, and it is well worth keeping an eye on this page! At the moment there is a tack pack from Edwina Tops-Alexander up for grabs, as well as a 12-month subscription to Tristan Tucker’s TRT program (Inc. bonus videos and monthly live Q & As with Tristan). Equestrian Life donated 25 x 1 year subscriptions to this cause, raising over $2000; this auction has now ended, however if you missed out, we’re currently donating $10 from every subscription sold until the end of February.
 
The racing industry has also banded together and come up with some great initiatives, from direct financial support to donating money from gate takings at up coming race meetings. You can read more here.
 
The Equestrian Fire Relief Australia (EFRA) Fund has recently been launched to support the Australian equestrian community affected by the bushfires. A host of riders, including Carl Hester, Andrew Hoy, William Fox-Pitt and Ingrid Klimke, have pledged to help raise funds and awareness for the EFRA Fund. The EFRA will dispense funds via local emergency and recovery committees in Australia, supporting the affected equestrian community through emergency aid and existing initiatives, including distributing materials and goods. Read more here. 
 
Eventing commentating app Sit Tight Radio created a wonderful initiative to raise funds for the current bushfire crisis. Founder Fiona Hughes hit the road with a 2020 Wallaby Hill calendar and had it signed by an incredible number of Australian equestrian stars — before auctioning it off to raise money for bush fire relief. The calendar reached an impressive winning bid of $2400! Read more here. 

Charles Sturt University’s veterinary centre has been treating horses injured during the fires, while CSU’s Equine Centre also acted as an emergency evacuation facility. The team is being helped by many volunteers, and the centre is currently in need of donations to help purchase the best medications, intravenous fluids and bandages relevant to burns and injuries sustained during bush fires. Find out how to help this cause here. 

Australian owned equine nutrition, supplements and veterinary medications supplier Ranvet has been busy donating supplies to those who need it most. Marketing Manager Portia Eaton’s community has been affected by the fires, and as such she’s working closely with those on the ground to ensure specific supplies go to where they are needed. For example, a pallet of salt licks has gone in a convoy of supplies to Cobargo; these blocks will help provide vital nutrients to animals who no longer have access to pasture. Ranvet has also donated veterinary supplies to Ulladulla Veterinary Clinic (who are working tirelessly to assist injured animals), and Charles Sturt University in Wagga (who as you’ve read above are taking in a number of injured horses). Ranvet has donated money to an account set up by the team at Agriwest (Robertson, Milton & Bomaderry — these Agriwest stores will be working closely with the local community to help those who need it most). In addition Ranvet is also offering a significant discount on all products purchased for bush fire relief through their friends at Eastern Distributors. They have also agreed to match the discount. 

Feed company CopRice has been donating animal feed and is providing support to affected customers through a range of other means. The broader SunRice team have also moved to support the relief effort through their partnership with Foodbank Australia and have been providing rice products to assist evacuation centres, displaced communities and frontline services. A number of CopRice employees have been part of the fire fighting efforts themselves – joining the NSW Rural Fire Service and the CFA (Country Fire Authority).
 
The team at Bates Saddles has been hard at work, passing a saddle around Australia to gather signatures from Australian Sponsored riders; the saddle is to be auctioned off complete with signed saddle cover, to raise funds for the Bushfire Relief. More details can be found here.
 
There are many, many other people and organisations doing all they can to help those affected by the fires. If you have a great story of how someone is lending a helping hand, email info@eqlife.com.au

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