UECF annual review published

The Ukrainian Equestrian Charity Foundation (UECF) gives the annual update for 2022/23 activities and continues to appeal to the equestrian world to help Ukraine horses.

UEF-Charity Foundation:

The UEF Charity Foundation is registered in Belgium and its mission is to help the Ukrainian equestrian community during the crisis. The Foundation works closely with the animal welfare organisations. For all the latest information and activities visit https://helpukrainehorses.wordpress.com/

Marking a year in the Ukraine war

The 24th of February 2023 marks the sombre 1 year anniversary of the start of the large-scale war in Ukraine.  Twelve months on and still no end in sight to sufferings and humanitarian crises. Looking back on this year of war where we saw true terror and desperation, death and destruction, but also the incredible resilience and strength of the Ukrainian people. 

One year ago, the founder of the Ukrainian Equestrian Charity Foundation Mykhaylo Parkhomchuk said: “Help us to stand for our country and for our values! Being an equestrian means a unique bond between horse and human built on trust. Our commitment to the welfare of our horses is strong at all times and without compromising.”

The events that followed the invasion proved the resilience and deep commitment of the Ukrainian equestrian community to their country, community and the welfare of their horses. Whilst aggressive missile attacks continue to spread terror and desperation, the Ukrainian equestrians are coming back to their homes, bringing relocated horses back to their stables, repairing the destroyed yards, paddocks and riding arenas and dreaming of building back a better future. 

This week also marks the first anniversary of the Ukrainian Equestrian Charity Foundation. It was established on the 28th of February 2022 to rescue and save equines in Ukraine and help the Ukrainian equestrians to stand for their horses and protect their welfare. 

We started with a group of volunteers from 15 different countries and Ukraine. What we have accomplished together is unbelievable. During the first months of war we arranged the relocation, evacuation and shelter for more than 500 horses. We have organised logistics for 1200 tonnes of humanitarian aid for horses. Another 500 tonnes of hay and feed have been sourced locally. We have helped to supply stables with rugs and blankets for the winter period, and Ukrainian equine vets with the essential medicines and equipment. Almost 5000 horses from 300 stables benefited in one or another way from the help of our team and our partners. The most important is that our work has brought hope and strength to the Ukrainian equestrians to recover and adapt and to win together.” Mykhaylo Parkhomchuk described the first year of the UECF. 

The UECF has developed in one year from zero to the largest equine humanitarian organisation in Ukraine. The help is provided on a large scale and is localised – production of compound feed and sourcing of hay are organised in Ukraine. 

We would like to thank the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) and British Equestrians for Ukraine (British Equestrian, The British Horse Society, British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) and World Horse Welfare), Equestrian society of Ukraine, IFAW, US Equestrian, Brooke USA, Blue Cross, House of Animals, European Equestrian Federation, FEEVA, BEVA – The British Equine Veterinary Association, ISELP, Worldwide Vets, Equus Caballus Rescue Foundation – ECRF, Stadnina Koni Leśna Wola, Hub SOS UA, Tallinn International Horse Show and many other organisations along with individual members of the equestrian community all around the world that have supported and encouraged us.

Together with the help of donors and hundreds of volunteers, the UECF will continue implementing a five step action plan to support the welfare of equines in Ukraine over the winter: 

  • distribution of humanitarian aid to regions most affected by the war, with primary focus on hay supplies
  • on demand help with relocation of horses to safer regions and regions with better supplies
  • distribution of rugs along with other equestrian and stableyard equipment
  • providing a free of charge all-inclusive shelter for horses relocated from dangerous and deprived regions
  • readiness to relocate horses and offer them shelter stabling in emergency situations

The horses in Ukraine have been facing significant challenges during the ongoing war, as many horse owners are struggling to provide enough food for their animals. If you’re looking to make a difference in their lives, please consider supporting UECF’s efforts. Your contribution can help provide hay and compound feed to the horses, as well as support food deliveries to stables. Your help can mean the difference between life and death for these animals. Please consider making a donation to UECF today. Donate

FEEVA raises funds to rescue Ukrainian horses from starvation

The campaign is run in cooperation with the Ukrainian Equestrian Charity Foundation (UECF) and it will help fund the purchase and distribution of locally produced quality hay for horses in Ukraine.

All raised funds will be used to purchase and distribute hay to horses in the most vulnerable regions close to war zones, where in addition to severe economic issues there are also military actions-caused obstacles preventing harvesting and transporting hay. Horses also don’t have access to grazing due to the war.

To donate: FEEVA / UECF Hay for Ukrainian horses

Every 75 EUR raised is enough
to feed 1 horse / 1 month


Every horse matters

Hay is needed in more than 100 stables in the frontline regions. More than 800 horses are at risk of starvation.

The Ukrainian Equestrian Charity Foundation have block booked quality hay and prepared everything for distribution. Horses need support for 1-2 month to survive over winter until pastures and fields can be used.

This request is urgent since most of the stables asking for humanitarian aid have only a little food left and are at a high risk of starvation. Please support us if you can!

Update about the situation in Ukraine

The current situation in Ukraine is deteriorating rapidly. The Ukrainian officials have announced the destruction of 50% of energy infrastructure, depriving Ukrainians of electricity, water, heating, and connectivity all over Ukraine. Aggressive missile attacks continue spreading terror and desperation whilst the cold and dark winter is approaching very quickly. 

For many of the stables we help and our Ukrainian volunteers,  blackouts, shortages of water, disruption of heat supply and problems with connectivity have become an everyday reality. 

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The first snow fell in Kyiv, Kharkiv and many other cities and regions. The temperature stays below zero degrees celsius. Days are getting shorter, sunset is around 16:00. After sunset the cities and towns are draped in darkness. Blackouts are tiring mentally, making everyday normal activities and their planning impossible. Energy crisis directly impacts our operational capacity in Ukraine. Because of constant blackouts we had to postpone the production of the humanitarian compound feed for the Ukrainian equines. There have been delays in logistics and distribution of hay.” Mykhaylo Parkhomchuk, founder of the Ukrainian Equestrian Charity Foundation (UE-CF), explained the situation in Kyiv.

For horse owners, this means more difficulties and troubles. Stables are looking for generators to be able to produce electricity during blackouts and water buckets to create and store an emergency water supply. Horse owners are asking in addition to hay and feed also for rugs and blankets to keep horses warm. Before the war, putting a warm rug over a horse during winter was not very common in Ukraine. During the times of feed insecurity, rugs became essential to lower the feed expenses. During the winter, horses need more feed to produce the body heat – rugs help keep them warm and help lower the feed consumption and feeding costs throughout the cold season.

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“In October we distributed more than 200 rugs to four regions in Ukraine. Another nearly 300 rugs donated to us by the British Equestrians for Ukraine and private donors from Belgium, Germany, France, UK and other countries are already in Lviv being prepared for distribution, and around 1 000 rugs collected by the Equus Caballus Rescue Foundation from Sweden on their way to Ukraine. This is a significant help to horses. Nevertheless the demand for hay and feed remains very large and distribution of hay support will remain our primary focus for the forthcoming months. We started to outreach the liberated part of the Kherson region to collect information on the number of equines, situation with hay and feed supplies and possibilities to bring humanitarian aid there.” – Mykhaylo Parkhomchuk described the recent activities of the UE-CF.

Together with the help of donors and hundreds of volunteers, the UE-CF has prepared a five step action plan to support the welfare of equines in Ukraine over the winter: 

  • distribution of humanitarian aid to regions most affected by the war, with primary focus on hay supplies
  • on demand help with relocation of horses to safer regions and regions with better supplies
  • distribution of rugs and other stabling equipment
  • providing a free of charge all-inclusive shelter for horses relocated from dangerous and deprived regions
  • readiness to relocate horses and offer them shelter stabling in emergency situations

The UE-CF will continue supporting the Ukrainian equestrians acknowledging that the most difficult times are still ahead. The UE-CF invites riders, equestrian clubs, sports organisations, horse welfare organisations to unite and to come out with a renewed pledge of solidarity with Ukraine and Ukraine´s equestrian community to help survive during the cold and dark winter. 

Do you want to contribute to source hay and support production of compound feed for the Ukrainian horses, or support food and rugs delivery to stables? You can do that by donating to the UE-CF or sending rugs and other equipment to the humanitarian aid hub in Poland. The donation webpage: https://helpukrainehorses.wordpress.com/en/donate/

Ukrainian equine veterinarians received veterinary medical supplies worth $100,000

Following a call for aid coordinated by the Ukrainian Equestrian Federation Charity Foundation (UEF-CF), the FEI Solidarity Relief Fund with financial help from the United States Equestrian Federation purchased equine medicines and veterinary supplies for distribution to Ukrainian veterinarians. The total value of the donated medical supplies is $100,000 and includes aid for emergency cases, including colic, infections, lameness, and other common diseases. As of the end of August 2022 all donated medicines have been delivered to Ukraine and distributed to equine veterinarians and taken into use. The generous donation helps equine veterinarians treat horses with quality and free-of-charge drugs and supplies. 

Prior to the launch of the project in Ukraine, the UEF-CF reached out to almost all the equine veterinarians from Ukrainian regions to map the situation of horse welfare and help required.  Several problem areas were highlighted, including lack of medicines, such as painkillers, anesthetics, sedatives, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs etc, a general lack of equipment, including portable x-rays, ultrasound, endoscope machines, and the very limited financial resources of horse owners to pay for treatment. The FEI Solidarity Relief Fund in cooperation with the USEF Foundation stepped in to help – the most needed medicines and supplies were commissioned in Europe and delivered to Ukraine.

“Following the invasion by Russian military forces, the FEI set aside a Solidarity Relief Fund of one million Swiss francs for the equestrian community in Ukraine,”

Ingmar De Vos, FEI President

“In addition, the USEF joined forces with the FEI Solidarity Relief Fund, establishing the USEF Ukraine Relief Fund to support Ukrainian horses and equestrians, with 100% of funds raised going to the FEI Solidarity Relief Fund to be distributed by the FEI for specific projects approved by the USEF. Thanks to the generosity and dedication of equestrians and National Federations worldwide, veterinary equipment and supplies have been purchased and donated to the Ukrainian equestrian community to address their most pressing needs. We work hand in hand with the Charity Foundation of the Ukrainian Equestrian Federation to address the most pressing needs. Our efforts are ongoing and the welfare of Ukrainian athletes, both human and equine, remains our absolute priority.”

In Ukraine, the UEF-CF coordinated the distribution of donated medicine. This was done in a collaborative and inclusive manner with the Ukrainian FEI’s accredited veterinarians who chose the distribution principles and distribution plan. The main objective was to increase accessibility and quality of veterinary services for horses in Ukraine. All donated medicines were distributed to equine veterinarians to the eight regions with the largest number of horses – Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Odessa, Sumy, Vinnytsia, Cherkassy  and Lviv.

“Assistance for veterinarians is extremely important in Ukraine. For many horse owners, even simple veterinary care is out of reach now, and veterinarians often work on a volunteer basis. Free medicines will make it possible to save and help many horses in this difficult time. We are very grateful to our colleagues at the United States Equestrian Federation and the FEI Solidarity Foundation for responding to our request and providing our veterinarians with the medical supplies they need now and in sufficient quantities.”

Mykhaylo Parkhomchuk, founder of the Ukrainian Equestrian Federation Charity Foundation

As a follow-up, the FEI veterinary department plans to hold a seminar to provide general information about the sent medical supplies and to discuss specific use cases and difficult situations that Ukrainian veterinarians face when treating horses.

“The US Equestrian community, and notably Brooke USA, were important contributors to this incredible effort to rally around the needs of horses in Ukraine where help is needed so desperately. The global equestrian community is powerful and cohesive and demonstrates how much can be accomplished when people come together. We would like to thank you, our members, for once again stepping up with your generosity,”

Tom O’Mara, President of USEF

United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) 

Dedicated to uniting the equestrian community, honouring achievement, and serving as guardians of equestrian sport. Since its inception, US Equestrian has been dedicated to pursuing excellence and promoting growth, all while providing and maintaining a safe and level playing field for both its equine and human athletes

US Equestrian trains, selects, and funds our United States Equestrian Team, which consistently wins medals at the highest level of international competition, including the Olympic Games. US Equestrian also licenses equestrian competitions of all levels across the United States each year.

Fostering growth among newcomers as well as the coming generation is paramount to US Equestrian’s continued success. Our young equestrians continually raise the bar both at home and abroad, pushing themselves to be better and strive for excellence, all while fostering and strengthening the connection between themselves and their horses.

US Equestrian contributes to the greater good of horses by assisting with their protection and welfare in crisis situations and natural disasters, as well as in daily competition. As part of this pledge to protect equine welfare, US Equestrian continues to help support federal and state governments and works closely with other national equine organisations.

FEI Solidarity Foundation

Launched in 2011, FEI Solidarity promotes and develops equestrian culture and sport worldwide in a sustainable and structured way. We work directly with the FEI’s member National Federations and recognised Continental Associations by providing the tools, the knowledge and the infrastructure required to develop the sport and nurture talent from grassroots to the world stage. 

FEI support is focussed on four key pillars of activity (National Federation, Athlete, Coach and Values) with specific programmes available in each of the pillars in order to best target and fulfil specific development needs. We do this through financial support, consultancy services and technical programmes and we collaborate closely with over 40 Technical Experts to deliver the programmes around the world and oversee the global development of the sport. 

Since 2012, foundation has supported 284 projects and programmes in all four corners of the globe, using one of our three types of “Assistance” across the four FEI Solidarity pillars.

Ukrainian Equestrian Federation Charity Foundation (UEF-CF)

The UEF Charity Foundation is one of the youngest and rapidly growing organisations in Ukraine, that focuses on helping equestrians and their horses during the war in Ukraine. Founded on the 4th day of the conflict, the foundation has provided help to more than 5000 horses in 200 stable yards in Ukraine, assisted in evacuation and relocation of more than 300 horses and established 2 free evacuation stable yards (100 boxes) for relocated horses in safe areas, provided food and bedding for their inhabitants. Currently over 1200 tonnes of food and bedding have been distributed in Ukraine through the transparent system of help requests, strong logistics and the tireless work of 30 volunteers. UEF-CF is registered in Belgium and its mission is to help the Ukrainian equestrian community during the crisis. The Foundation works closely with the FEI, EEF and National Equestrian Federations. For all the latest information and activities visit https://helpukrainehorses.wordpress.com/

To win together, we need a renewed pledge of solidarity with Ukrainian equestrian family

Six months of war in Ukraine has left behind destruction and suffering for the people and their loved ones. The war has destroyed the lives, dreams and hopes of Ukrainian equestrians, athletes, trainers, veterinarians, farriers, breeders. Many equestrians and their family members have fled inside or outside Ukraine, taking their horses with them or leaving everything behind. Many have joined the defence forces to fight for freedom or volunteered to help others. The Ukrainian equestrians have been doing all they can to take care of their horses, sometimes at the expense of their own wellbeing and at the risk of their lives. All this time, the western equestrian world has been supporting the Ukrainian equestrians and helped to keep Ukrainian equines safe. 

Unfortunately autumn has not brought relief to Ukraine. The need for humanitarian aid continues to grow, food and fuel prices are on the rise, the economy is shrinking and people have no means to afford basic supplies and take care of their families. In many regions, they are at risk of being left without heat, electricity and water supplies due to constant attacks. For horses, this means feed insecurity, huge welfare challenges, high risks of starvation or of finding themselves in the middle of war zones. At the same time, the difficult economic situation, risks of inflation and severe energy crisis are shifting focus in the western democracies away from Ukraine. 

 

“In spring, we experienced a period of panic, huge uncertainty and desperation.  We witnessed an unprecedented wave of solidarity and support. People from all over Europe, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan and other parts of the world answered the call and were there to help. Now the war puts a strain on not only Ukraine, but the whole democratic world – it is a huge challenge to sustain and increase the levels of support and commitment to stand behind Ukraine for Ukrainians to survive and not lose hope during autumn and winter” Mykhaylo Parkhomchuk, founder of the Ukrainian Equestrian Charity Foundation, explained the new phase of war. 

From the first days of war, many sports organisations and organisations supporting animal welfare stepped in to help – together we have ensured that: 

  • essential veterinary medicines and equipment reached equine veterinarians in Ukraine and have been taken into use to help sustain horses´ health
  • 200 stables with more than 5,000 horses benefited from humanitarian aid (feed, hay, equipment)
  • more than 500 horses received relocation, evacuation support or shelter stabling in Ukraine and hundreds of horses found safe shelters abroad
  • hundreds of Ukrainian equestrians received dedicated help with accommodation and equestrian jobs in Europe
  • Ukrainian athletes received support to continue trainings and represent Ukraine at international competitions

This was all made possible with the help of hundreds of volunteers and donors, including the global equestrian community members,  the FEI Solidarity Foundation, British Equestrians for Ukraine, the United States Equestrian Federation, several private foundations and charities as well as national federations, equestrian clubs and organizations standing for equine´s welfare.

Humanitarian aid requirements and future challenges in addressing the mental health consequences of war

The situation in the Ukrainian equestrian sector is staggering. The survey conducted by the UE-CF in the summer of 2022 demonstrates that half of the stables are not prepared for winter – they couldn’t source and stock hay and 4,000 to 5,000 horses in 150-200 stables in Ukraine are at serious risk of starvation. Most vulnerable are regions close to war zones and liberated regions, where,  in addition to severe serious economic issues, obstacles caused by military actions, such as mined fields, destroyed machinery and equipment, prevent the harvest and transport of hay. The prices for hay are very high, reaching in some regions 200 EUR per ton, which is an equivalent of minimum monthly wage rate for 2021 in Ukraine. 

Restoring the equine industry and equestrian sports in Ukraine will require enormous efforts. In 2022, almost all sports events were cancelled, many sporting and breeding facilities damaged, horses were relocated and their routines were interrupted. War has a catastrophic effect on mental health and wellbeing of the whole nation. This is also true for the equestrian community.

“The war has damaged all we have achieved for the past generation, all that we have been proud of as an equestrian nation. Starting over and rebuilding will be a lengthy process and require a lot of resources. The extent of the damage to the equestrian infrastructure has not yet been mapped. Even if the facilities can be rebuilt, we should now focus on our people – people who experienced traumatic events, especially children. We hope to establish a network of clubs and stables, where war veterans and traumatized children will get help and support via hippotherapy and rehabilitation programmes” – Mykhaylo Parkomchuk explained the UE-CF’s new strategy. “Many studies show that connection between people and horses can enhance emotional healing and increase psychological resilience. Let’s use this potential – this superpower of horses – for the benefit of Ukraine.”

Way forward

The UE-CF will continue supporting the Ukrainian equestrians acknowledging that it will take years to repair the damage caused and the most difficult times are still ahead. This will not be possible without continuous support of the Western world. The UE-CF is already planning measures to ensure the safety of horses and has begun discussions about the post-war reconstruction. The UE-CF invites equestrian athletes, clubs, sports organizations, horse welfare organizations to unite and to come out with a renewed pledge of solidarity with Ukraine and Ukraine´s equestrian community to focus on the future. Ukrainians need help in initiating mental health and rehabilitation measures, resuming sporting activities and continuing equine welfare efforts. 

Financial overview published

Infographics sums up almost 6 months of operation:

  • Our priority is keeping horses safe in Ukraine:
    • 1200 tonnes of humanitarian aid (both donated and sourced in Ukraine) delivered to more than 170 stables all over Ukraine;
      • Logistics and aid delivery constitutes almost half of our expenditures
      • Production of feed and purchase of hay – 27%
    • 300 horses assisted in evacuation and relocation and two free evacuation stable yards (100 boxes) established for relocated horses in safe areas
      • Horses´ transportation costs and running of shelter stables constitute 18% of expenditures
    • Administrative costs are kept at very minimum (2%) – our promise is that as many funds as possible will be used as direct help for Ukrainian equestrians and their horses in Ukraine.

Update of July 2022 activities

Press release
9 August 2022

The Ukrainian Equestrian Federation Charity Foundation (UEF-CF) gives the update for July 2022 activities and continues to appeal to the equestrian world to help Ukraine horses.

The UEF-CF management of equine relocations within Ukraine has been restructured – some routes have been closed (e.g. Kiev-Lviv) as the area around Kiev is presently not considered to be as dangerous as it was in the spring of 2022. The current focus is on relocation operations near the frontline or from dangerous areas on a case by case situation.  These have been successfully financed with the help of specific fundraising campaigns.

The trend is that more and more owners and stables are relocating from war zones in the East and South of the country. The war is already too long and all the reserves have been depleted. More and more horse owners and stables are in need of humanitarian aid and support.

The UEF-CF has intensified its efforts in the veterinary care sector in Ukraine. Thanks to the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and to the FEI Solidarity Relief Fund, the organisation has received a large amount of urgently needed veterinary medicines worth more than 100 000 Euro. The UEF-CF coordinated the transport of the goods into Ukraine, as well as the distribution of the medicines to the veterinarians within Ukraine.

In July, UEF-CF helped 26 stables with 440 horses with food, this is five to six times lower than in previous months and due to the lack of financial reserves of the organisation and the drop in donations. At the same time, the number of stables asking for help in the form of feed has remained at a stable high level.

Anticipating an increase in hay prices in autumn/winter resulting in a deterioration of the forage situation, UEF-CF has launched a survey on the hay situation in Ukrainian riding stables.  The data collected will enable UEF-CF to assess and understand the hay availability and storage options for feeding horses in Ukraine in autumn and winter 2022/23. The survey will be used to plan humanitarian relief and interventions to support riding stables and clubs to feed their horses. The detailed results of the survey will be announced in the course of August.

Mykhaylo Parkhomchuk, Founder and CEO of the UEF-CF, is concerned about the food situation in autumn and winter:

“Our commitment to the welfare of our horses is strong at all times and without compromise. This year, autumn and winter will be a very difficult and depriving time for the entire Ukrainian horse industry. We anticipate very low hay and feed security, the risk of starvation and neglect of horses. We receive great support from all over the world and the cohesion of people is incredible, but we continue to appeal to the equestrian world to come together and help us with donations and in-kind support to ensure the care of the horses in Ukraine.”

UEF-Charity Foundation:

The UEF Charity Foundation is registered in Belgium and its mission is to help the Ukrainian equestrian community during the crisis. The Foundation works closely with the FEI and National Equestrian Federations. For all the latest information and activities visit https://helpukrainehorses.wordpress.com/

Activity overview March – June 2022

An overview of the four months of operations published, including basic statistics on humanitarian aid distributed, stables supported, evacuations of horses and fundraising:

  • production of humanitarian aid compound food started in Ukraine
  • aid reached 133 stables and clubs
  • donations are decreasing, but need for help is increasing

Overview can be found under the link or below as a pdf file.

UEF-Charity Foundation begins Ukraine production of specialised horse feed

This has been the result of a long labor of love by the Ukrainian Equestrian Federation Charity Foundation. Their goal is to produce humanitarian horse feed in Ukraine to cut the costs on logistics from abroad, use local raw materials to help the farmers and give work to the Ukrainian feed production enterprise to help the local economy.


Letychiv, Ukraine, June 20, 2022. 

Surrounded by the noise of the feed production factory, Taisia Stadnichenko, head of Ukrainian Operations for the Ukrainian Equestrian Federation Charity Foundation, proudly stands at the end of the production line to witness the first 90 tonnes of UEF-CF humanitarian feed for horses coming off the production line, wrapped in its distinctive blue and yellow humanitarian aid packaging.

This has been the result of a long labour of love by the Ukrainian Equestrian Federation Charity Foundation.  Their goal is to produce humanitarian horse feed in Ukraine to cut the costs on logistics from abroad, use local raw materials to help the farmers and give work to the Ukrainian feed production enterprise to help the local economy.

About 100,000 Ukrainian horses are currently in difficulties. In the first months of the war, the UEF-CF received kind humanitarian aid donations from abroad which partially solved the problem.  However, it also created some new ones as the donated food came from a wide variety of brands, producers and countries. The timing and quantities of in-kind donations were unpredictable. The frequent changes of food made the rehabilitation process of weak and starving horses difficult and under certain conditions even dangerous for horses’ health.

When the amount of humanitarian aid began to decrease and the cost of logistics increased, a decision was made to use donor funds more efficiently and produce feed in Ukraine at one of the most technologically advanced feed processing factories – Letychiv feed mill, which is a part of Edinstvo Holding. 

The project was made possible thanks to cooperation with the Dutch premium horse feed manufacturer Horsefood (https://www.horsefoodthebest.nl/), which developed a special recipe of the core essential nutrients, vitamins and supplements needed for horses after starvation or a period of restriction of the diet, with reduced immunity. Horsefood’s formula provides 25% of the composition. The other 75% of the feed consists of the Ukrainian sourced raw materials – barley, wheat, bran, corn and molasses. The essence of the product is that it meets the current needs of horses in Ukraine, which do not need high-energy fast release food, at the same time, most of them suffer from malnutrition, stress, frequent transportation and unusual lifestyle.

Using a feed factory inside Ukraine solves several problems at once,” said Mykhaylo Parkhomchuk, founder of the Ukrainian Equestrian Federation Charity Foundation and the Secretary General of the Ukrainian Equestrian Federation.  “Local production reduces the variety and constant change of feed, which exacerbates the risk of horse health problems. Secondly, the use of local raw materials and production enables the UEF-CF to use the financial donations we receive from around the world and use them in Ukraine to directly help not only the equestrian community but also to help the farmers and local companies in Ukraine, whilst maintaining jobs.”

Feed is packed in specially printed bags, which state: “humanitarian aid, not for sale.” According to the team of the UEF-CF, this will help to avoid abuse and possible resale.

This feed, as well as other humanitarian aid from the Foundation, can be received by any stable or equestrian club in Ukraine, from a home with just one horse or pony to a large stable or racetrack.

For us, the value or pedigree of a horse does not matter. We assume that each horse is the most favorite for its owner. – states Taisiya Stadnichenko. – Most owners suffer from a lack of funds to keep their horses. Our goal is to help them feed the horses during the most difficult time of adaptation to the new reality, so that they do not make rash decisions about their animals.

The UEF-CF system that collects requests for humanitarian aid for horses has been working since the beginning of the war, it is open, transparent and accessible to all. Currently, about 300 stables and clubs need assistance, of which about 170 stables with a total population of more than 3,500 horses have received aid from the UEF-CF. As the need for humanitarian aid is projected to increase, it is hoped that the localization of feed production will help to feed horses in Ukraine.

About the Ukrainian Equestrian Federation Charity Foundation

The mission of the foundation, founded on the 4th day of the war, is to help Ukrainian horses and horsemen to survive the terrible times and, in the future, to help restore the equestrian sports industry of Ukraine. The main three areas of the Fund’s work are: evacuation of horses from dangerous areas, assistance with fodder and bedding, keeping horses in free shelters in Lviv and Rivne regions.

At present, about 500 horses have been evacuated in Ukraine and abroad, and about 1,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid for 3,500 horses have been delivered to more than 170 stables in Ukraine. A transparent system of requests for humanitarian aid has been created through a chatbot and an application on the website, along with an electronic queue for evacuation, and a map of shelters. At the same time, there is a logistics system for transporting feed to the stables and evacuation, and free shelters are provided. The work of the Foundation is provided by about 30 volunteers in Ukraine and about 40 volunteers abroad.