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/
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:
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
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!
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.
“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.
“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:
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/
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/
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:
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.
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.”
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.
Infographics sums up almost 6 months of operation:
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Ukrainian Equestrian Charity Foundation 