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.
In the Ukraine there is a general lack of medicines such as painkillers, anaesthetics, sedatives, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs. etc. (UECF photo)
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, anaesthetics, 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,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said.
“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,” said 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,” said Tom O’Mara, President of USEF.
For all the latest UEF-CF information and activities, or to make a donation, visit here.
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