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.

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