The images coming out of Asheville, North Carolina and parts of Florida’s Big Bend following Hurricane Helene are devastating to behold. The loss of life and livelihoods continues to grow, but there are some good news stories, too, including the safe evacuation of hundreds of horses.
As evacuation warnings were given across Florida’s Gulf Coast and the southeastern United States, the horse community rallied and various agriculture centres, fairgrounds and farms situated outside of the danger zones opened their doors to local horse folk seeking shelter for their animals ahead of Helene.
In Ocala, Florida, the World Equestrian Center (WEC) took in an astounding 1,200 horses and kept them out of harm’s way on the 378-acre showgrounds. The trailers began arriving on Sept. 25, the day before Helene made landfall, and the horses remained in its stables until the Category 4 storm passed.
“We have welcomed evacuees previously,” WEC’s director of marketing Leah Tong told Garden & Gun Magazine. “So there’s a system in place to take those stall reservations and assist owners in getting to their stalls as needed.”
According to a previous article, WEC played host to 3,000 horses and other animals (including a kangaroo) during the Category 5 Hurricane Ian when it struck on Sept. 28, 2022. Local energy workers also stayed at WEC’s hotels. All horses and humans were hosted for free during their stay.
Further north sits Tryon International showgrounds in North Carolina. The equestrian centre, which hosted the 2018 World Equestrian Games, is situated in western North Carolina and before, during and after Helene became an emergency command center for response to the hurricane as well as stabling for 200 horses.
First responders at Tryon International in North Carolina. (TIEC photo)
According to a press release, beginning the day before the storm, Tryon housed and fed FEMA’s Search and Rescue Team out of NYC, the National Forest Service, the US Border Service, Rutherford Electric and Co-Op Groups from the Southeast. In an Oct. 1 update, Tryon advised that the facility finally regained power on Monday eventing and continues to host first responders. The NC Emergency Management Field Hospital has been set up, with operations beginning Wednesday, Oct 2. Starting Thursday, October 3, a supply distribution and donation drop-off point will be open from 10am-6pm daily for free supplies available to anyone who needs them – whether humans, pets or livestock. Limited showers and laundry facilities are also available. Also on Thursday, a free community meal will be provided.
The storm may be over, but Tryon continues to provide for the community. “Once again, I am amazed by our incredible team that always seems to make it happen,” said Tryon president Sharon Decker in a statement. “And, in the midst of all of this, they successfully kept their commitment to a wedding rehearsal dinner and reception this weekend! I am so thankful for each and every one of them. We are also thankful to CarolinaCat and Camp Electric for help with large generator needs for our new hotel. We opened the first night here with a house full of First Responders!”
Tryon will continue hosting horse shows this week to bring a sense of normalcy and income to the area. Competitors are encouraged to bring donations and supplies with them. “We are committed to keeping our employees working and their families supported, and running our horse shows is an important way to do that.”
As heartbreaking as it is to see the images of devastation such a weather event brings, it is always inspiring to see, hear and read stories of the horse community coming together to help each other and those who need it most.