Photo by Erin Dolson.
More than the Human Cost
The COVID-19 pandemic is, in the words of UN Secretary General António Guterres, the greatest challenge that the world has faced since World War Two. Over the last few weeks initial concerns for the welfare of our loved ones have coupled with a growing anxiety over the uncertainty for what the future holds. But humans aren’t the only ones struggling under the regulations that have restricted our movement; animals are wrestling with the repercussions as well.
Amusing reports of emboldened wildlife exploring now-empty cities are mixed with stories of emaciated wild and feral animals in urban areas fighting over the few scraps available to them now that humans are no longer a reliable source of food. Puppy adoptions have increased during the lockdown, while farmers in the US contemplate euthanizing livestock because the pandemic has forced the shutdown of abattoirs across the country.
Echoes of the Past
Here in Spain, the economic crisis triggered when the residential property bubble burst at the end of 2008 brings forth haunting memories, not the least of which are the horrifying stories of horses being sent to the slaughterhouse or simply left to slowly starve to death.
In an effort to prevent this scenario from playing out again in this current crisis, the Associació de Centres Eqüestres Esportius de Girona (ACEEGi) has raced to create the charitable initiative All for horses. We spoke with Ester Morchón who takes our call while visiting Equidress, one of the equestrian centers that has been most involved in this project.
How did this initiative come about?
It was spearheaded by the ACEEGi. The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically reduced the income of many equestrian centers, which have been closed for weeks; this not only places the businesses at risk, but the animals as well.
Many equestrian centers have two primary revenue sources: there are owners who stable their horses in the centers and who pay for their feed and care, and then there are the riding school programs. The latter only generate income if classes are held, which of course has not been possible for weeks. The expenses to feed, exercise and care for all the horses remain the same, but without the usual income to sustain the businesses, there is no money for their care. The ACEEGi started this charity to help these businesses care for their horses so that they don’t risk starvation.
How does it work?
We created the website all-forhorses.com on which we post between 15 and 20 items. Supporters can help save the horses by purchasing raffle tickets for €10, €20 or €30. The items themselves are of significantly higher value than the raffle ticket prices—for example one prize we have is a polo worn by Jose Daniel Martin Dockx in the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in 2016—but the goal is to promote participation.
Where do the raffle prizes come from?
All prizes are donations that people make altruistically. Many of the donors are professionals in the equestrian sector. For example, in the first draw we had donations from four Olympic riders. Beatriz Ferrer Salat—double Olympic medalist in Athens—gave us the tailcoat she used in those Olympics and a dedicated photo with an autograph. Juan Antonio Jimenez Cobo and Rafael Soto, Olympic riders too, have offered their facilities to help in this cause.
Can people who are not related to the horse world donate a prize to participate?
Yes! We have had many people who want to participate but aren’t sure what to donate, since they are not part of this world every day. We have had a number of different prizes donated, such as a getaway weekend in a bungalow or a weekend in the Empordà. It is so encouraging to see the support we are receiving across multiple sectors. We are extremely grateful to all the companies who have donated prizes to our charity.
How are people responding?
We are incredibly pleased with the response; in the first raffle we sold around 150 tickets. It’s really heartening that even in these very stressful and uncertain times people have the space in their thoughts for these poor animals that might otherwise starve without their support. These days, when things can seem overwhelming, I am buoyed up by the spirit of caring and generosity that exists within the community of people who are helping us to care for these beautiful, majestic creatures who need us to survive.
You can learn more about the All for horses initiative and buy tickets online at all-forhorses.com.