THE EHV Relief Fund has raised a total of €272,413 for financial support to riders and horse owners impacted by the EHV-1 outbreak in Spain earlier this year.
The fund, set up by riders Emile Hendrix, Peter Charles and Frederick Goltz, and supported by the FEI, European Equestrian Federation, International Jumping Riders Club, Jumping Owners Club, Equestrian Organisers, and Riders Help Riders, has reimbursed veterinary expenses to those affected.
Applications to the fund amounted to a total of €354,476 and, thanks to the generosity of donors – with donations ranging from €1,000 to €100,000 – 76.8% of costs were covered. Claims received ranged from more than €24,000 to less than €650.
The solidarity demonstrated by the creators of this Fund and the donors moved many of the recipients to express their gratitude for the financial assistance received.
“We would like to express our great thanks to this EHV Relief Fund and to all those people and instances who supported all of us in this difficult situation,” said one recipient.
“I am really moved by this act of solidarity,” said another.
“Thank you very much for your generous financial aid. We really appreciate your EHV-Relief Fund and are thankful that our horses survived this nightmare.”
FEI support
President of the FEI Ingmar De Vos also praised the creation of the fund. “We are happy to have been able to support this great initiative and congratulate everyone on making it happen. The financial support provided to the athletes through this fund has been crucial to them and has also once again demonstrated the great solidarity within our equestrian community.”
With all the monies now disbursed, the EHV Relief Fund has been wound up. One of the fund’s founder members, Frederick Goltz, commented: “The EHV-1 outbreak in Spain was desperately traumatic for all those impacted and we were happy to be able to help ease some of the financial challenges through the fund. We owe a huge thank you to everyone who donated so generously and showed the true spirit of our sport.”