EQUESTRIAN federations and horse owners throughout Germany have rallied to the aid of businesses and owners stricken by the recent floods.

Some 48 hours of unprecedented rainfall levels from July 14th across Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands, Luxemburg, France and Switzerland, caused catastrophic flooding with the worst affected area being the Rhineland-Palatinate region in western Germany.

Here, rainfall levels in just one day were near double the normal figure for the entire month of July, causing the Ahr river, a tributary of the nearby Rhine, to burst its banks.

The death toll in Germany and Belgium has since risen to 201 with hundreds more still missing or unaccounted for. Both the German federal and state governments have pledged over €400 million immediate aid package while insurance companies estimate the flood damage bill will near €5 billion.

Farmland, buildings and equestrian centres were badly affected too with social media posts reporting that livestock and horses were stranded in barns and paddocks or caught in flash floods after water levels rose up to 1.80m.

One lucky survivor, Mitiaro, was found 15kms downriver after being swept away in the river Ahr. The gelding is now recovering at the Kottenforst equine clinic, where emergency stables were set up for rescued horses, many suffering from shock and dehydration.

The German Equestrian Association (FN), together with equestrian and breeding associations of the affected regions, has set up a central appeal fund to help affected horse owners and businesses. Equestrian centres and riding schools, that have already weathered their businesses being closed or curtailed during Germany’s lockdown measures, have witnessed flooded indoor arenas or outdoor arena surfaces and fencing washed away.

Practical help

A group of Oldenburg stallion owners, breeders and the Oldenburg Show Jumping (OS) studbook have already donated €10,000 towards the fund. Another Go Fund Me appeal raised €10,000 in 24 hours. Horse owners throughout Germany have donated hay, bedding, feed, tack and veterinary supplies and offered free stabling and grazing. Veterinary surgeons and farriers have volunteered their services for free.

Social media has proved an invaluable platform, although infrastructural damage had affected some mobile phone and internet networks. Facebook pages were set up for distraught owners to post details of missing horses and pets alongside information about rescued animals.

Professional and volunteer animal rescue teams, alongside over 15,000 police, soldiers and emergency service personnel, have all been involved in the western Germany rescue and recovery mission.