UK equine veterinary aid making an impact in Ukraine

Financial support and goods provided by the British Equestrians for Ukraine (BEU) group has helped a great number of horses survive illness, wounds and trauma – and those involved are extremely grateful for our help.

Anatoly Levitsky, retired Ukraine Equestrian Federation team vet and in-house vet at Kyiv Hippodrome, assembled a network of vets who could help treat horses in the war-torn country when many vets were called into military service. The need for medication, equipment and dressings became increasingly urgent and Anatoly reached out to his contact network, including the British Equestrian Veterinary Association (BEVA) and the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA).

It was the collaboration between British Equestrians for Ukraine, in which BETA and BEVA are key players alongside British Equestrian, The British Horse Society and World Horse Welfare, plus the British Equestrian Veterinary Association Trust and the American Association of Equine Practitioners who answered the call for help.

A team of veterinarians, including David Rendle, president-elect of BEVA and Dr Till Hörmann of Hörmann Equine, a mobile veterinary practice in Leicestershire, secured a number of aid donations and negotiated the purchase of drugs and equipment at trade or vastly reduced rates utilising the BEU Fund. Their hard work secured goods worth over £190,000 – enough for two full lorry loads which were driven from Britain to Ukraine with the support of the Ukrainian Equestrian Federation.

In a bid to keep the veterinary network functioning throughout Ukraine, Anatoly has overseen the distribution of the much-needed medicines, dressings and equipment throughout the regions in need and stocks should last several months. In a letter thanking David Rendle for the assistance, Anatoly said;

David Rendle added;

British Equestrians for Ukraine continues to work with the Ukraine Equestrian Federation on a number of projects with both expertise and funding. Over £250,000 has been raised so far but the team is calling for further donations to help with the continuing need for veterinary and farriery support as well as establishing an in-country supply network for feed, forage and bedding as the colder months approach.

To donate to the British Equestrians for Ukraine, visit the dedicated page on World Horse Welfare. Remember, if you’re a UK taxpayer, you can claim Gift Aid on your donation which makes the money go further at no extra cost.