According to Equest board member and avid equestrian Harley Cozewith,
“Helping horses manage the heat and bugs in the summer is a priority at Equest. They could use some help!
“The mission of Equest is not possible without a healthy herd of horses. Therapy horses are worth their weight in gold, are not easy to come by, and are in high demand as the number of therapeutic equestrian centers in the U.S. grows every year. Keeping their 34 horses in good shape, four seasons of the year, is particularly challenging for Equest in the searing heat of the N. Texas summer. Volunteers are a big help with the care of the horses during the summer heat which means a good hose down almost daily. (By the way, if you are interested in becoming a volunteer at Equest, training is coming up – Saturday, August 19 or Saturday, August 26. Visit www.equest.org/volunteer.)
“Just like people, horses have to stay hydrated, and keep their wits about them in fly season. So Equest sprinkles Apple flavored electrolyte powder in the horses’ feed which triggers the horses’ thirst response while rapidly replenishing electrolytes lost through heat, sweat, or stress. We also keep them comfortable by spraying them with bug shield so flying biting critters don’t make them irritable, especially when a client is mounted on their back.”
“Around mid-summer, the supplies to help our horses get through the hot days run low. We have many opportunities for the community to support Equest by donations of the following:
- “Apple Electrolyte powder helps keep horses hydrated (just like ‘us!) https://www.chewy.com/farnam-apple-elite-electrolyte-powder/dp/139647
- “Horse shield bug spray keeps flies and mosquitos away:https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/absorbine-ultrashield-ex-insecticide-repellent-40-fl-oz
- “Humans working in the barn could also use protection:https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Woods-Insect-Repellent-Pack/dp/B000NURVWW/ref=asc_df_B000NURVWW/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=314290909155&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18274544206056081397&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9026918&hvtargid=pla-639110891645&psc=1
- “Just about any gift card amount from Amazon help us out!
“Deliver items to Equest at 811 Pemberton Hill Road, Building 4, Dallas, TX 75217, or mail gift cards to P.O. Box 171779, Dallas, TX 75217. Or for questions, contact Christine Volkmer, [email protected].”
* Graphic/photo provided by Equest
