Emergency Horse Care in flooded NC + Tenn.?

Apologies for posting this on the Dressage forum; I didn’t see a thread about it on other forums, nor any information posted on the COTH website. So I thought I’d start here.

I’m concerned about the severe flooding happening now in NC, Tenn, etc. and the effect on stables,
and private farms. Is there an emergency agency that is helping horse owners ? Were they able to evacuate their horses ?

What can we do to help ? What do they need ?

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I saw a report that 11 horses were rescued yesterday…I forget the specifics though.


This group does excellent work serving horse owners affected by disasters and are actively assisting in NC and TN currently.

UT Extension has published resources for livestock/farm owners dealing with flood recovery:

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I saw a post about a Lippizan breeder who had several mares swept away. I cannot even imagine the heartbreak.

From what I have seen: reports of farms having enough high ground for horses or they got their horses out. However, communications are spotty and I suspect that we aren’t hearing from those who remain without cell service or the bandwidth to communicate a worse outcome. Just a guess.

@Montanas_Girl posted a great resource.

Here in central NC, several people are soliciting donations via feed and pet stores. The plan is to load up early this week with supplies and head to the Statesville, NC airport to supply an air drop if allowed. If they are directed elsewhere once in Stateville (seems to be as far west that the general public can travel to) then they will follow emergency personnel orders. This is second hand (according to Facebook) but Moore Equine and Feed Supply alledgedly is setting up a donation account. They can then use funds to arrange with their contact to get supplies to Statesville. This may be the best way people can contribute. Moore Equine can send “a case of vet wrap” or “a pallet of alfalfa cubes” instead of someone donating 3 bags of XYZ obscure feed. Please confirm with all feed stores they have such an account set up…do your diligence when donating.

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Mountain Mule Packer Ranch is also headed in with supplies!

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There was a “please help my horse” post with the horse stranded in flood waters, and then the comments later that the horse was swept under was heartbreaking to read.

I wish there were more direct ways to help.

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:broken_heart:

Thanks for posting this. Donation made. These poor horses and owners.

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If anyone here knows of affected owners needing a temporary place to move their horses, feel free to PM me.

My girls are boarded in the Jonesborough/Johnson City area of TN about 20 miles from the NC state line and I’m happy to do some legwork to find any stall availability for someone who needs it.

(Please don’t share this offer on SM, lol!)

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From the Fleet of Angels FB page… a map of open and closed roads.

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Sandhills pony club (find them on Facebook) has been up with supplies already and will continue to do so! So many in desperate need

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Local (to me) feed stores have officially released donation help:


10% off with coupon (see link) to make donation dollars go a little further + Triple Crown is matching bag for bag on select products. Nutrena and Pro-Elite (Cargill) are making a donation as well. Donations can be made online and probably by calling the store. Also accepting drop off donations.
Products purchased are discounted to stretch donation dollars. Triple Crown is also matching bag for bag (no mention of select products) Donations accepted via phone, in person or Venmo (see FB post)

Both seem to run through 10/5

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Three Bulls Farm in Bulls Gap (about an hour down 81 from JC) has offered to assist locals with animals as well.

I just took a trip down there yesterday to drop off some supplies with family and it’s really rough. Barns full of hay in the river, fences destroyed, etc - obviously not as important as the families and lives lost, but the animals and farmers will be hit very hard. It has been a tough hay year already in the SE so there may not be much to donate. :weary:

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Thank you to COTH for such a well written article.
I’m sorry for everyone’s loss.

https://www.chronofhorse.com/article/blue-ridge-horse-community-digging-out-from-hurricane-helenes-devastation/

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For folks in the northern Virginia area, several feed stores including Tri-County and Southern States in Purcellville are collecting sites for people taking trailers down. Mostly supplies for people and animals, as well as non-perishable food, animal feed, and the like. Check about hay, smaller groups may not have room for the bulk.

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In Lexington, VA we are gathering hay and supplies to take down to Avery County, NC. The local ag office is coordinating down there to distribute.

Most counties will take similar donations, but work with local ag office to make sure you are helping and not overloading the area.

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Why are they lying so much about the death count?

Maybe they have not found the bodies or can’t get to certain areas yet?

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