Tag Archives: Horse Industry Disaster Network

Horse Industry Disaster Network Being Formed

Nashville, Tennessee – Knowing and understanding the incredible needs of the people working in the horse industry when disasters strike, Catherine Masters, President of the Women’s Horse Industry Network, has announced the formation of the HORSE INDUSTRY DISASTER NETWORK.

When the tornadoes ripped through Oklahoma recently, many horse owners and horse related businesses lost not only their beloved horses but also all the equipment and things they needed to operate. Some were racehorse owners who lost their entire stable of horse and others were riding and boarding facilities. Many horse organizations stepped up to set up funds for donations and all of them are doing their best to help. However, Masters believes that if there was a “Red Cross” type of organization that would act as a clearinghouse of money and assistance, the donations would get to the people that need it a lot quicker. She envisions a network of volunteers around the country who could be reached at a moment’s notice so that they could get “boots on the ground” and find the people needing help. “Our group collected quite a bit of money and we want it to go directly to the people that need it. Many did not have insurance and are having a hard time just putting food on the table and finding a place to live. They need money just to survive and to get their horse related businesses back up and running. Many don’t know where to go to get help. We want to become the first phone call that people in the horse industry make when they experience a disaster. We will provide money and many other things they need and will direct them to the people and organizations that can also offer help,” she states.

She has already started putting volunteers in place and is asking anyone who want to help to call us at 615-730-7833 or email horsedisaster@yahoo.com.  Volunteers are needed everywhere. Masters is also asking all horse related associations and emergency boarding facilities to sign up as resources.

Masters believes that if these things had already been in place, the recovery for these people would be a lot easier and quicker. She understands that setting up this “red cross” type organization for the horse industry is a huge task but knows she will have the support of not only the horse industry but people that simply love horses as well. “People really stepped up when we started raising funds for the people that were affected by the Oklahoma tornadoes. The disasters are not going to stop and we need to be prepared to help out immediately,” she states. She is hoping that some of the bigger companies in the horse industry will step up as sponsors so the funds necessary to operate this project and donate money to those in need will be ready when they need it.

Individuals and companies wishing to donate or sign up as a sponsor can visit our website at www.horseindustrydisasternetwork.com or call 615-730-7833.

CONTACT:
Catherine Masters
WHIN, Inc.
615-730-7833
whinboss@yahoo.com
www.womenshorseindustry.com