EQUUS Foundation Mentor Charity, Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue in Dover Plains, NY, reached out to the EQUUS Foundation to assist with a sudden and alarming herd health emergency. Over a very short period of time, several horses began exhibiting severe and unusual symptoms including high fevers, oral lesions, inflammation around the coronary bands of the hooves, excessive drooling, lethargy, and in some cases neurological distress including tremors and seizure-like activity.

The rapid onset of symptoms affecting multiple horses immediately raised concern for a potentially serious infectious disease or toxic exposure that could threaten the entire herd of 43 horses. Lucky Orphan’s veterinary team initiated extensive diagnostics and treatment to identify the cause and protect the remainder of the herd, which required multiple emergency veterinary visits, laboratory testing, medications, supportive care, and intensive monitoring of affected horses, all within a short timeframe.

While awaiting diagnostic results, Lucky Orphans implemented strict emergency biosecurity protocols to protect the remaining horses. Symptomatic horses were immediately isolated, staff increased monitoring and supportive care, veterinary treatment was initiated, and all programming and public access to the farm were temporarily suspended to prevent potential disease spread.

Fortunately, the most serious contagious diseases were ruled out and the affected horses are currently recovering. However, the scope of the diagnostics and medical response created significant and completely unplanned veterinary expenses far beyond the organization’s routine care budget.

Once economic conditions improve, Lucky Orphans intends to launch a targeted initiative to develop an emergency medical reserve that will help the sanctuary respond even more effectively to unexpected herd health events.

Thanks to the Brooke USA Bridge Grant Program, established as a joint initiative of Brooke USA and the EQUUS Foundation, Lucky Orphans received a micro grant to provide respite in this time of crisis.


The Brooke USA Bridge Grant Program has two components:
1) to support EQUUS Foundation Guardian charities in desperate need of financial support brought on by unplanned, unexpected, and/or extenuating circumstances, including but not limited to catastrophes and disasters.
2) to support the safety net programs of EQUUS Foundation Guardian charities aimed at helping to keep horses with their owners, assist with re-homing horses, and provide counseling and end-of-life services.

Financial support, ranging from $500 to $2,500, is awarded to underwrite the cost of services, such as feed/hay banks, veterinary, dental, and farrier care, gelding assistance, euthanasia, and maintenance and repair resulting from catastrophic weather conditions or significant accidents/fires, etc., or an organization's involvement with significant law enforcement seizures, as well as circumstances arising from the inability of the owner to continue to care for a horse without assistance and/or from the death of the owner.

Brooke USA's Bridge grants are awarded on a rolling basis and are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, as long as grant funds are available. Brooke USA dedicates $10,000 annually although Brooke USA reserves the right, from time to time, to increase the funds made available. Selections are by a committee of EQUUS Foundation and Brooke USA representatives.

To apply, the EQUUS Foundation Guardian will need to log into its organization profile, select "BROOKE USA BRIDGE GRANTS", and complete the online application. Applicants must address how the funds will be used, and within six months of receipt of funds, grantees must report on the use of the funds, including bills for services rendered.


ABOUT EQUUS FOUNDATION: The EQUUS Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity established in 2002, is the only national animal welfare charity and accrediting body in the United States that is 100% dedicated to equine welfare and with the dual mission to protect America's horses from peril and strengthen the bond between people and horses. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Contact the EQUUS Foundation, Inc., at 168 Long Lots Road, Westport, CT 06880, Tele: (203) 259-1550, E-Mail: mail@equusfoundation.org, Website: equusfoundation.org.

ABOUT BROOKE USA: The mission of Brooke USA Foundation is to significantly improve the welfare of working horses, donkeys and mules and the people they serve throughout Asia, Africa, the Middle East, the Americas and the Caribbean by raising funds and responsibly directing them to the areas of greatest need. Brooke USA raises funds to support a wide variety of programs for working horses, donkeys and mules to help them become (and remain) healthy and happy now and in the long-term, which also benefits the very poor families who depend on those animals to help them earn a living. For more information visit www.BrookeUSA.org.