The Tryon Riding and Hunt Club (TR&HC) announces a matching grant program to raise funds for horse owners and workers affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The funds will be awarded to the Foothills Equine Rescue Assistance (FERA) program to administer to those horse owners in need.

“We’re offering a matching grant of up to $2,500 to help FERA during this crisis,” says Angie Millon, TR&HC Board vice president. “Anyone who has the capacity to help our neighbors, now is the time to do so,” Millon says. “The next several months are critical. The help is needed now.”

“Most people know FERA for our work with the Polk County animal control officers and animal cruelty investigators providing help for neglected, abandoned and abused equines in our area,” says Margo Savage, FERA executive director. “But we also provide assistance to horse owners who may be struggling financially. For instance, we may provide hay if the owner can’t afford to pay themselves, and we have a voucher system which provides assistance for castration or dire situations such as euthanasia.”

“On one hand I feel we have thus far been spared some of the harshest realities of the pandemic,” says Millon. “On the other hand, we know there are people in our community who have not been spared—who are struggling to pay bills and care for their animals. As an equine organization, we want to support those in need within our community during this time of crisis.

“This matching grant enlists community support—neighbors helping neighbors. It’s also fits the Club’s mission of community support through equine sport,” Millon explains.

For more information, visit www.tryonriding andhuntclub.org.

Submitted by Sybil Jones