According to the National Interagency Fire Center, 43,556 to date have burned more than 6.5 million acres of land across the United States, largely in the west. The Mendocino Fire is now the largest fire in California history. With the knowledge of fires comes the fear of losing property and, even worse, the possibility of losing lives.
Horse barn burning to the ground
Threatened by wild fires, evacuations of humans and horses are heartbreaking; then the question becomes how to rebuild and where to start.
© 2017 by Rob Swystun
Evacuations of humans and horses are heartbreaking yet necessary. Many return to homes and barns destroyed, shells of the dreams and activities that took place there. The question how to rebuild and where to start can be devastating in themselves.
The PATH Intl. Disaster Relief Fund was created in 2005 to help centers affected by such disasters. The purpose of the fund is to assist PATH Intl. Member Centers with an immediate need in funding expenses not normally covered by operating insurance after natural or man-made catastrophic disasters. Since its inception, PATH Intl. has given thousands of dollars to help these centers with outstanding needs.
While it is still too early to tell how much damage the wild fires (and ensuing flooding) have done to PATH Intl. Member Centers, it is never too early to help. Your donations to the PATH Intl. Disaster Relief Fund will help centers rebuild. Visit goo.gl/eMNUCH to donate.
Questions? Email Cher Smith at csmith@pathintl.org. Thank you for your generosity.
About PATH Intl.:
The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International(r) (PATH Intl.(r)) was formed in 1969 to promote safety and optimal outcomes in equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) for individuals with special needs. At 881 member centers, more than 66,000 children and adults, including 6,200 veterans, may find improved health, wellness and a sense of pride, independence and fun through involvement with horses.
Therapeutic horsemanship at member centers may include hippotherapy, equine-facilitated mental health, driving, interactive vaulting, trail riding, competition, ground work and stable management. Through a wide variety of educational resources, the association helps individuals start and maintain successful EAAT programs. There are nearly 62,500 volunteers, 5,011 instructors, 7,800 equines and thousands of contributors from all over the world helping people at PATH Intl. Member Centers.