The Equestrian Fire Relief Australia Fund

The Equestrian Fire Relief Australia Fund (EFRA) was launched in the wake of the devastating 2019-2020 summer bushfires in order to provide support to those affected in the Australian equestrian community.

The EFRA’s primary aim is to raise funds for emergency relief but hopes to also provide moral support to the Australian equestrian community during such a distressing time. The EFRA will dispense funds via local emergency and recovery committees in Australia, supporting the affected equestrian community through emergency aid and existing initiatives, including distributing materials and goods.

Top-level International equestrians, Olympic and World Champions from all disciplines, have come forward and joined as EFRA Ambassadors to help spread the message and raise the much-needed funds. Australian native and eventing Olympic gold medallist, Andrew Hoy, said; “To see my home country going up in flames, to see the suffering of people, wildlife and all other animals is just devastating. I have received so many messages from people suffering losses across the affected areas and I am heartbroken for all of them.

Irish-international event rider, Sam Watson, said; “Reading about the fires has been awful, but imagining if it was our farm and our horses is a devastating thought. When the going gets tough, the equine world gets going. This is what we do, we take action and we help horses, wherever they are and for whatever reason, they need our help.”

Learn more about EFRA or make a direct donation via the official EFRA website.

Here at Willinga Park, we have a deep understanding of the impact of the recent bushfire season, having been in direct line of the fires in early December 2019. Thanks to the incredible work of the Rural Fire Service, and the preparedness of the Willinga Park team, the property and horses were mostly unscathed. Sadly, however, the same can not be said for many others in the local and neighbouring areas, which includes friends in the equine community. Therefore, the EFRA fund is a cause close to our hearts.

From January 30th, Willinga Park will be donating 20% from all Dorothee Schneider Masterclass tickets sold to the Equestrian Fire Relief Australia Fund.