UK equestrians step up to help as Australia’s firestorm continues

The equestrian community has rallied round to support its Australian counterpart, raising money to support those whose lives have been devastated by fire.

After months of drought, bushfires have been burning since September, but they have intensified this month.

By 3 January, more than 20 people had been killed and millions of acres of bush, forest and parkland destroyed. Thousands of homes have been burned and people evacuated.

It is estimated half a billion wild animals have been killed.

Leading cross-country course-designer and former British Eventing CEO Mike Etherington-Smith is among those trying to help. He contacted Equestrian Australia to ask if funds raised here could be donated to equestrians, and was told a secure website would be set up this week.

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Article written by: Eleanor Jones