Temporary Feed Assistance

This service provides assistance with limited availability based on program funding.  Please inquire to see if funds are available.

A horse owner that seeks assistance from Sound Equine Options Emergency Equine Feed Fund is required to meet specific guidelines and screening criteria:

  • Be a single family horse owner (not a non-profit, rescue, foundation, or breeding operation).
  • Provide a safe facility to maintain the horse(s).
  • Have proof that the horse is receiving appropriate care.
  • Provide a current photograph(s) of the horse(s).
  • Complete the Emergency Equine Feed Fund Application.
  • Show documented financial need due to unemployment or financial hardship.
  • Provide a one page letter explaining how their situation came about.

Sound Equine Options’ procedure when an inquiry is received for feed assistance:

  • We ask for a completed application and a brief letter or summary of the applicant’s situation.
  • When the application and letter is received, the paperwork is reviewed and then evaluated by the Sound Equine Options Board to determine the amount of assistance that is needed or that can be provided.
  • The Emergency Feed Coordinator calls each applicant to discuss their situation, and to determine what steps that person is taking to help in the process of keeping the animals healthy and fed.
  • The Emergency Feed Coordinator calls the applicant’s veterinarian and farrier—many times they can vouch for the applicant’s financial trouble because they have outstanding invoices to the applicant.
  • The applicant’s veterinarian is also our counsel for determining the health of the animal.
  • The Emergency Feed Coordinator calls the applicant’s references, if provided, to confirm that they take proper care of their animals under normal circumstances, and to ensure that this is not a case of neglect or abuse.
  • The Emergency Feed Coordinator completes a site check to see the horse(s) in their current environment.
  • We ask for documents that pertain to the reason the applicant is in financial trouble.
  • We use an internal document that enables us to track the amount and type of assistance the Fund has given.
  • Once the owner has been approved, the Fund purchases the hay the owner needs.

The length of time for assistance varies from one situation to another, but will not exceed three months. An owner can re-apply to the fund if they still need assistance after the three months, and the situation will be re-reviewed. Money is never given directly to a recipient.

 Oregon Hay Bank – The Oregon Hay Bank was established to provide horse rescue organizations, sanctuaries, law enforcement agencies, and horse owners facing financial hardship with temporary hay and feed assistance; and further, to assist such entities and individuals in planning for the future. The program is designed to keep horses at home with the people who love them. Responsible horse owners can request grants of hay, feed, and services to get them and their horses through a temporary financial crisis.  You Can Get a Helping Hand . . .