We’ve all seen it on the news: Flash floods that began the morning of July 4, fed in part by the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry, swept across the central Texas Hill Country, with rivers rising up to 32 feet in an astonishing 45 minutes.

The resulting devastation has been tragic, to say the least. As countless news reports attest, search and rescue efforts continue but in many cases have transitioned to recovery operations as the death toll, both human and animal, continues to rise.

Helping or getting help for horses

Texas is known for its ranch culture, and horses are a historic part of that culture. Amidst all the property damage, barns have been turned upside down and paddocks flooded, leaving many surviving horses in urgent need of help.

An organization called Fleet of Angels (FOA) has stepped forward to help provide critical aid during this crisis. “If your horses were affected by this disaster or any other, go to FleetofAngels.org and click the ‘Emergency Grant Application’ button on the homepage to apply for urgent assistance,” a post on the organization’s Facebook page reads.

Want to help? Donations to FOA reportedly fund emergency hay, vet care, tranport and more for equines affected by the flooding. Potential donors are asked simply to tap the “Donate” button on the website and select the FOA emergency program they want to support.

About Fleet of Angels

Fleet of Angels (FOA) is a one-of-a-kind, multi-award-winning organization founded in 2012 that provides grants and emergency services to help horses in crisis. A nonprofit, FOA offers a variety of grant and micro-grant programs to facilitate critical horse care, including purchasing hay, important supplies, vet care and transportation. The organization assists hundreds of people and supports more than 5,000 horses annually with funding and on-the-ground services. 

FOA strives to practice a “first in, last out” philosophy for providing essential aid when natural disasters create chaos. The organization plays a vital role in ensuring that evacuated equines receive the necessary feed and care while displaced. Following evacuation, FOA typically establishes hay and supply banks to serve horses in affected areas for up to several months after a disaster.

And, through FOA’s grant programs, owners who have incurred damage to fences may qualify for funds for fence repair materials so they can keep their horses safely contained and cared for as they regroup, rebuild and begin their recovery.

Landing page screen capture from Fleet of Angels video posted on social media