Donations help fund improved horse ambulance

An effort is being made within the community to raise funds through donations for an improved horse ambulance.

A properly equipped ambulance can make the difference between life and death, not only for people but also for horses, and having the right type of vehicle that places an emphasis on safety can minimize the possibility to both equine and human injury.

"The trailer that we use is in need of a little help," said Dr. Lisa Handy of Carolina Equine Clinic. "The primary reason for working toward getting a proper horse ambulance is for the safety of the horse and the person who will be taking the horse on the horse trailer. We've been pretty lucky that nothing has happened from a safety standpoint after all these years."

Carolina Equine Clinic had donated a trailer to Aiken County, which is used as a second trailer, but the primary concern for those involved with transporting injured horses is safety, said Handy. The idea had been discussed previously by the City of Aiken's equine committee.

"We were talking about a proper horse ambulance for all horse avenues in Aiken," said Handy. "The horse ambulance could be used for polo, eventing, the Triple Crown and other equine events. We decided the best way to do it was through private donations. That's what we're going to try to do."

Handy has talked with Sundowner of Aiken's Rick Turner about the specifications of the prospective horse ambulance and what they would want in terms of space and safety features in the trailer.

The horse ambulance would also be equipped with all of the necessary rescue care equipment, said Handy.

"It will have cold water, refrigeration and emergency drugs," said Handy. "It will be like the horse ambulances you see at the race track, in Wellington and at other equine events."

The horse ambulance will be managed by the City of Aiken, and Jeff Wilson will be the primary person who will be responsible for driving and handling it, said Handy. The City will also be responsible for the maintenance and insurance on it.

"We currently have a used trailer that we've converted to a horse ambulance," said Chief Pete Frommer, Aiken Department of Public Safety. "It has a sling, hoist and equipment available to move large animals. We've had it for six or seven years. It's something that we built from donations. The Aiken Steeplechase pays our people to be at the event, so it's business as usual. If members in the horse community would like to upgrade and replace the current vehicle through private donations, we'd appreciate it."

The new ambulance would be used for the Triple Crown and at other equine events in the community on a first-come, first-serve basis for a nominal fee. Those parties interested in using the ambulance could reserve it through the City, said Handy.

The Aiken SPCA and Barbara Nelson have set up a separate fund for those wanting to make donations to go directly to the horse ambulance.

"That way it's totally tax-deductible, and the Aiken SPCA will use their 501(c)(3) for us," said Handy. "They will, in turn, with the monies raised, go ahead and gift it to the City of Aiken or donate it to the City of Aiken. The City is responsible for the horses in the city. The SPCA has been kind enough to tie it in with their organization."

"If the donations exceed the cost of the Sundowner Trailer, we'll stock the trailer with the equipment we need," she added. "I'd really like to get this done during the 175th anniversary of the City of Aiken."

For more information, call Handy at the Carolina Equine Clinic at 642-9195.

To make a donation to the horse ambulance fund, send it in care of the Aiken SPCA, 401 Wire Road, Aiken, SC 29801.

Contact Ben Baugh at bbaugh@aikenstandard.com.