Help In Times Of Need

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138 – January/February, 2024

By Sue Winslow

Abraham Lincoln famously said, “To ease another’s heartache is to forget one’s own.” It is part of the human condition to want to help one another, especially in times of crisis. One of the most outstanding aspects of the horse world is the fact that when someone in the industry is in need, a majority of horsemen will readily step up to help.

Whether it’s a weather-related disaster, a personal loss, or an unexpected medical expense, there is always a need in the equine community. In an industry where expenses can be both high and unexpected, some forego the option and cost of medical insurance which can result in catastrophe. One cannot help but be moved by a news story or internet post about such a situation and be inspired to help.

But with so many scams and hidden pitfalls on the internet, it’s important to be sure that a crowdfunding platform is legitimate when asking for help or when donating to a cause. Just this past summer, a fraudulent crowdfunding account was set up within 48 hours of the death of a teenager in a car crash in Massachusetts. Notifications were sent out through Facebook alerting people to the scam before they could post funds to the account that had been set up in a ghoulish attempt to cash in on a tragedy. While disgraceful scams like these are not the norm, they are a cautionary tale for both donors and those who would try to help by starting a fundraising campaign for a professional horseman in need.

What To Know About Crowdfunding

Click here to read the complete article
138 – January/February, 2024