In the wake of the devastation brought upon Puerto Rico by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, Lauren Billys has started a fundraiser to aid the hundreds of horses on the island who are in dire need of assistance.
“When Puerto Rico was hit with back-to-back hurricanes, the island’s power, water and necessities to live became nonexistent. As the island works through this time, there are so many places in need,” Lauren said.
“I am Puerto Rican and have been competing under this flag for seven years. Most immediately, our friends in Puerto Rico have reached out to receive basic needs for horses that are also struggling through this time.”
Approximately 700 horses at two different facilities are in immediate need of basic supplies, though there are undoubtedly countless others who are also in need. To that end, Lauren has started a registry of basic items that can be purchased for Lauren to ship to Puerto Rico. Donors are instructed to purchase items off of the registry and have them shipped directly to Lauren. Alternatively, opportunities are available to make a cash donation that will go to the purchase of the items in need and for the cost of shipment.
To view the registry, please visit this link.
All questions should be directed to Lauren Billys directly via email at [email protected].
Last month, readers met VIP Volunteer Rebecca Proetto, who volunteered at the MARS Maryland 5 Star horse inspection. This month, the focus turns to husband and wife Ed and Leanne Barnett who introduced Proetto to the art of running an efficient horse inspection at Maryland. Ed and Leanne undertake a 12-hour drive from their home in Indiana to Maryland just to volunteer at the event.
The USEA is saddened to share the passing of Sara Kozumplik’s five-star partner As You Like It at the age of 34. The gelding died in his sleep at his retirement home at Kozumplik's parents' residence.
The 2024 USEA Emerging Athletes U21 (EA21) National Camp is just a little over a month away and all over the country, young riders are preparing for their trip to Ocala, Florida, to participate in this year's prestigious week-long academy led by U.S. eventing legend David O'Connor. This year's camp takes place Dec. 31, 2024, through Jan. 4, 2025, and will feature classroom sessions, guest lecturers, and in the saddle work as a group to help strengthen the foundation of each rider selected to participate.
Bringing along a young horse is such a special process for everyone involved. The USEA is excited to dedicate an episode to celebrating some of the special young horses in the United States that have risen to the occasion. Joining USEA Podcast Host Nicole Brown in this episode are Tommy Greengard, the rider and co-owner of this year's Holekamp/Turner Grant Recipient That's Me Z who represented the U.S. at Le Lion this year, and Kaylawna Smith-Cook, who piloted Bonner Carpenter's Only-Else to the highest national score in the Dutta Corp. USEA Young Event Horse 5-Year-Old Championships.