At last count, the Southern California firestorms, which burned over 400,000 acres, took 16 human lives, as well as the lives of countless animals. Fortunately, with the help of hundreds of volunteers and local agencies, over 1,500 horses were rescued and transported to safety. Most have now been returned to their owners.

Now that the fires are finally out, there is a growing realization that recovery from this tragedy extends far beyond the capabilities of federal assistance. Many horses were lost, and many ranches were destroyed. For those owners who were reunited with their horses, it has been difficult to begin to care for them. Most of their tack was destroyed, and they are further burdened with the daunting task of rebuilding their homes and barns. Rebuilding will take years, and the people of California are rallying to help the fire victims with generous donations of tack and equipment.

How can Texans help?
The Texas Quarter Horse Association (TQHA), headquartered in Austin, is hosting a tack drive to help California horsemen who lost tack in the recent fires. Simply deliver tack or horse supplies to any of the participating locations and the tack will be collectively shipped out to California by December 10, 2003 and distributed by the Rescued Animals Organization. Cash donations cannot be accepted.

If you have any questions or can offer other assistance to the TEXAS TACK DRIVE, please do not hesitate to call the Texas Quarter Horse Association @ 512-458-5202 or 1-800–945-6157

You can donate tack at the following businesses:

Amarillo Area
Foust Feed Store
6951 South Bell St., Amarillo – (806) 468-9121

Austin Area Locations
Texas Quarter Horse Association
1101 W. Anderson St., Austin – (512) 458-5202 or 1-800-945-6157
Callahan’s General Store – 2 locations
501 Bastrop Hwy., 183 S – (512) 385-3452
200 S. Bell Blvd., 183 N – (512) 335-8585
Cinch It Up
Hwy. 290, Elgin – (512) 281-0560

Houston Area
Charlotte’s Saddlery
11623 A Katy Freeway – (281) 596-8225
Sam Houston Race Park Texas Horsemen’s Partnership Office
7575 N. Sam Houston Parkway W. - (281) 807-8871
Additional drop-off:
Dawn Forest – (281) 705-8033

North Texas Locations
Sergeant’s Western Wear – 2 locations
Hwy. 377, Pilot Point – (940) 440-9307
4905 S. Cooper, Arlington – (817) 784-6464
D & L Feed
Hwy. 377, Aubrey – (940) 365-3129
Kyle Saddle Shop
12954 Hwy. 377, Whitesboro – (877) 429-2116 or (903) 429-2116
Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie Texas Horsemen’s Partnership Office
1000 Lone Star Parkway, Grand Prairie – (972) 237-5064

San Antonio Area
D&D Farm & Ranch
516 IH 10E, Seguin – (830) 379-7340

Weatherford
Peacock Farm & Ranch Supply
122 J. Waterstreet, Weatherford – (817) 594-5424