Aiding the Animals through Running and Dog Walking
For the UA horse herd of Arabians, Thoroughbreds, Foxtrotters and Appaloosas, the upcoming Dash 4 Cash 5k fundraiser will provide a livelihood.
The Razorback Roundup Auction in November will be the fruit of the D.E. Equine Program’s hard work. Community members can donate and purchase healthy horses to benefit the program after students and staff of the Dale Bumpers College care for the horses.
The 5k event will be held at the University of Arkansas AGRI Park Pavilion and Whitaker Arena on April 7, along with the one-mile dog walk. Proceeds will go to the care of the UA Horse Herd and to the Humane Society of the Ozarks.
All ages are welcome, and there is an equal opportunity for everyone to receive prizes over the course of both events.
The staff at the Dale Bumpers Animal Science Program hopes to aid the already sterling reputation of the Equine Program, and assist with the care of animals in the area in any way they can.
Kathi Jogan, the barn manager for the event, is optimistic about the fundraiser. “Basically, we just want people to enter,” she said. “Any support that can be given will be helpful, and the proceeds will take care of the herd and the animals at the Humane Society.”
The UA Horse Herd consists of many different kinds of horses, including Palominos, Quarter Horses and Paints. The horses have all been donated by members of the community, and require ample amounts of food, grooming and care. The fundraisers aim to supply all of that.
“We need to give the horses food, shots and vaccinations throughout the year,” Jogan said. “The Horse Festival on April 13 is a great way to bring the community together even more, and the auction shows off the horses in November.”
Partnering with the Humane Society is a way for the program to further their community-oriented agenda.
“We want to help the horses, but there are a lot of animals in need, and most of the programs that take the time to care for them are self-funded,” Jogan said. “That’s why it’s so helpful to give donations or get involved in any way.”
Optimism and involvement in the programs by community members is a surefire way to make a difference.
“You really don’t have to do all that much,” Jogan said. “Honestly, any help that people can provide is helpful, even if it doesn’t seem like a life-altering decision, it is.”
Entrance forms can be found on the events website, for $25, and the awards ceremony will take place after both of the events. As long as the dogs are friendly with each other and have proof of rabies vaccination, they are more than welcome to come.
Licious, the miniature horse who doubles as the mascot for the Equine Program, will attend the 5k and one-mile dog walk, and pictures can be taken with the horse at the end of the events.
Dash 4 Cash fundraisers have been held from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to the University of Minnesota Duluth for all kinds of different causes, and the D.E. Equine Program hopes the turnout for theirs will rival those across the country.
“People are already coming out of the woodwork to help out the program and its horses, and the animals at the Humane Society,” Jogan said. “We’re already on course to raise a lot of money, and hopefully the community will prove once again how strong it is.”
