Many thanks, from all at Centaur
 
Covid & School Horses

In March 2020 the COVID-19 situation had an immediate and devastating effect on riding schools everywhere. Normally, the fees for lessons cover the cost of maintaining the school horses. When lessons were stopped, barns became strapped for resources including both cash to feed the horses,and workers to care for them. Some closed permanently with devastating consequences for the horses – and thus their owners.

It is estimated that each horse costs about $455 a month for basic keep and extras such as medication, farrier work, and shoes. At Centaur we have 15 school horses – affectionately known as Schoolies – each with its own place in our hearts and especially in the hearts of our riders. The early part of the pandemic was survived through the help of many generous donations.Unexpectedly, without asking, donations from former and present riders, from the last 47 years of operation, from across North America and Europe, started arriving! The accompanying letters received were so touching. I always knew that our Centaur horses had played an important part in many lives, but never knew the extent until last spring.

The summer brought a reduction in our usual way of earning our living: because of the many covid measures imposed by the governments. Horse shows and daycamps – our two most important sources of revenue – were greatly diminished. Today, we have been able to continue, but the threat of having to close is still looming.

We wish to take a moment to thank all those who greatly contributed to the survival of Centaur and its horses. We are very grateful for all the help we received. Cash donations were (and still are) generously made. Horses were ‘adopted’, donations were made both privately and through a go-fund-me. Several enterprising riders undertook their own fundraising for the School Horses, art auctions were organized, some hand-made items such as buttons were sold, many donated their time in helping care for the horses, a 50/50 draw was organized.

We can assure you that every cent raised went into the horses’ bellies!

We realize that this has not been an easy time for anyone, and the future is still uncertain, and that we all so badly would like to see our old way of life return. But thanks to so many, one part of our old life is still with us: the generous and loving Centaur Schoolies.

Thank you to All!