Canadians, along with scores of others across the globe, have sat back and watched the deadly blazes that have made The Golden State’s 2018 wildfire season the most destructive on California record.
To this point, a total of more than 7,500 reported fires have burnt over 1.6 million acres and caused in excess of $2.9 billion in damages. More than 80 human lives have been lost and 500 people are still unaccounted for.
Horses have not been spared from the devastating situation. Equine stories of all types have been coming out in the media. Stuntmen are doing what they can to save horses hemmed in by the flames, while equine themselves are finding wherever they can to escape life-or-death situations.
One Canadian horseman in particular, Albertan Darrel Glover, wasn’t willing to sit back any longer. The stories of Californians being forced to abandon their horses and flee for their own lives resonated with Olds-area rancher.
The haunting news has spurred Glover, who is now a retiree, into action.
Darrell Glover (Image courtesy Darrell Glover/Facebook)
According to an article by CTV News Calgary, Glover monitored social media content about how people were saving the distressed horses and doing what they could to help.
“As a horse owner, that created some emotional moments for us,” said Glover, “so we started thinking that with all those horses, and there are hundreds of them, running free in the hills and people are picking them up, somebody had to help and try and feed these horses.”
That’s when Glover put his plan into motion.
“We contacted Camelot Equestrian Park down in Orville, California. They had the fire just about 100 metres from their front gate, so they almost lost their place as well. Those folks have taken in a couple hundred horses, so what we’re going to do is take down [a] trailer load of feed and help them out.”
Glover has compiled 14,000 pounds of food and a few thousand dollars worth of medical supplies and tack. He also wants to get down to business once he arrives.
“Once my trailer is empty, then I plan to offer any assistance I can with the empty trailer. I might be able to pick up more horses or help them go and get some feed somewhere; bring some supplies. When I get down there, I plan to stay a few days.”
Glover’s action has not been taken for granted. He’s planning to embark on the journey this coming Monday (Nov. 26), much to the delight of the operators and horses at the Camelot Equestrian Park.
“To Darrell Glover and all our Canadian friends, there are no adequate words to express our gratitude for all of your compassion and generosity,” the organization has said via social media.
“It is awe inspiring that our neighbours to the north are willing to put this very special delivery together.”
(With files from CTV News Calgary – headline image courtesy Getty/Hollywood Reporter)