The Japanese Equestrian Federation released an update on the state of the Japanese equestrian community in the wake of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami that devastated the country. Northeast Japan, where the disasters struck, is home to many breeding and training operations, especially in the Tohoku region.

The JEF and the National Riding Club Association responded to the disaster by immediately sending 36 tons of hay and fuel to Tohoku. The JEF reported that that feed shortage is now under control.

The NRCA has been compiling lists of the damage at equestrian facilities in the prefectures of Miyagi, Fukushima and Tochigi. Fears of contamination by the damaged Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant prompted many stables in Fukushima to evacuate. The tsunami flooded most of the facilities across the region, and many reported equine fatalities.

To see a full report of the damage, visit the NRCA’s website and click on “East Riding of Earthquake damage to body.”

“We have [heard] that several riding clubs have been washed away and many horses died,” wrote JEF president Genshitsu Sen on April 7. “One staff [member at the Natori Berushisaidofamu Garden in Miyagi] is missing, but other staff members were miraculously safe. They have all been settled to a safe area now.

“Fortunately here in Tokyo there is no radiation effect, and we are now back to normal work, though we still need to save electricity,” continued Sen. “Riding and training are continuing, and we will start our competitions again.”

Organizations accepting donations on behalf of Japanese horses and equestrians include:

• Japan Equestrian Federation 
• National Riding Club Association of Japan
• Riding Club Crane (Collecting donations on behalf of the Japanese Red Cross and the National Riding Club Association)