Lexington, KY - Mississippi horse owners affected by Hurricane Katrina now have a new lifeline to help through the United States Equestrian Federation. As of Thursday, September 8, USEF will have a dedicated phone line to take emergency calls from Mississippians in need of emergency assistance for their horses.

The USEF Mississippi Emergency Hotline number is (859) 225-2051, and will be operational daily from 8:00 a.m. until 6:30 p.m., until the need has subsided. This emergency hotline number will be for emergency calls regarding needs for horses only. Operators will not be able to assist others inquiring about volunteer or donation opportunities. Please understand that it is essential to keep this line free so those needing help will be able to get through. Information gathered from the calls will be forwarded to various rescue and assistance organizations now in place in Southern Mississippi.

For equine-related emergencies in the Louisiana area, please contact the LSU Vet School Hotline at (225) 578-9501.

Those wanting to donate supplies to Mississippi, including feed, vet supplies, and especially hay, should drop them at the following locations:

This is just off Highway 49 on the south side of Hattiesburg. Donations of supplies can be dropped there if they are in large, semi tractor trailers and in large boxes or on pallets.

Smaller loads in horse trailers or smaller trucks should go to:

Jackson County Animal Shelter
4400 Audubon Road
Gautier, MS
(228) 497-6350
This is in the Gulfport area.

Those wishing to make monetary donations may still do so by logging on to www.usef.org , and clicking on the Hurricane Katrina link on the right side of the homepage.

>From backyard dreamers to Olympic champions, more than 86,000 members call themselves equestrians. They're part of the United States Equestrian Federation family-a family that continues to grow as we share our sport with the world while advocating fairness, excellence and equine welfare in all aspects of horsemanship and competition. As the National Governing Body of equestrian sport in the United States, we send athletes and teams of the highest caliber to represent our country at home and abroad. Through more than 2,800 competitions in 27 breeds and disciplines, we continue to acknowledge equestrian athletes at every level, and nurture new ones along the way. Our members will tell you and we agree-equestrian is a way of life. And to us, equestrian means family.