Charitable organizations called "hay banks" (think food bank, but for horses) provide hay to horse owners faced with unexpected loss of income. Hay donations, large or small, are collected from the community and redistributed to horse owners in need.
Most hay banks require potential recipients to provide veterinary references and allow an on-site visit to ensure that donated hay will not perpetuate ongoing abuse or irresponsible breeding. Some groups will work with horse owners to develop a sustainable plan for how to feed in the future.
Here is a list of some existing hay banks that offer their services to horse owners and are in need of donations. Want to donate, but can't find a bank in your area? Consider starting one using these existing hay banks as inspiration.
The Hay Bank, Parker, Colo.
www.thehaybank.com
Oregon Hay Bank, Roseburg, Ore.
www.oregonhaybank.org
Michigan Horse Welfare Coalition Hay Bank, Lansing, Mich.
www.michiganhorsewelfarecoalition.org/Home_Page.html
Equine Protection Fund, Santa Fe, N.M.
www.equineprotectionfund.org/programs.php
S.A.F.E.R. Hay Assistance Program, Sebastopol, Calif.
www.saferhorse.com
Mountain View Rescue Hay Bank, Columbia, Ky.
www.mountainviewrescue.com/mvr_hay_bank_project.htm
In Georgia, Stamp Out Starvation of Horses (SOS) is an equine rescue that maintains a hay bank for approved applicants. http://www.sosofhorses.com