As Hurricane Helene was brewing in the Gulf of Mexico this past week, Floridians were preparing for the worst case scenario. For horse owners, finding a safe haven for their animals is often paramount. Agricultural centers, fairgrounds, and private farms across the region opened their doors to provide shelter to those in need. Among them, the World Equestrian Center (WEC), the country’s largest equine complex, welcomed evacuees to its Ocala, Florida, base free of charge.
On September 25, owners began arriving in droves and soon more than 1,200 horses had filled the permanent stables. Situated in the heart of “the Horse Capital of the World,” the 378-acre venue hosts equestrian events every week and was equipped to handle the influx of arrivals. “We have welcomed evacuees previously,” says Leah Tong, WEC director of marketing. “So there’s a system in place to take those stall reservations and assist owners in getting to their stalls as needed.”
Two years ago, nearly three thousand horses (and a few other critters from a nearby rescue—a tortoise, a goat, and a kangaroo) sheltered at the site during Hurricane Ian. Though only equine evacuees were housed this time, WEC once again offered their stalls for free. Many owners stayed on site at one of the venue’s two hotels while they cared for their horses. Some locals traveled back and forth from their nearby farms or buddied up with fellow evacuees to share the workload.
Jessica Pye, who boards her horse at Wild Green Farm in Ocala, traveled with eight horses to weather the storm at WEC, with many of the other owners chipping in to help with travel and care. “I’m grateful that our horses can stay at the World Equestrian Center in their sturdy and enclosed barns,” Pye says. “And I’m grateful for amazing friends and family who never hesitate to help when it’s needed. It was really a super team effort.”
A local rider who often competes in the venue’s horse shows, Pye was thankful to have easy access to a safe location. “Most importantly, WEC has brought safety and peace of mind,” she says. “Our entire crew at Wild Green Farm is so grateful they opened their doors to our horses. If they hadn’t, I promise you that none of us would’ve slept that night.”
Besides offering shelter to equines in need, WEC also plays a vital role in other hurricane necessities. “Duke Energy houses their linemen at our hotels, and we provide the space for them to stage their vehicles,” Tong says. “We are blessed to have this venue. It is important to our ownership and team that we give back to our community.”
Hurricane Helene moved through the state quickly on Thursday night, with relatively minor damage to the Ocala area, and by the end of Friday, September 27, the majority of the equine evacuees had departed. “All the Wild Green Farm horses are happy to be home,” Pye says.
The storm continued inland, causing widespread damage across a swath of the Southeast, including other parts of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
Here’s how to help in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene
Read about the storm’s impact in Boone, North Carolina
Watch an Atlanta boat owner’s rescue ride
