The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) announced last week that it has awarded a grant of $4,000 to the East Texas Horse Rescue and Sanctuary (ETHRS) in Alto, Texas, which will be used to buy hay for the organization’s rescued horses.

As hay prices continue to soar following Texas’ record-setting drought, ETHRS and other area horse rescues have struggled to raise funds to feed its equine rescues through the winter season–a challenge made even more difficult by the high transportation charges for hay bales that must be trucked in from several states away.

"It is a very tough time to be an equine rescue organization right now," said Jacque Schultz, senior director of the ASPCA Equine Fund. "The ASPCA is happy to be able to help groups throughout the country like East Texas Horse Rescue and Sanctuary so they’re able to feed their horses during these trying times. We encourage horse-lovers to lend a hand to their local rescue groups this winter by volunteering or making donations to help equines in need."

"With this additional funding from the ASPCA, ETHRS is able to continue to care for about 50 equines and eventually place them into permanent homes," added Patricia Bauer, ETHRS founder. "These extra funds couldn’t have come at a more critical time, and we’re very grateful