The Humane Equine Aid and Rapid Transport (HEART) Equine Ambulance is a very personal cause for many of the top equestrians. There will be a fun packed, heel-stomping hoedown held at Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club in the Special Events Pavilion to raise money for the equine ambulance. With everything from a mechanical bull Calcutta to square dancing, the HEART Hoedown will offer fun for the entire family.

The HEART Equine Ambulance became a nonprofit organization in 2000. It has been run by Jill Parsons and nurtured along by a dedicated group of equestrians. The ambulance is funded by generous donations and fundraising events. Sweely Holdings Inc. donated the new ambulance and truck. They also have given their time and farm to hold crucial fundraising events. Robin Sweely is the president, and the driving force of the organization.

“Our goal is to continue to raise funds to support operating expenses of the ambulance, improve and maintain our existing equipment as new technology becomes available, and expand our coverage to guarantee care can be provided at more equestrian events,” Sweely said. “We would like to see that an equine ambulance is a mandatory item at any showground or event.”

Fortunately it is a rare occurrence that horses are physically debilitated or die during show jumping competitions. Although accidents are few and far between, this loss strikes horrible fear in the equestrian community. Besides the obvious heartbreak to the riders, the public observing the incident is forever impacted by how the care of the horse is handled