Hunkapi Programs, an equine therapy farm in Scottsdale, are in dire need of hay donations.

“The heat had a direct correlation with the number of clients that are showing up every week,” said Terra Schaad, founder of Hunkapi. “It's hard for parents and participants to want to show up in this type of long-lasting heat. It's affected the amount of revenue stream that's coming into the program to support the horses.”

Hunkapi’s 34 horses work tirelessly throughout the year, supporting first responders and their children, ALS groups, children in crisis centers and group homes, and much more, a press release stated. The farm needs help from the community to raise 160 bales of hay to sustain the herd until the end of the month at the north Hunkapi location.

Each summer, Hunkapi rotates its herd for a vacation in Flagstaff to escape the sweltering heat. However, the high temperatures even up north are taking a toll on the horses, especially the beloved old rescues.

Horses normally eat 2% of their body weight every day. An average horse weighs about 1,000 pounds, so they eat 20 pounds of hay a day or one bale every three days, Schaad explained.

“Our farm is going through six bales every single day,” she said.

Each hay bale is $25, and every contribution makes a difference in ensuring the well-being of the animals.

Donations are important right now because it helps Hunkapi focus on its program offerings. Maintaining the herd is also necessary for when the weather cools in September and people re-engage with the programs.

“We need to keep the horses that we have now supported so that they’re ready to go to serve the public at a greater capacity,” Schaad said.

People can donate or sponsor a horse directly on Hunkapi’s website at https://www.hunkapi.org/donate/.

Another link to donate is found here:  Hunkapi Programs, Inc. | Kindful

People are also welcome to sign up for a farm tour to meet the horses, or volunteer to take care of them. All of those profits also support the feeding and care of Hunkapi’s herd.