Following the airing of a live Anderson Cooper CNN broadcast from Waveland, Miss., the American Miniature Horse Association (AMHA) has been flooded with offers of help and support for some of its members featured on air who are trapped in this area.  Drs. William and Judith Bradford and their three children have survived Hurricane Katrina, but are now pleading for help to save their AMHA horses.  

“As soon as the segment aired, the phone here in the office began ringing off the hook,” says AMHA Marketing Manager Alison Elrod. “I received more than 350 emails and 150 phone calls within the hour.” In the segment, Dr. William Bradford called upon viewers to contact the AMHA and alert them of the situation while stressing that he had no feed or water for the horses.  Immediately going to work with Chance’s Mini Horse Rescue (CMHR, www.chancesminihorserescue.org), the AMHA along with concerned citizens and members began to formulate a rescue plan.

Volunteers from all fifty states and even Canada have volunteered to go help the Bradfords and their remaining horses. Members and concerned citizens who live closer to the affected area are packed and waiting to go. “Our biggest problem right now is contacting the news media to let them know that we are aware of the situation and trying desperately to reach the Bradford’s,” says Elrod. “We need any help available to gain access into this area but want to be extremely careful to not interfere with current rescue operations. It is our desire that the AMHA, CMHR, and others have the chance to help out our members who have been faced with this unbelievable burden.”

The AMHA is concerned about the safety and well-being of the Bradfords and all other AMHA members and individuals affected by this national disaster. Many AMHA members have been affected by this horrible tragedy and help is on its way to many of them.  Hoping to bring a small sense of relief to some affected by this situation, an account has been set up by CMHR to raise money for this and other equine rescue operations. For more information on how to become involved and updates of this story, please visit www.amha.org