Puerto Rico · 2026 · Current conservation response
Drought does not end for a horse farm when the first rain falls.
When water and forage become scarce, the consequences carry into the next season: damaged pasture, feed purchases, hauling costs, exhausted farm budgets and uncertainty for the breeding programs that hold Puerto Rico's living equine heritage.
External fundraiser organized by Heart Throbs Puerto Rican Paso Finos and Conservation Legacy. Contributions are processed through GoFundMe, not through Conservation Legacy's own checkout. No funds are described as already delivered unless documented.
Some places received rain. Others are still struggling.
The October 8, 2026 Drought.gov update reports that a late-September tropical wave eased short-term drought for much of Puerto Rico, while extreme drought persisted in the southern plains. Farmers in the south and interior reported agricultural losses, and irrigation restrictions continued in the south.
Extreme drought (D3) persisted in the October 6 monitoring snapshot, with agricultural impacts particularly evident.
Livestock producers in the Lajas Valley reported prolonged dryness and little to no available pasture. Some fields elsewhere were beginning to respond to rain.
Damaged grazing, water systems and farm finances do not immediately return to normal after rainfall. Conditions differ between individual farms and regions.
Drought conditions valid October 13, 2026
47.9% of Puerto Rico was in D1–D3 drought. D0 is shown separately because “Abnormally Dry” is not included in that drought total.
- No D0–D4 designation
- 43.0%
- D0 · Abnormally Dry
- 9.1%
- D1 · Moderate Drought
- 23.2%
- D2 · Severe Drought
- 17.5%
- D3 · Extreme Drought
- 7.2%
- D4 · Exceptional Drought
- 0.0%
The drought chart above is a dated October 13 land-area snapshot, not a count of affected horses. It should not be interpreted as proof of particular animal deaths or losses across every farm.
An island horse breed depends on the farms still able to keep it.
The Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino is a distinct, threatened conservation population. The people and breeding herds that maintain its lineages are essential to its continuation. This appeal also extends compassion and support to the broader Puerto Rican horse community facing agricultural pressure.
Horses need suitable forage and reliable water today, but preservation also depends on breeders maintaining healthy animals, farm capacity, documentation and viable future breeding decisions. Assistance is meant to support care and farm recovery—not to suggest that unverified loss reports or rumored causes of colic have been established.
What contributions are meant to help provide
The campaign aims to network with Puerto Rican farmers, suppliers and community members to identify actual needs and practical delivery options before purchases and transport are arranged.
Suitable hay & feed
Source appropriate forage and feed locally when available, with outside shipments considered when practical and economical.
Clean water & storage
Help address usable water supplies, containers, storage and reliable delivery for horses and their caretakers.
Freight & farm delivery
Allow for trucking, ocean freight, unloading and last-mile delivery when outside supplies are genuinely needed.
Help the horses. Help the farmers. Help keep the bloodlines alive.
Donate, share the campaign, or offer a supplier connection for hay, water, storage or transportation. These farms still need people who see what is happening beyond their own news feeds.