Florida Equine Disaster Response
is a Florida non-profit organization created to help horses during natural disasters.
Florida Equine Disaster Response
Our mission at Florida Equine Disaster Response is to support the equine community in times of disaster by increasing disaster preparedness awareness, providing evacuation assistance, distributing critical supplies, and working with our government and community to provide recovery relief following a disaster.
Florida Equine Disaster Response
By lessening the burden on government agencies, we aim to prevent the suffering of horses and humans in the state of Florida. We provide education and training opportunities to both civilians and first responders, to make a difference during times of need for the equine community. With over 385,000 horses and an $11.7 billion annual economic impact in Florida, our mission is critical. We have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of Hurricane Ian in South Florida, and are committed to making a lasting impact long into the future
Florida Equine Disaster Response
FLEDR established a “Forward Distribution Point” in South Sarasota County and Fort Myers, with the blessing of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, to collect donations and distribute much-needed supplies to those in need. Since then, we have been providing relief and support to the Equine Community during natural disasters, and we believe that we can make a big difference in their lives.
Our Story
Hi, my name is Barry Spinweber Jr and I’m the Founder of “FLORIDA EQUINE DISASTER RESPONSE”, a non-profit organization created to help horses during natural disasters. As a Florida native, horse trainer and professional Firefighter/Paramedic, I witnessed first-hand the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian and received multiple personal requests for assistance from those in the Equine Community. Unfortunately, emergency services were overwhelmed with human search and rescue efforts, leaving the needs of the Equine Community lower on the priority dispatching Call log. That’s why we established a “Forward Distribution Point” in South Sarasota County and Fort Myers, with the blessing of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, to collect donations and distribute much needed supplies to those in need. Since then, we have been providing relief and support to the Equine Community during natural disasters, and we believe that we can make a big difference in their lives. Thank you for listening, and we hope you will consider supporting our cause.
Strategic Plan
Year 1

• Raise funds to build operational capital and acquire supplies, equipment and cover administrative costs.
• Open a temporary base of operation in Okeechobee, which is logistically sensible due to its minimal regional response to most of Florida.
• Establish operational and administrative policies/procedures, including preparedness, response, recovery, ICS utilization, budget, documentation and By-Laws.
• Develop social media outreach systems, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and website.
• Identify challenges from Hurricane Ian and improve systems for future responses.
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Year 3
• Increase outreach programs, including preparedness training for civilians/first responders, increasing social media presence and using County Fairs/large equine events to increase awareness.
• Identify a permanent HQ/base solution.
• Increase funding for operations, including grants, fundraisers, donations and earned income.
• Complete all IRS 501c3 documentation by deadline (1/1/26).
• Streamline/automate all requests for assistance, operations and donation documentation.
• Build a robust volunteer base.
Year 5
• Open a state evacuation site at the HQ.
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Year 10
• Attain self-sufficiency and expand to the Southeast Region of the USA and/or Mutual Aid to States in need of relief.
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Ensures first priority emergency relief in a disaster zone

Hurricane Season Ends November 30th

April 27, 2023 Ohio Quarter Horse Association donates to Florida Equine Disaster Response.