MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Horse lovers have formed a “hay bank” to help Minnesota horse owners who’ve fallen on hard times and need help feeding their animals.

The Minnesota Horse Welfare Coalition launched the hay bank Tuesday with $3,000 in start-up funds from the Minnesota Humane Society and a private donor. The effort will connect hay and feed dealers with qualifying horse owners.

Spokeswoman Stacy Bettison says it’s like a food bank for horses, and they’re hoping to raise another $7,000 by the end of the month.

Hay and feed have become expensive and scarce due to this summer’s drought, and Bettison says the plight of suffering horses will only get worse as the winter weather gets colder.

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