HURRICANE FIONA

Fiona began as a tropical depression on 14 September 2022, then strengthened into a hurricane as it moved through the Caribbean.

By the time it reached Canada’s Atlantic coast, it had transitioned into a powerful post-tropical cyclone — but nonetheless carried hurricane-force winds and heavy rainfall.

When Hurricane Fiona made landfall in Nova Scotia early on September 24, 2022, it was one of the strongest storms ever recorded in Canadian history.Its landfall in Canada was near eastern Nova Scotia, early on 24 September, with catastrophic effects.

Sustained winds: approximately 165 km/h (103 mph) near landfall.

Peak gusts: reported up to 179 km/h (111 mph) at some coastal locations (e.g. Arisaig and Grand Étang, Nova Scotia).

Central pressure: around 931 millibars, the lowest ever recorded for a land-falling storm in Canada.

So although Fiona had technically transitioned from a “hurricane” to a post-tropical cyclone by the time it reached Canada, it still packed full hurricane-force winds and an enormous wind field — causing widespread destruction, downed power lines, collapsed barns, and loss of animal shelters and feed throughout Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland (and parts of Quebec.)

To everyone who stepped up before, during, and after the storm — thank you.

Horse Rescue Fund typically provides financial support to those on the front lines of equine care.

But when Hurricane Fiona tore through Atlantic Canada, this was different.

This time, we were there in person — boots on the ground, chainsaws in hand — travelling to some of the hardest-hit areas to help clear downed trees, repair fencing, and assist local horse owners in getting their horses and properties secure again.

We are especially grateful to:

The families of our board members, who gave weeks of hands-on help — clearing debris, rebuilding fences, patching shelter roofs, and offering practical support to horse owners in crisis.

Those who donated financially, allowing us to act quickly when minutes mattered and our emergency reserves were stretched thin.

Volunteers and neighbours who showed up with tools, trucks, and heart — working side by side to restore safe conditions for animals and their caregivers.

Without this collective effort, our ability to provide meaningful relief would have been severely limited. The storm tested our resilience, but it also revealed the depth of compassion and community that drives everything we do.

Together, we proved that when disaster strikes — whether we’re funding aid or wielding chainsaws —with YOUR help we can find a way. 

Risks can happen anywhere. Even though Canada isn’t typically front-of-mind for “hurricane damage,” Fiona proved otherwise.

We’re taking what we learned to strengthen our emergency-response readiness for future crises.

1. Infrastructure matters. Fencing, barns, shelters — all took a beating. We’re encouraging the rescues and sanctuaries we support to plan ahead for structural repairs and emergency replacements, and we’re working toward a reserve fund to help them do just that.

2. Response costs money. Physical work is only half the story — there are transportation, material, and support costs too. Having emergency funds ready means we can respond faster and more effectively when disaster strikes.

3. Community and volunteer networks are indispensable. When an event hits, it’s the people who show up — with trucks, tools, and heart — who make recovery possible. Fiona reminded us how powerful that network truly is.

4. Our mission remains clear: to support those who rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome or those who might otherwise have to give up a beloved equine.

5. Emergencies like Fiona showed us that sometimes “rescue” means stepping in to support the rescuers themselves — helping them repair, rebuild, and keep going when they’re hit hardest.

Fiona was a reminder that even in Canada, nature can turn fierce fast.

Your support today helps us prepare for tomorrow’s emergencies — ensuring we can be there for the horses and caregivers who need us most.

Donate: Every contribution strengthens our emergency fund, so we can respond faster when disaster strikes.

Spread the word: Share our mission on social media and let others know how they can help Canada’s horses.

Connect with us: If you operate a rescue or sanctuary, if you are an equine caregiver – or even if you don’t have horses – jump on our mailing list and follow us on social media – below.

Together, we can build a stronger safety net for horses across Canada — one that holds firm when the next storm comes.