The drought has caused a hay shortage from lack of irrigation water and, as a result, local providers have limited resources and are forced to sell hay to horse owners at higher costs.

To combat the shortage, two-strand bales of hay are being delivered from northern Colorado, and a Go-Fund-Me account was created June 11 to defray costs. Donations have helped reduce prices, and hay is currently available to horse owners in La Plata County at $12.75 per bale. Hay is a mix of brome, orchard and timothy, and each bale weighs 60 to 70 pounds.

To make arrangements to purchase hay or to help with distribution, call or email Kathy Sherer at 884-2355 or jksherer@q.com. Horse owners who inquire must be residents of La Plata County and will be placed on a list to receive hay. Those who are most in need of hay will be supplied first.

To make a donation and help reduce the cost of hay, visit www.gofundme.com/durango-horse-hay-fund.