WATER troughs have been installed in the cattle pens at the Myrtleford Recreation Reserve, thanks to a donation from Grow Myrtleford +, a locally-advised community fund.

Alpine Regional Horseman’s Association (ARHA) president Monica Kennedy said the donation of $2500 went towards the purchase and installation of seven freshwater troughs across the several pens at the reserve, helping ensure the reserve is a place of last resort for livestock.

She said they can safely pen 300 head of cattle in shade, with food and water, in case of an emergency.

“Animal welfare is our prime objective,” she said.

“One of our big drivers is to take the cattle back in a better condition or as good a condition as when they left the farm.”

She said the troughs also assist in holding events, such as the ARHA Cutting event last week.