Brooke News Winter 2016

BROOKE NEWS
WINTER 2016
A better life for
Ethiopia’s gharry
horses
The Brooke bids
farewell to Jordan
– and welcome to
Mexico
Saving lives in
Senegal
SUPPORTING YOU
TO SUPPORT US
CONTENTS
Without you – our supporters – none
of our work would be possible. That’s
why we’re always happy to help.
6
Contact our Supporter Care team if
you’d like to discuss our work, ask
for information, update us on your
details, or make a donation. We’re
always delighted to hear from you.
An eye-opening
visit to India
With our Global
Ambassador Charlotte Dujardin
10 Part of the family
A heartwarming story from Nicaragua
Visit our website
www.thebrooke.org
Call
020 7470 9393 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm)
Email
info@thebrooke.org
Write to
The Brooke, 5th Floor
Friars Bridge Court
41-45 Blackfriars Road
London SE1 8NZ
12 Transforming the lives of
Ethiopia’s gharry horses
The Brooke makes a lasting impact on
urban animals and their owners
16 Interview
Dr Daouda Seck’s insight into his life
as a vet in West Africa
Follow on Twitter
@thebrooke
Like on Facebook
The Brooke
Editor: Sarah Stoney
Chief Executive: Petra Ingram
All images © the Brooke unless
otherwise stated.
Registered Charity No. 1085760
Cover Photo: Foal in Pakistan
Please note that the majority of our photos are
taken by staff in the field to save costs.
2 Brooke News
Welcome
I’m delighted to bring you the latest news of how
you’re helping working horses, donkeys and mules.
On a recent visit to India with Brooke Ambassador
Charlotte Dujardin and her fellow rider Alice Oppenheimer I saw the impact
our work is having for myself. On the banks of the Ganges, for example,
an inspiring group of women from local villages were putting what they’d
learned from the Brooke into practice. Their animals were clearly healthy and
well-cared for – like Eddie, a friendly mule who enjoyed a relaxing head rub
from Charlotte.
Reaching animals working in towns and cities can be more challenging.
That’s why we’re so proud to see the difference we’re making to the lives
of Ethiopia’s gharry horses (page 12). Although many horses now look less
emaciated and in better condition, there are many more who still desperately
need our help.
While much work lies ahead in Mexico – where the Brooke’s first project
has just started (page 5) – we’re satisfied that the positive changes we’ve
driven in Jordan are now sustainable. Country manager Suleiman
Mashaleh, looks back on the incredible things we’ve achieved there in
the past 27 years (page 20).
Closer to home, I was riveted when when our Global Ambassador Monty
Roberts – ‘horse whisperer’ and equine adviser to Her Majesty The Queen –
demonstrated his skills at a royal event last October (page 9). Our President,
Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall, and Her Majesty The Queen
herself were among the audience and clearly enjoyed the show every bit as
much as I did.
I hope you enjoy your newsletter.
18 Urgent action
saves donkeys
in Senegal
Emergency help for
drought-stricken
donkeys
24 Community
News and inspiration from
our loyal supporters
020 7470 9393 www.thebrooke.org
Petra Ingram
Chief Executive
PS Our ambitious new strategy is launching this
April. It will help us to achieve lasting change
and sustainable improvements for future
generations of working animals globally.
From Guatemala to Ethiopia, from India to Senegal, none of our work
would be possible without your invaluable support. Thank you.
Brooke
News 33
Brooke News
s
Newrief:
in b
Jane and Bill team up to help the Brooke
Sir Peter O’Sullevan – a Patron
with a passion for horses
All of us at the Brooke were very sad to hear of the death of our Patron, Sir Peter
O’Sullevan, who passed away peacefully at the age of 97.
Sir Peter was a legendary BBC commentator from 1947 until 1997. His incredible
dedication to animal welfare transformed the lives of millions of working animals.
“Sir Peter became Patron of the Brooke in 1999, visiting our
work overseas, supporting fundraising appeals and raising
over £600,000 for the Brooke through his own Charitable
Trust. His passion for horses shone
through in everything he did and he
cared deeply about the welfare of the
100 million working horses, donkeys
and mules around the world. We will
miss him.”
Olympic gold medallist Jane Holderness-Roddam CBE and
her veteran horse Tiger’s Eye II – known as Bill – came out
of retirement to raise money for the Brooke in a One
Day Event on 18 August.
“I was a little nervous but I thoroughly enjoyed it, and
I think Bill did too”, Jane told us, “I’m really pleased with how
much we’ve raised and it’s wonderful to be able to give something back to
these animals.” Jane has raised thousands of pounds for the Brooke and
we’re so grateful for her tremendous generosity in taking on the challenge
and fundraising for the Brooke.
Brooke begins work in Mexico
We’re delighted to have started
work in Mexico. A new project
in San Martin is already helping
around 200 horses who work
at the city’s big refuse and
recycling site.
Petra Ingram, Chief Executive
The Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust has
raised over £4 million for animal welfare causes,
including the Brooke.
Sir Peter’s dedicated commitment
and generous support of the
Brooke has enabled us to
ease the pain and prevent
the suffering of thousands of
working equine animals in
some of the world’s poorest
communities.
Brooke News
News
44 Brooke
www.thebrooke.org 020 7470 9393
Every day, horses travel to the
rubbish dump at San Martin, pulling
carts laden with rubbish. Some are
painfully thin. Often their hooves
are in poor condition and their
bodies and mouths are sore from
badly-fitting bits and harnesses.
Helping the refuse-collecting
horses of San Martin
The Brooke is working with local
partner Fundación Dejando Huella
(FDH) to transform the lives of
these suffering animals – and their
owners who are struggling to make
ends meet.
We start by building a trusting
relationship. We engage owners
with activities and help them to
understand how to better care for
their animals and how to handle
them with respect and kindness.
By training farriers and saddlers,
we’re making sure animals are more
comfortable. And we’re giving
emergency help to ill or injured
horses, as well as taking steps to
protect them from disease.
We’ll be bringing you more news
of how our work in Mexico is
progressing in the future.
To keep up to date with the Brooke, visit blog.thebrooke.org
follow @thebrooke on Twitter or like ‘The Brooke’ on Facebook.
Brooke News 5
An eye-opening
visit to India for
Charlotte Dujardin
Our Global Ambassador, world
champion dressage athlete and
Olympian Charlotte Dujardin,
was keen to see our work for
herself. So, last October, she
accompanied Brooke Chief
Executive, Petra Ingram and
her friend, fellow dressage
rider Alice Oppenheimer, on a
memorable visit to India.
As a lifelong lover of horses, Charlotte
Dujardin was a little apprehensive
about seeing the suffering of animals
less fortunate than the horses at home.
But her firm commitment to raising
awareness of the work we do
compelled her to see the problems
India’s horses face firsthand – and the
ways we’re helping them.
The Brooke makes a big impact on
small communities
First port of call was to the nomadic
Qalander community. The Qalanders
depend entirely on the mules they
breed to work. Before the Brooke
started working with them, 80% of
their animals died from the disease
Surra each year. Today, that’s dropped
to just 20%. Thanks to the Brooke’s
training, they can now spot when an
animal is sick and take action.
The next stop was to meet a group
of women representing village equine
groups. The Brooke team had taught
them how to better care for their
animals. The women cleaned the
stables and picked out hooves daily and
had learned how to mix balanced feed.
We’d provided them with a first aid kit,
and they knew how to find a vet if the
problem was more complicated.
When Charlotte asked the women what
they’d do without their animals they
all agreed: “We would not eat and our
children would not go to school” – so the
Brooke’s work isn’t just saving animals’
lives, it’s a lifeline for families too.
The Brooke party was happy to see the
women’s horses were well-groomed,
wound-free and appeared contented.
Charlotte made a beeline for a friendly
mule called Eddie (top left) – who
showed just how much he enjoyed the
rub she gave him.
From equine fairs to brick kilns
At the Dewa Equine Fair, Charlotte,
Alice and Petra came face to face with
the sheer scale of suffering India’s
working horses, donkeys and mules
endure. Thousands of working animals
are bought and sold here and the
welfare issues are plain to see.
Charlotte was distressed to witness
problems ranging from exhaustion
and serious injuries, to diseases such
as Surra – which spreads rapidly in the
overcrowded conditions. However,
she was heartened to see the sterling
work of our team there. From providing
emergency treatments, to spreading vital
welfare messages, we’re working hard
to ease suffering and improve life for
animals and owners in the long term.
During a visit to the brick kilns it was
harrowing to see the terrible conditions
the horses and donkeys endured – but
the Brooke is making a difference.
Charlotte, Petra and Alice saw that
the team is influencing kiln owners
and slowly but surely conditions are
improving.
All in all, it was an eye-opening
visit and Charlotte is more
passionate than ever about helping
the Brooke to make life better
for horses, donkeys and mules in
desperate need.
Read more about Charlotte’s trip by visiting
blog.thebrooke.org
Follow the Brooke on Twitter and Facebook
and go to #BrookeMeetsCharlotte
6 Brooke News
www.thebrooke.org 020 7470 9393
To keep up to date with the Brooke, visit blog.thebrooke.org
follow @thebrooke on Twitter or like ‘The Brooke’ on Facebook.
Brooke News 7
Equestrio backs the Brooke
We’re thrilled that Equestrio
has chosen the Brooke to be
their charity partner.
The high-quality magazine for
horse-lovers since 2003, Equestrio
offers everything from lifestyle
features to interviews with
equestrians.
Now horse enthusiasts can interact
together, purchase artworks and
share in a multimedia experience
of all the latest news and views
from the equestrian world.
Equestrio is kicking off our
partnership with a campaign to
support our life-changing work
at India’s equine fairs. Every time
you buy from Equestrio’s online
shop, they’ll donate 10% of the
proceeds to help. You can keep up
with the campaign on Instagram
and Facebook too.
Visit Equestrio.com to browse
through the beautiful, collectible
images from world class
equestrian photographers in the
Equestrio shop. You can also check
out their fascinating footage of
our Global Ambassador Charlotte
Dujardin’s visit to see our work
at India’s equine fairs. Turn to
page 6 to read about Charlotte’s
experiences in India.
“The Equestrio team is delighted to have adopted the Brooke as
our first charity partner. I had the opportunity to travel to India
and was very moved to learn about the plight of the horses and
donkeys at the equine fairs in India.
Our hope is to give our readers the chance to be part of the
Brooke’s work, through their purchases on Equestrio. Ten
percent of all proceeds will make a real difference to the
Brooke’s work on the ground.”
Equestrio owner, Alicia Heiniger
8 Brooke News
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Her Majesty The Queen joins Brooke
supporters to watch the legendary ‘horse
whisperer’, Monty Roberts
Monty Roberts, Global Ambassador for the Brooke and trusted
adviser on Her Majesty The Queen’s horses for 25 years was in
the UK for an unforgettable royal event last October.
At the event, held at the Royal Mews
and hosted by our President, Her Royal
Highness The Duchess of Cornwall,
Monty impressed our supporters with a
demonstration of his skills.
Monty, an award-winning horse trainer,
uses a special non-verbal technique to
communicate with horses. Using this
method, he can ‘tame’ an unridden
horse in just half an hour.
We were delighted that Her Majesty
The Queen herself paid a surprise
visit to the show and watched the
proceedings from the front row.
Together with The Duchess of
Cornwall, Her Majesty The Queen also
joined Monty and the horses for a
closer look at how he works.
A special relationship
At a reception, after the demonstration,
Brooke supporters got to meet the
talented trainer and learned how he’d
first met Her Majesty The Queen and
her many horses, back in 1989:
“It was one week, with Her Majesty
The Queen there every day, when it
was only supposed to be one hour,” he
remembers.
He credits his career today to her
encouragement: “If she hadn’t pushed
me, I’d be a cowboy in California.”
All of us at the Brooke are so proud
to have Monty and The Duchess
of Cornwall supporting our work
and raising awareness of how we
help hardworking horses, donkeys
and mules.
Every single supporter of the Brooke
is vital to our work and greatly valued
by us all.
The unique event was one which
will stay in the memories of our
supporters for years to come.
To keep up to date with the Brooke, visit blog.thebrooke.org
follow @thebrooke on Twitter or like ‘The Brooke’ on Facebook.
Brooke News 9
How Palomo and Colorado
became part of the family
Osmin Barquero lives in the village of La Ceiba,
Nicaragua, with his wife, four children and two
horses. Although Osmin is a farmer, there’s been so
little rain in the region, that he must collect and sell
firewood to feed his family. He depends on his two
horses, Palomo and Colorado, to help him.
Like many owners in the area, Osmin simply didn’t
know the best way to care for his horses. But once he
started attending the Brooke’s training sessions Osmin started to
understand Palomo and Colorado better. From giving them the rest, food and
water they needed, to learning basic first aid, Osmin and his family discovered
how to keep their horses in the best of health.
10 Brooke News
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”Our horses need love”
Perhaps the most important lesson the
Barqueros learned was how to love
their horses – and how to show it:
“Thanks to the Brooke me and my
family can look after our horses better.
We know how to treat a wound,
how to avoid them getting sick and
we give them rest after work. Now
we are aware they need love. Just
by bathing them we can show them
how important they are to us,” Osmin
explains.
”Palomo and Colorado are just
like friends”
The children of the family are devoted
to Palomo and Colorado. Fifteen-yearold Jasser appreciates how vital they
are to the family income:
“I help my dad by selling firewood. I
transport the firewood to the market
10km away with the horses. With the
money we earn I can go to school.
Palomo and Colorado are just like
friends. I like to take care of them. I
feed them with maize and water with
salt. I pick their hooves very often. Me
and my family are aware that without
the horses we won’t be able to work
and have food.”
”When I grow up I want to
be a vet”
Joel Barquero, who is 13, has been
inspired by what he learned from the
Brooke:“I help my dad to take care of
the horses. Before they go to work I
give them water to drink. When I grow
up I want to be a vet. I want my horses
to always have enough food to make
them fat!”
Training transforms attitudes
When the Brooke first came to La Ceiba, we
found that the horses there were in poor
condition. Problems ranged from lack of
energy due to poor diet, to badly-tended
hooves and heat stress. We discovered that
many owners simply didn’t know the best
way to feed and care for their animals. So
we started training sessions on basic care
and welfare, bringing to life the issues and
solutions with demonstrations and drawings.
Changing hearts and minds
Osmin was so impressed by the
Brooke’s training sessions that he now
hosts them at his house twice a month.
As more and more people in the
community learn how to care for their
animals, the future looks bright for the
horses of La Ceiba.
To help the Brooke work with more communities like this, visit
www.thebrooke.org/donate or call 020 7980 7234 to donate today.
Brooke News 11
Transforming the lives of
Ethiopia’s gharry horses
Ethiopia has the world’s third largest equine population.
In towns most are used to transport people (‘gharry’ or
‘ghari’ horses) and for pulling carts carrying goods. The
horses are a lifeline for 85% of Ethiopians, but harsh
conditions will inevitably reduce the life expectancy of
these hardworking animals.
A big challenge for
the Brooke
Gharry horses are rented, as well
as used by owners directly. They
can suffer from welfare issues
because owners and drivers are
under pressure to earn a living
and because they can’t access or
afford the things they need to
care for them properly. If they’re
rented, drivers may have little
knowledge on how to care for
these animals. As a result, some
of Ethiopia’s gharry horses are in
a shocking condition. In Halaba,
as many as 70% walk abnormally.
Wounds and overgrown hooves
are common – and many are
painfully thin.
Tackling the problem
Improving the lives of gharry horses
has been challenging. Horses are
frequently bought and sold and it’s
hard to engage those owners living
in desperate poverty, who don’t see
animal welfare as a priority.
Brooke Ethiopia has been
addressing the problem in a
number of ways.
• Working with communities
We’re getting important messages
across through regular home visits
to motivated owners willing to be
trained in animal welfare. These
‘urban change agents’ pass on vital
messages to their neighbours and
friends. Eventually, we hope smaller
equine welfare groups will be set
up, where owners and users can
learn from each other. By explaining
to owners and users the benefits
of a healthy animal and how they
can achieve this, we’re encouraging
long-term change.
• Improving local services
We’re training farriers, working
closely with local service providers
and setting up meetings to build
positive relationships between
them and the community. Feed is
more readily available and feeding
practices have improved, thanks
to our work with suppliers and
the Gharry Horse Association. The
Brooke has also built shelters and
welfare centres for horses, like the
one in Halaba marketplace. Here
animals can find shelter and first
aid, while local people are trained
to pass on crucial animal welfare
messages to owners.
• Delivering better healthcare
We’ve been training veterinary
staff in local clinics to diagnose and
treat horses more effectively. Our
drug fund means that medicines
are more affordable and available,
while private community animal
health workers are trained to treat
equines and provided with essential
drugs and equipment.
• Helping abandoned horses
For some animals in desperate
need, with no hope of recovery,
the most compassionate action to
take is to put the animal to sleep.
The Brooke worked with the local
authority to pass a new by-law to
allow humane euthanasia and we
ensured the resources and training
to carry it out humanely were in
place. Now abandoned horses need
not endure extreme and incurable
pain or suffering.
Continued on page 14
12 Brooke News
www.thebrooke.org 020 7470 9393
To read about our Animal Welfare Advisor, Melissa’s visit to Ethiopia
please visit www.thebrooke.org/heroes-for-horses
Brooke News 13
Building bonds between women
and donkeys in Kenya
A visible difference
While there’s still more to be done,
it’s clear we’ve started to make an
impact.
Owners we’ve worked with now
understand the importance of good
hoof care and are seeing farriers
more frequently. Many now rest,
feed and water their animals at the
end of the day, and we’re seeing
better stabling, grooming and
husbandry. Wound treatment and
the provision of shade and shelter
have all progressed and owners are
more likely to visit a vet if there are
problems. We’re continuing to stress
key welfare messages with the help
of motivated owners, creating a
firm foundation for future progress.
The carts lined up
”Things have changed due
to the farriery and welfare
training I got from the Brooke.
I give advice to my customers
on protecting the health
and welfare of their horses.
I see a big improvement and
want to extend my heartfelt
appreciation to Brooke
Ethiopia.”
Tamrat Abera, Brooke-trained farrier
In Kenya’s Kitui county donkeys are cared for by
women. The donkeys help them with domestic duties
and walk long distances to collect water and firewood.
The Brooke Kenya team and our partner Caritas found
that many of the donkeys had painful wounds and
were listless and fearful. We were determined to find
out why, so we could help them.
Our research project studied 344
donkeys and 138 women. More
than half of the donkeys had lesions
near their tails and almost 20% had
them on their bellies. A third of them
seemed frightened or apathetic.
Our team identified two reasons that
might be contributing. Firstly, because
they hadn’t understood their animals
had feelings, the women had a
negative attitude towards them. Over
61% of them shouted at their animals
or treated them roughly. Secondly,
nearly 70% of them made their own
harnesses – as there was no padding,
the thin, tight ropes rubbed the
donkeys’ skins raw.
It was clear we
needed to help the women of Kitui
to develop empathy. They also needed
knowledge to better care for their
animals.
Comfort and kindness
We’ve started training sessions,
showing local women how to better
handle their donkeys – from using
halters to talking gently to them. We’re
also working to ensure they have the
right materials to make comfortable,
affordable harnesses. To maximise the
impact of our work we’re looking at
strengthening women’s groups, so
messages about good animal welfare
reach as many people as possible.
Sharing our knowledge
Neema Kawe, from Brooke East Africa,
shared the project’s findings at the
prestigious International Society for
Anthrozoology’s 2015 conference.
”I often visit Tamrat for
shoe-making and trimming.
He taught me about hoofcare
and feeding. Now my horse is
healthy and he is my friend.”
Elias Erkalo, gharry horse owner and
customer of Tamrat
14
Brooke News
14 Brooke
News
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She spoke about how women’s attitudes
were changing and explained how using
exercises like ‘If I were a donkey’ from
our guidance manual is helping to show
owners and users that donkeys feel pain
and hunger.
To help the Brooke visit www.thebrooke.org/donate
or call 020 7980 7234 today.
Brooke News
Brooke
News 15
15
Interview
vet resource network
based in Linguère, he’s
played a key role in
improving the lives of
Senegal’s equines.
Why are you
passionate about
animals?
I’ve loved animals since
I was a small child. My
parents were livestock
breeders and I grew up
surrounded by them.
That’s why I dedicated
my life to them.
“When I see
behaviour change
in favour of animals
I feel very hopeful.
The future will
change for them and
their owners – but
there’s a job to do.”
Dr Daouda Seck first
became involved with
the Brooke’s work
in 2013 when he
was invited to take
part in a workshop
on animal welfare
and found he shared
our values. Since
then, as part of the
Brooke West Africa
16 Brooke News
What kind of work do
horses, donkeys and
mules usually do in
Linguère, and what
are their lives like?
Most transport people
and goods. They
work eight to twelve
hours daily. Morning,
afternoon and even in
the night you can see
them working.
work at the clinic from
8am to 7pm with a
break in the afternoon.
Often animals can’t
come to the clinic so
I go to the owners.
Sometimes people knock
at my door during the
night and I get up to
treat animals.
What changes have
you seen since you
started working with
the Brooke?
I’ve witnessed the
way the Brooke has
expanded and made an
impact in Senegal. For
example, just two weeks
ago I was involved in a
workshop. I saw people
who couldn’t even hold
a hoof knife becoming
good farriers. They have
also been equipped with
updated and efficient
tools.
What uplifts me most is
seeing their gratitude to
the Brooke in their faces.
region the custom is to
believe a donkey is not
worth helping.
Can you give an
example of how
owners’ attitudes
towards their animals
have changed?
In one of the areas
where the Brooke
started to work I saw
changes within a few
weeks. Animals had
been starving and
dying, but our feeding
ideas had been put into
action and there was less
hunger and thirst. It’s
very unusual as in this
Find out more about
how we help starving
animals in an emergency
in our feature on
Senegal on page 18.
What do you like best
about your job?
When I bring relief to a
suffering animal.
Dr Seck helped these donkeys
in the Senegal emergency this
summer
This makes me feel that
human beings have
the hidden potential
for kind feelings that
can be brought out.
“What uplifts me
most is seeing their
gratitude to the
Brooke in their faces.”
Life is very difficult. They
have health problems.
They have nutritional
problems. They have
stabling problems.
We’re mainly concerned
with lameness and body
lesions. I see them
every day.
Describe your typical
working day.
Dr Daouda Seck demonstrating
the correct way to tie a halter
I get up at 6am and
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To help train vets like Dr Seck please visit www.thebrooke.org/donate
or call 020 7980 7234 to donate today
Brooke News
Brooke
News 17
Fund (SIF)
Small Initiative
Urgent action
saves donkeys
in Senegal
Early last summer, working animals in the Ferlo region
of Senegal were facing an emergency. Low rainfall the
previous year meant that there was little food, leading
some communities in the area to leave in search of
fresh pastures earlier than usual. Households took their
strongest donkeys with them – the mares, foals and sick
animals were left behind to fend for themselves – until
the Brooke came to help them.
Lifesaving help for desperate
donkeys
The Brooke West Africa team acted
quickly. First we assessed the donkeys’
health. Vet Dr Daouda Seck saw the
animals were listless and suffering from
heat stress, wounds and disease and
provided urgent treatment. (See our
interview with Dr Seck on page 17).
Water was a priority, so we ensured
enough was provided for the
community and animals, and reserved
a regular time slot for the donkeys to
drink each day.
We also made sure the donkeys had
hay, concentrated feed and a vitamin
and mineral supplement. Weaker
animals were given the nutrient-rich
food they needed to build up the
strength to graze.
18 Brooke News
Finally the team monitored the
animals’ health and Dr Seck reported
they were much improved, with more
energy, greater alertness and appeared
less stressed.
Long-term solutions for
a better future
Because we believe in sustainable
change, we took steps to protect
donkeys from future disasters too. We
worked in a range of ways – spreading
vital messages about animal welfare.
We also talked to relevant
organisations to encourage longterm improvements and lobbied the
government to make sure feed
suitable for equines was included
when they responded to emergencies
like this one.
www.thebrooke.org 020 7470 9393
itiatives The B
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of working helorpseims,prove the lives
Working donkeys in the Grahamstown area of South
mules in the devel donkeys and
Africa are benefiting from a brilliant new project,
oping world
run by the Farm Animals Centre for Education (FACE) and
South Africa’s Donkey Champions
partly funded by the Brooke’s SIF. In this part of the world,
people don’t always appreciate that donkeys feel pain in the
same was as we do, so owners sometimes overwork them.
This groundbreaking initiative is changing those views and
transforming the lives of donkeys for good.
In each participating village, a Working Donkey Champion (WDC) is
chosen and trained to monitor and help the donkeys there and to
educate owners to understand and care for their animals better.
During their training, the Working Donkey Champions learn about
everything from husbandry and health to the value and history of
donkeys. They work with owners and carters to improve the welfare
of these hardworking animals in a wide range of ways and are
influencing the way whole communities treat their animals.
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To find out more about our Small Initiative Funds (SIF)
please visit www.thebrooke.org/sif
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Brooke News
Brooke
News 19
“I believe working animals in Jordan will
be thankful to the Brooke forever”
Since the Brooke began working in Jordan in 1988, we’ve been
transforming attitudes and equine welfare. Confident that the changes
we have brought about are sustainable, we’re leaving authorities and
the community to carry on the good work. Country Manager Suleiman
Mashaleh looks back at our achievements, and forward to a better
future for working animals in Jordan.
The past
”I grew up in Petra with
a donkey, two mules, one
horse, sheep and goats.
In the summer we moved
around and in the winter
we lived in one of the
caves at Little Petra.
I fed, watered and
harnessed the animals
daily and when I was
about 15 I became a ‘horse boy’, taking
tourists to Petra. The Brooke’s clinic in
Petra opened while I was at university
and I went with my family to their first
Healthy Horse competition.
Once I started working for the tourist
police in Petra, I realised how significant
the Brooke’s work was – equines were
cared for professionally and owners were
encouraged to handle them humanely.
When I retired from the police in 2005, I
applied to work with the Brooke. I have
always been close to animals and
I wanted to help them.” Suleiman Mashaleh
20 Brooke News
Before the Brooke’s clinic opened
in Petra, skinny, exhausted horses,
donkeys and mules were a common
sight. Accidents and injuries were all
too frequent, standards of animal
welfare were low and no basic equine
services were available.
Painful and ineffective traditional
practices for treatment included the
use of car oil for treating injuries, firing
to cure lameness and nostril-slitting
to help breathing. Over-working and
overloading were common, along with
improper harnessing, stabling, nutrition
and shoeing.
The present
The future
Through community training and
awareness-raising, we dramatically
reduced malnutrition, dehydration
and exhaustion. Incidences of harmful
traditional practices are now virtually
non-existent.
The Brooke will continue to have a
presence in Jordan as we’re funding
two positions – one to improve donkey
welfare in the Um Sayhoun community,
and one to lead the second phase of
the Care for Petra campaign.
Professional farriery is now provided
by the Horse Owners Association and
harnessing and saddlery services have
been introduced. Local owners now
have a good knowledge of first aid,
how to prevent illness and injury, and
caring for sick animals.
After 27 years of hard work, animal
welfare in Petra has improved
dramatically and the Brooke UK,
the Brooke Jordan team and I are
very proud of our achievements.
After providing free quality veterinary
care, we handed over our clinic to
the government in 2010, so we could
concentrate on long-term change and
prevention. After the handover, local
vets completed a two-year Brooke
training programme, so standards
could be maintained.
After an independent review showed
the positive, sustainable changes we’d
brought about in Jordan, we closed
the office at the end of 2015. While
I’m sad that my time here has come to
an end, I’m confident that we’ve laid
the foundations for a better future for
Jordan’s working animals.
Water troughs and shade shelters
provided by the Brooke are now
managed by local authorities, bringing
relief to working animals.
Humane euthanasia is carried out on
severely ill equines.
In 2014, Care for Petra was launched.
This campaign encourages the tourism
industry to play a part in improving
animal welfare in Petra.
Welfare problems ranged from
lameness, hoof problems and saddle
sores to dehydration and colic. Severely
ill or injured animals were often
abandoned.
020 7470 9393 www.thebrooke.org
”I received good knowledge on how to take
care of my horses and how to know if they
are in pain, sick or unhappy. I can treat
simple wounds and perform horseshoeing
professionally. Without training and support
by the Brooke team I wouldn’t have gained
this experience.”Ahmad Hasanat, Brooke trained
farrier for the Horse Owners’ Association in Jordan
To help the Brooke visit www.thebrooke.org/donate
or call 020 7980 7234 today.
Brooke News 21
‘Dad would be
proud and happy’
My Dear Reader
Verity Owers, our Legacy Relationship
Officer, considers a project for horses in
Mexico and looks ahead with hope.
I found my first trip to Mexico exhilarating, but was
shocked at the hardship. In particular I remember the
donkeys – labouring in the countryside or pulling carts
along the road. For several years now, we have been
investigating how we can make a difference to animals
like them.
As you will see from our report on page 5, we’ve now
begun working in Mexico, on a project to help horses transporting waste to
a refuse site in Puebla State. This may lead to other projects – none of which
would be achievable without the generosity of supporters who have chosen
to leave a gift in their Will to the Brooke.
There are many factors to take into account when moving into a new
country – like Mexico – such as the number of working equines, the level of
human poverty, and potential partners who share our ethos. This scoping
work takes time and careful planning. But knowing money is coming to
us enables us to plan ahead. It’s amazing to think that a legacy left by a
supporter now could help us expand into new countries many years in
the future.
The legacy of my first visit to Mexico was a desire to help alleviate the
hardship I saw. With a gift in your Will to the Brooke, you could help
alleviate the suffering of working equines too.
Verity Owers,
Legacy Relationship Officer
Direct line: 020 7653 5860
Email: verity.owers@thebrooke.org
www.thebrooke.org/legacies
22 Brooke News
www.thebrooke.org 020 7470 9393
Brooke supporter Diana Taylor
explains why she opened a Tribute
Fund in memory of her father,
Bob Cunningham
“Dad bought me my first pony when
I was 16 years old. He was always on
the side of those who were unable to
help themselves.
It was the most natural thing in the world
to open a Tribute Fund in his memory.
I am in a happy position that I need for
nothing, so I always ask for money for
the Brooke for Christmas and birthday
presents. I know Dad would be proud
and happy – I am still amazed by the
amount I have raised since I started it.”
For more information about In Memory
Giving please call 020 7490 9393
email info@thebrooke.org visit
www.thebrooke.org/give-in-memory
Lynne Nesbit looks back on 29
unforgettable years at the Brooke
We have pleasure in announcing the
publication of Singing to Donkeys – A
Life Working for the Brooke Hospital for
Animals by Lynne Nesbit.
Lynne, our longest-standing employee, retired as
manager of our Legacy Department in 2011, after
working at the Brooke from 1982 to 2011. Her
fascinating memoir covers these years and is liberally
illustrated with her photos.
Lynne is donating all royalties (£4 per every
copy sold) to the Brooke. To enjoy her
book and support our work visit
www.dpdotcom.com/singing-to-donkeys
If you do not have access to a computer,
please send your order with a cheque
made out to Lynne Nesbit to the
Brooke office. The colour version
costs £14.25 and the price for
a black-and-white copy is £6.99.
Plus £2 for postage.
Remembering Mr Badger’s birthday party
Cath Hill-Freeman remembers Mr Badger, who inspired her to leave
a legacy to the Brooke in his memory.
“Mr Badger and I had many happy years and lots of adventures. He loved
exploring and nothing bothered him except tractors! He was such a cheeky
character. His party trick was stealing ice creams from unsuspecting children!
When he was 21 we decided to have a birthday party for him. We decked
out the barn and had a buffet including apple slices, a carrot cake and a
huge bouquet of grasses and edible plants. Mr B knew he was the centre
of attention and loved it.
When the time came for Mr Badger to leave me it was so hard. He will
be missed for a very long time. I could think of no better way to honour
his memory than to help the Brooke. As well as giving a monthly gift,
I’ve remembered the Brooke in my Will. Hopefully, when my time comes,
the happiness he gave me will go on to help others.”
If you’re interested in leaving a legacy please get in touch. Call 020 7470 9343
Brooke News 23
email legacies@thebrooke.org visit www.thebrooke.org/legacies
Brooke News 23
Give your time to help improve theirs
Last year young fundraiser
Niamh Bannister, 14, from
Penarth hosted her very own
garden party charity fundraiser
The Brooke needs you to volunteer some
of your time in 2016 to fundraise to
improve the lives of thousands of
working horses, donkeys and mules
in some of the world’s poorest
communities.
Sell, bake, host, collect, run, walk, ride,
celebrate… whatever you choose we are
here to help you raise as much as possible,
so please get in touch today.
This day had it all, including a
fantastic High Teas For Gee Gees
inspired bake sale which tickled
the taste buds of over 50
neighbours, friends and family.
Niamh had this to say
“When I saw the Brooke advert on
the television, it really hit me hard
and I promised myself that I would
raise money towards the Brooke.
So much planning, shopping
and baking, went into just a few
hours. It feels incredible that it’s
all done.”
Follow these 4 simple steps to help make a difference in 2016
Step 1:
Step 2:
Decide what you
want to do, go to
www.thebrooke.org
or call us on
020 7470 9393
Tell us and
everyone you know
what you are doing
and why
Step 3:
Fundraise: get
sponsored, sell
or just ask for
donations
Step 4:
Send us your
donation and bask
in the glory of your
achievement
Brooke-a-Brac
In 2015, your sales raised over £25,000
We want to double this in 2016!
Tell us the date of your sale so we can send you a
Brooke-a-Brac pack to help you raise awareness of
the Brooke’s work
“We had a pitch at the village fête and sold lots of
our own and our friends bric-a-brac. Our three tables were
decorated with Brooke bunting, balloons, leaflets, table cloths.
It’s a great way to raise money and awareness!” Meredith Irwin
Visit www.thebrooke.org/brooke-a-brac email community@thebrooke.org
or call 020 7470 9393 to sign up or to request your free fundraising pack.
24 Brooke News
If you are interested in hosting a High Teas for Gee Gees event, please visit
www.thebrooke.org/high-teas-for-gee-gees
The Brooke’s Roadshows
In 2015, we launched the Brooke roadshows
across the UK. Supporters and Brooke staff have
hosted roadshows in Cambridge, South-East,
Penrith, Lichfield and Aberdeenshire.
Members of the Brooke’s Animal Welfare
team showcased stories and case studies from
the countries we work in. Their first-hand
experiences of what it’s like to work with the
animals, their owners and the challenges that lie
ahead were a real treat for attendees.
The Champion Groups did a fantastic job
presenting the great fundraising work they do
in their local communities. We plan to organise
another series of roadshow events in 2016.
To find out more or receive a fundraising pack, contact our Community and
Events Team, email community@thebrooke.org or call 020 7470 9393
Brooke News
Brooke
News 25
Out & about with
the Brooke
There are loads of fantastic events that you
can get involved with all over the UK. Whether
you enjoy walking, cycling, running or even
challenging yourself to an obstacle race, climb
or abseil, there is an event for you.
Every year our wonderful supporters get their
friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them
in their challenges and raise funds to help working
horses, donkeys and mules, making a huge
difference to their lives.
We have put together a selection
Trek: Giant’s
Causeway
of some fantastic activities for
you. If none of these take
your fancy, check to see
what events are in your
local area.
London Runs
Cycle: Etape
Loch Ness
Trek: Ben
Nevis
Cycle Rides
•
Edinburgh
Marathon
Festival
•
•
Trek:
Hadrian’s
Wall
Land’s End to
John O’Groats
Ride London
30th – 31st July 2016
Etape Loch Ness
Sunday 24th April 2016
We have places in the Royal Parks
Half Marathon:
Sunday 9 October 2016
www.thebrooke.org/royalparks
Great North Run:
Newcastle-GatesheadSouth Shields
UK Runs
Please can you contact our
Community and Events Team
on community@thebrooke.org
or ring 020 7470 9393.
Trek:
Snowdonia
•
Cycle: Land’s
End to John
O’Groats
•
Obstacle challenge:
Cambridge
Treks
•
•
•
•
•
•
26 Brooke News
Did you get a ballot place in the London Marathon?
If so, run for us!
Virgin Money London Marathon: Sunday 24 April 2016
www.thebrooke.org/londonmarathon
We have places in the Bupa London 10,000:
Monday 30 May 2016
www.thebrooke.org/bupa10k
Hadrian’s Wall
Jurassic Coast
Thames Path Challenge
Ben Nevis
Snowdon
Giant’s Causeway
Thames Path
Challenge
London Runs
•
Edinburgh Marathon
Festival
28th -29th May 2016
Morrisons Great North Run
Sunday 11th September
Great South Run
Sunday 25th October
Obstacle Challenge
•
•
Spartan Cambridgeshire Sprint
Bear Grylls Survival Race
Great South Run:
Portsmouth
Trek: Jurassic Coast
To sign up, check out our fundraising challenges in more detail, or tell us about
your own challenge visit www.thebrooke.org/challenge-events
020
7470
9393 www.thebrooke.org
Brooke News
Brooke
News 27
Email
community@thebrooke.org
Our Legacy Promise
By leaving a gift to the Brooke in your Will you are supporting
our efforts to help animals in the future and are ensuring your
support will go on making a difference. ‘Our Promise To You’
outlines what you can expect from us as a Brooke supporter
who has pledged to give in this special way.
Our Promise To You
• We will treat you – and when
the time comes, your family and
representatives – with the utmost
sensitivity and respect.
• We will offer resources to
help inform your decision, but
understand it’s a personal choice
and won’t put you under any
pressure to give.
• We will keep any information you
share with us confidential and won’t
pass it on to other organisations.
• If you choose to share details of
your gift, we will look forward to
saying thank you and keeping in
touch – but always according to
your preferences.
• We value all of the gifts that are
left to us. No matter what size
or type – your gift will help us to
change lives.
• We will use your legacy in the
most efficient and effective way
possible, funding projects where
the need is greatest.
For more information contact our Legacy Team
on: 020 7470 9343 or at legacies@thebrooke.org
or visit www.thebrooke.org/legacies