Amazon UK has been urged to ban the sale of eijao products as more than six million donkeys are slaughtered every year to produce them.

The retailer does not directly sell products containing eijao, made from donkey hides and used in cosmetics and food, but welfare charity Brooke has found that these products are available on Amazon from third-party sellers.

The petition calls for Amazon to “consider the devastating effects the trade is having on animals and people globally” and ban the products immediately.

H&H has reported on the effects of the skin trade on donkey populations as millions are killed in “horrifying conditions” to supply demand.

“This trade, which most people don’t even realise exists, is causing immense suffering for both animals and people,” said Brooke chief executive Chris Wainwright.

“When a donkey is stolen and slaughtered, entire families lose their income and lifeline overnight. This has to change. Amazon must take action to ensure its platforms aren’t accelerating this cruelty. So that we can help end the trade and protect donkeys – relied on by so many worldwide.”

Sign the petition

It is thought that Africa could lose half its donkey population by 2040 if the trade continues.

“Donkeys are vital to millions of people, supporting livelihoods, education and access to essentials in some of the world’s poorest communities,” a Brooke spokesperson said.

“The skin trade is causing extreme suffering worldwide, including violent capture, long transportation without food or water and brutal slaughter conditions for these animals.”

Brooke has contacted Amazon UK but had no response. The charity’s donkey skin ambassador Scott Miller, the resident vet on ITV’s This Morning, is backing the petition.

“Amazon: I understand your ignorance of eijao”

“Speaking directly to anyone working at Amazon, I would say I understand your ignorance regarding ejiao,” Dr Miller said. “I didn’t know about it either until I started working with Brooke.

“But once you know about this product and the brutal trade that’s behind it, you will want to take action. You will want to protect some of the most vulnerable and poorest communities on this planet. By simply banning any product that contains ejiao from your platform.”

Dr Miller urged people to sign the petition and contact their MPs.

“I personally have seen first-hand how the production of ejiao devastates communities, particularly the poorest in Africa,” he said. “It has a huge impact not only on women, but the health and education of children. Anyone that has a heart, that cares about animals and that cares about people would want to support the ban of ejiao worldwide.”

H&H has contacted Amazon UK for comment.

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“Handle with care” is the 2024 Christmas message from Brooke, in an animation of the same name aimed at raising awareness of treating horses properly.

The film, with voiceover from actress Annette Badland, tells the true story of Caballito, a horse in Nicaragua who had been mistreated, and whose new owner Ismelda shows him how to trust people again.

“Millions of working animals, and even our pets, can experience poor handling by humans, leading to anxiety, fear and life-long trauma,” a spokesperson for the welfare charity said.

“Ismelda decided to sign up to training provided by Brooke and its partner Biometepe, which works to improve animal welfare where she lives on Ometepe Island, Nicaragua.

“Thanks to Brooke, Ismela learnt how to communicate with Caballito and understand what he was trying to tell her, even building a feeding station to keep him well nourished. With time, Caballito was able to trust Ismela and they now share an inseparable bond.”

In the animation, Caballito is played by Harry the horse, a character from Brooke’s previous animation series.

Annette Badland said: “I’m so proud to have been part of Brooke’s animation this year, which highlights the importance of giving working animals the love and respect they deserve.

“Working animals, just like all animals, do so much for humans and handling them with compassion helps give them a life worth living.”

Ismelda added that she has learned a great deal about handling and caring for her horses.

“They come to trust you, just like you trust them,” she said.

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Top equestrians Jane Holderness-Roddam and Gemma Stevens – and two donkeys – were among the special guests at Brooke’s Christmas carol service in London.

Broadcaster and Brooke patron Alastair Stewart and comedian Rory Bremner were also at the Guards’ Chapel in Westminster last night (12 December), to which guests were welcomed by donkeys Pixie and Kiska. The event marked the equine welfare charity’s 90th anniversary.

Mr Stewart said: “We [Brooke supporters] support Brooke because we care passionately about working animals.

“The progress Brooke has made globally on the evil donkey skin trade is a fantastic example of how we as human beings can really work together to benefit these animals.

“From all of us here at Brooke, a very happy Christmas to you, and to horses, donkeys and mules all over the world, a happy, safe and peaceful year to you all.”

Brooke was formed in 1934 by Dorothy Brooke, who set out to help the emaciated war horses who were abandoned in Egypt after the First World War.

Rory Bremner said: “It was so wonderful to see so many people at the Guards’ Chapel; Dorothy Brooke started this 90 years ago, it’s extraordinary to think about.

“Now, 90 years on, Brooke is helping horses, donkeys, mules in India, Pakistan, South America and beyond, where they can be overworked or used for their skins in the case of donkeys, Brooke is there to help them. By being at the service, people can support their work for this year and beyond.”

Brooke’s 90th anniversary events are sponsored by The Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust, which has donated more than £1m to the charity to date.

Brooke CEO Chris Wainwright said: “This very special evening commemorated the 90th anniversary of Brooke’s commitment to ending the suffering of working horses, donkeys and mules across the world.

“The performance from the Guards’ Chapel Choir was phenomenal, and we are so grateful to all that attended to give their support.

“We would like to sincerely thank the Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust for their longstanding support and most generous sponsorship of Brooke’s 90th anniversary events this year.”

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In the first few weeks of the First World War, the British Army requisitioned more than 120,000 horses to serve across the Channel.

In four years of conflict, some eight million horses, donkeys and mules died, and the fate of many remains unknown.

One of those was Black Nannie, the partner of Scottish ploughman William Smart, whose story has been discovered thanks to a poem the heartbroken farmer wrote after she had been taken away.

Richard Burdett, Mr Smart’s great-grandson, found the poem Black Nannie’s Awa’ in a pile of his mother’s papers after her death this year. He passed it on to Brooke, and it has become the centrepiece of the equine welfare charity’s 2024 Every Horse Remembered campaign, which “takes time to honour and reflect on the heroic struggle of working horses, donkeys and mules of the past and present, and help build better lives for future generations”.

A spokesperson for the charity said: “Black Nannie’s Awa’ tells the story of William’s despair that his horse Black Nannie will be ‘reduced to skin and bone’ from the hardships of war and heavy labour.

“Brooke, a charity dedicated to improving the lives of working horses, donkeys and mules all over the world, was formed by Dorothy Brooke after her husband was posted to Cairo to command the British Cavalry Brigade in 1930. Dorothy saw the fate of former war horses like Black Nannie who had never been returned home and were suffering in poor conditions in Egypt.

“Within three years, Dorothy purchased 5,000 former war horses and in 1934, founded the Old War Horse Memorial Hospital in Cairo, with the promise of free veterinary care for all the city’s working horses and donkeys. Today, Brooke is the world’s largest working equine welfare organisation, working in Africa, Asia and Central America.”

Mr Burdett, director of H&C TV Ltd, said he found the poem typed on an A4 sheet of paper, in a pile of bills and other records. He said is not horsey but recognised the poem’s significance owing to his job, and contacted Brooke. With the help of Aly Barr, deputy director at the Scottish Poetry Library, Brooke created a short film, of archive footage and still images, set to music and the narration of Black Nannie’s Awa’ by poet James Robertson,

“Black Nannie’s Awa’ has resurfaced in a wonderful way that none of us could ever have imagined,” Mr Burdett said.

“And as for Black Nannie herself, well, we’ve no way of knowing if she made it home and William got his chance ‘tae purchase her freedom’. But it’s nice to think that perhaps, just maybe, Black Nannie and Dorothy Brooke’s paths crossed in Egypt all those years ago.

“And, even if they didn’t, they have now.”

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Hundreds of thousands of people have backed calls for Amazon to stop selling ejiao products, as the trade in the donkey skins is causing “mass slaughter” worldwide.

Animal welfare groups including Brooke USA Foundation delivered petitions signed by more than 370,000 people to Amazon in the US, asking for a ban on the sale of products containing ejiao.

A spokesperson for Brooke said it is estimated that five million donkeys are killed every year to meet the growing demand for ejiao, “which has health claims that remain unproven”.

H&H has reported on efforts being made to stop the trade, which the Donkey Sanctuary has previously described as an “animal welfare disaster”.

Brooke USA chairman Jim Hamilton said: “The international trade in donkey-hide gelatin products is leading to the mass slaughter of donkeys, resulting in widespread harm to impoverished communities around the world.

“We should act immediately and help shut down this illicit trade that leads to substantial harm to humans and animals worldwide. The first step is to reduce the demand by shutting down product access.

“Amazon must set the example and remove all products containing ejiao from its online platform.”

Organisations also including the Humane Society of the United States, Ekō, American Wild Horse Conservation, the American Association of Equine Practitioners and the American Fund for Alternatives to Animal Research took part in a rally before the petition was presented.

“Global demand for the skin trade is estimated at almost five million skins per year, meaning almost half of the world’s donkeys could be wiped out in the next five years,” the Brooke spokesperson said.

“The cross-border smuggling of donkeys for their skins poses a huge risk of disease transmission from humans to animals, which could lead to another future pandemic. Brooke USA and its UK-based sister organisation Brooke are calling for a global ban on the trade, including the enforcement of current bans and a crackdown on cross-border trade.

“In 2021, the Ejiao Act was reintroduced in the House of Representatives to ban the sale and trade of ejiao in the US, which Brooke USA is lobbying to be implemented.”

Lacey Kohlmoos of Ekō, which aims to hold corporations to account for their actions, said: “It’s outrageous that Amazon continues to allow the sale of ejiao products on its site. Donkeys are being stolen from families and then subjected to dehydration and broken bones, before being bludgeoned to death and skinned.

“I hope that today’s action and the outcry of over 370,000 people from around the world finally convinces the company to do the right thing for both the affected families and the donkeys.”

The trade not only affects animals, the loss of donkeys is a major blow to communities in developing countries who depend on them for their livelihoods. In February 2024, after lobbying from welfare organisations, the African Union banned the trade.

Amazon did not respond to H&H’s requests for comment.

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Many owners have stronger bonds with their animals than with their family members, new research has suggested.

Equine charity Brooke has published data from surveys of more than 2,000 UK animal owners, carried out last month. Results showed that three quarters of participants agree in some capacity that they have a closer bond with their pets than their families, and 78% agreed pets provide more emotional support than friends or family.

More than a quarter of respondents have turned down plans with family and friends to stay at home with their animals, and when seeking comfort three in five people say they sometimes prefer a cuddle from a pet than a partner. Four in 10 people appreciated that their animals know when they are sad, and a third of participants agreed that having a pet teaches compassion and empathy.

“The last couple of years have been undoubtedly difficult for many – from Covid 19 to the cost-of-living crisis now. People are seeking comfort from many different sources, unsurprisingly a big one being their pets,” said a Brooke spokesman.

“While it’s clear the bond between animal lovers and their pets is strong in the UK, animals are struggling all over the world. In particular, the recent floods in Pakistan hit people and also their working horses, donkeys and mules, hard.”

Pakistan has more than six million working equids providing support to an estimated 36 million people.

“They are mostly used for transportation of people and goods, and some are used in brick kilns, coal mines and agriculture. In the floods they helped farmers evacuate overnight as flood warnings were announced, and were used in the aftermath to access areas that had been cut off when roads were destroyed,” said the spokesman.

“Although Brooke Pakistan usually focuses on training in animal welfare for owners, they have now had to move into emergency response work. The main issues faced by animals and their owners are lack of access to clean drinking water and food, as well as shade and shelters.”

The spokesman added thanks to Brooke supporters in the UK, the charity has helped more than 11,000 equines in Pakistan, 6,990 who received treatment. More than 10,000 bags of feed have been donated, and human food rations have been provided to more than 3,000 equine owners.

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If horses, ponies and donkeys are shown love, they will love in return.

This is the message from this year’s short Christmas animation released by Brooke Action for Working Horses and Donkeys.

The film, titled The Greatest Gift, features the Dinky Donkey character who starred in the charity’s 2021 animation The Little Christmas Helper, joined by two equine friends, Harry the horse and Molly the mule.

It shows the three equids as Christmas tree ornaments, thrown to the floor when the festivities are over. One is put in a bin, another swept into a corner and the third thrown in a drawer.

But a child picks them up, mends them and puts them in pride of place on the windowsill, where the seasons change behind them and Christmas approaches again. Then the horse, donkey and mule repay the child’s kindness.

“To love an animal and feel loved in return can mean the world to us,” says Dragons’ Den star and Brooke supporter Deborah Meaden in a voiceover. “This Christmas, help Brooke heal broken bodies and broken hearts.”

A spokesman for the charity said the aim of the video is to “highlight the importance of the relationship we have with animals, and how building strong bonds help heal the bodies and hearts of working horses and donkeys around the world”.

Deborah, who visited one of Brooke’s projects in India in 2013, added: “I was very pleased to support Brooke again in recording a voiceover for this Christmas animation.

“As a horse owner myself, I think the bond we have with our animals, and the understanding that gives us of their needs, is incredibly important. Frequent climate-related shocks, like the floods we saw in Pakistan this year, showed us that working horses, donkeys and mules need our help more than ever before.”

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A 10-year ban has been announced on the donkey skin trade in Tanzania, after fears were raised about the “alarming” decline in the country’s donkey population.

The news has been welcomed as a “strong step in the right direction” by those who have been campaigning against the trade.

H&H has reported on declining donkey populations in a number of countries owing to the demand for eijao, a substance found in the skin that is used in Chinese health and beauty products. Equine charity Brooke is among those calling for a worldwide ban on the trade of donkey skins, and a crackdown on smuggling of the animals across borders.

“This announcement is a fantastic step in the right direction for donkeys and their owners in east Africa,” a Brooke spokesman told H&H.

“We understand that Tanzania has initiated the ban because they are concerned about donkey numbers, which have been rapidly decreasing. Whilst we would like a more permanent ban based on the welfare of donkeys as well as population, we are still very pleased to have this ban in place. We will continue to work with the government to strengthen bans in Tanzania and other countries in Africa.”

There were an estimated 300,000 donkeys in Tanzania, but the number has been dropping rapidly. The country banned donkey slaughter in 2017 but this was overturned in February 2018, allowing slaughterhouses to reopen.

Hundreds of thousands of donkeys are being slaughtered for their skins and exported every year. In many cases, they are stolen from families who depend on them for their livelihood, driven long distances without food or water and killed in “horrific” circumstances.

Simon Pope, tactical response lead at the Donkey Sanctuary, told H&H: “Concerted pressure over many months has convinced the Tanzanian authorities that the skin trade must be halted as donkeys are more valuable alive, as working animals sustaining livelihoods in impoverished, rural communities. In the meantime, we have successfully supported villagers in northern Tanzania, with measures such as a bike patrol scheme to protect donkeys from theft, and we share their relief at knowing they can wake up each morning to find their donkeys alive and well rather than stolen and slaughtered for their skins.”

Brooke has two petitions against the donkey-skin trade; one calling on world leaders to ban it, the other to the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) asking for a targeted ban in eastern Africa.

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A Christmas animation created by equestrian charity Brooke aims to highlight the fact working equids are as relevant now as ever in many communities.

The film, supported by former EastEnders star Pam St Clement, shows a paper donkey at the Christmas dinner table, having burst out of a cracker, helping deliver gravy and wine, playing with sprouts and hiding in a paper crown from the flaming Christmas pudding.

A spokesman for Brooke said the animation “invites the viewer to imagine if they relied on the humble donkey to get their Christmas dinner, as Victorians would likely have” and to remind people in the UK that “working animals are not just a thing of the past”.

“Donkeys have been a familiar feature of Christmas for centuries, but they were also once a familiar feature of rural and urban streets,” the spokesman said.

“Along with horses and mules, they were the powerhouses driving buses, working in coal mines and carrying food carts in the early 20th century, and had a major impact in the First World War. Today, they have largely disappeared from modern life in the UK, but there are still 100 million working horses, donkeys and mules working to provide food, water and a living to 600 million people worldwide.”

Ms St Clement was brought up in the 1950s on a hill farm that relied on heavy horses.

“We had two lovely horses and couldn’t have done without them,” she said.

“We didn’t have an alternative, and that’s the reality for so many people living in poorer communities in developing countries. I think we often forget that people rely on horses and donkeys to earn a living and put food on the table.”

Brooke, which was set up after the First World War, works to help improve the lives of horses and donkeys around the world, training vets and others and helping owners to better care for their animals.

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Determined equestrians are preparing to tackle the London Marathon for equine charities and other good causes.

The 26.2-mile challenge returns in-person on 3 October, following last year’s event being held virtually owing to the pandemic. The virtual marathon will also return, allowing runners from all over the world to take part.

Livery yard owner and coach Rachel Silcock will run in aid of charity Victa, which supports blind children and their families.

Rachel, who turned 50 this year, told H&H it had been “fairly tough” getting the long runs in while running Gamston Wood Livery, as well as teaching at camps over summer.

“Luckily I’m a member of a fab running club, the Worksop Harriers, who have been a massive support as I only took up running a few years ago,” she said.

“Running is a massive benefit for your mental health and gives me a break from the horse world that can be a little intense at times. I come back from each run more enthusiastic for my teaching and my yard. I think horse people tackle long distance running with a quiet determination, you only need a pair of running shoes and have to put one foot in front of the other – it’s so much easier than competing with horses!”

Visit Rachel’s fundraising page here.

Dressage coach and rider Lili Brooksby-Dalby of Brooksby Dressage, will take on the marathon for Brooke and has raised more than £7,000 to date. Lili asked her social media followers to send videos of themselves performing dressage tests for her to judge, in return for a donation to her marathon fundraising pot.

“People from all over submitted their tests. I’m incredibly fortunate so many of my friends rallied around and donated prizes and sponsored rosettes and trophies. Their kindness has been nothing short of an inspiration to keep pushing the miles as a totally unfit, sport allergic, lazy fitness person prior to this!” said Lilii, adding she will run the marathon alongside her friend Hannah Doyle.

“Hannah has been great for me. She helped me through my first 10k and we have done all our long runs together. I find running with her so much easier than when alone.”

Visit Lili’s fundraising page here.

Also running for Brooke is Elissa Bucher, a dressage trainer and owner of Defago and Djoe Dimaggio, who are campaigned by Katie Bailey.

Elissa, who took up running in April, told H&H she nearly had to withdraw from the London Marathon with a suspected stress fracture in her pelvis but received the ok to run last week.

“A pain started around two weeks ago and it turns out I have aductor tendinopathy, which I’ve been told is even more painful than a stress fracture!” she said.

“I’m determined to complete the marathon – if I want to do it, I just have to push through. I’m not in peak condition but I just think about the horses Brooke support and the pain they have gone through – what I’m going to be going through is a miniscule of that.”

Visit Elissa’s fundraising page here.

World Horse Welfare has a number of runners taking part in the London Marathon this year including Gerard Bedson and vet Katie Offer. Gerard is the husband of the charity’s field officer Becky and has had an “unusual” preparation during the past eight weeks as he trains on a treadmill while working offshore in the North Sea.

To support Gerard visit World Horse Welfare’s website here. Donations for Katie can be made here.

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An equine charity has ramped up aid efforts to help the owners of working donkeys hit by a devastating cyclone that struck India’s west coast last week (17-21 May).

Poor families already struggling from the impact of Covid-19 have been left without fodder or shelter for their animals, many of whom work in the brick kilns of Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Cyclone Tauktae killed at least 91 people, damaged thousands of houses and boats and caused flooding across the area, which also includes Kerala, Karnataka and Goa.

Charity Brooke said that around 600 owners of more than 3,600 horses, donkeys and mules had been affected.

A spokesman added that life was already tough for many in these communities but now living quarters and animal shelters have been destroyed and areas where fodder was being grown using hyrdroponics have been flooded.

Dry stocks of fodder and feed for the working donkeys have also been damaged.

Brooke said that its team had increased the subsidies given to owners for balanced feed, fodder and first aid kits by 90%. Vet staff have also been providing emergency treatment.

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“As Covid-19 rages through India, Brooke is in the process of providing subsidised balanced feed or fodder to over 1,600 horses, donkeys and mules across a variety of projects, benefiting over 1,300 owners,” a spokesman for the charity said.

“Brooke is also distributing partly subsidised first aid kits, which will help over 1,700 owners to care for their animals whilst going through financial difficulties.”

Brooke is an international charity which works in more than 11 countries to protect and improve the lives of working equids, helping to support people in the developing world to work their way out of poverty.

Donations help Brooke continue to support communities and working horses, donkeys and mules impacted by India’s devastating Covid-19 crisis can be made online.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

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Dressage riders and Brooke ambassadors Charlotte Dujardin and Alice Oppenheimer are supporting the charity’s emergency appeal to help “desperate animals in need” amid the Covid-19 crisis in India.

The charity has launched an appeal to raise £100,000 to support communities and the working horses, donkeys and mules affected by the pandemic.

“The country hit a record 414,188 new infections on 7 May and some states have imposed lockdown restrictions. As the pandemic rages on, loyal working animals are carrying essential supplies of food and water to keep their communities going and it’s vital they are kept healthy if their owners are to recover from the economic and health impacts of this crisis,” said a Brooke spokesman.

Charlotte Dujardin said like others, she has found it “deeply upsetting” watching the crisis in India.

“My heart goes out to all who are affected,” she said. “When I visited with Brooke in 2015 I was struck by the warm welcome and kindness I received from communities and I’m especially thinking of those people and their animals at this devastating time.

“Now more than ever, it’s important we keep animals healthy so that they can continue to support their communities.”

Alice Oppenheimer, who also visited India with the charity in 2015, said she was “heartbroken” to see the “devastating impact” of Covid-19.

“During my time in the country I saw first-hand the vital contribution that working animals make to livelihoods, so I’m pleased to be supporting Brooke’s emergency appeal ensuring they continue to receive support. If we’ve learnt one thing during this pandemic, it’s that we’re all in this together and it’s important we remember this as we think of those in India.”

The Indian government has classified veterinary care as essential and Brooke staff have been given special passes allowing them to reach animals and communities that are isolated and in desperate need.

Continued below…

‘Donkeys at risk’: new petition calls for ban on skin trading

A Brooke spokesman said donkeys are killed for their skins to fulfil the growing demand for ejiao, a gelatin used

Three-year-old rider takes on 100-mile challenge ‘to help sad donkeys and horses far away’

“Lego is very sweet with him, I think he knows Eden is only little and he really looks after him”

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“As with the first wave in 2020, staff are prioritising the use of telemedicine and, where possible, providing guidance to local health practitioners on the phone and via Whatsapp. If in-person assistance is needed, staff are taking all necessary precautions to keep themselves and communities safe, including social distancing, double-masking, and sanitising,” said the spokesman.

“Funds from the appeal will ensure that Brooke can continue to help animals in need for several months. Even when the surge in infections subsides, these remote communities will need their animals to be healthy in order to rebuild life after Covid-19.”

To donate visit: www.thebrooke.org.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

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A new petition is calling for a ban on the trade of donkey skins in a region that has become a “hotspot”.

Brooke is asking the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to ban the trade of donkey skins in East Africa, which is home to the highest donkey population in the world. The IGAD acts as a regional government for Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan and Uganda.

Sign the petition on the Brooke website.

“Like the EU, IGAD harmonises policy across the region and facilitates conversations between member countries to collaboratively form and implement solutions to key developmental issues,” said a Brooke spokesman.

“Home to the highest donkey population in the world, the region has become a hotspot for donkey skin traders and has the highest number of slaughterhouses in Africa, currently six.”

The spokesman said donkeys are killed for their skins to fulfil the growing demand for ejiao, a gelatin used in traditional Chinese medicine and beauty products.

“There are major impacts in terms of both animal welfare and the livelihoods of animal owners. Donkeys are a vital part of the working livestock sector and support the livelihoods of thousands of people in East Africa. Currently, restrictions on the donkey skin trade are inconsistent and traders are able to exploit areas where the laws and enforcement are weakest, leaving donkeys at risk,” he said.

Continued below…

Three-year-old rider takes on 100-mile challenge ‘to help sad donkeys and horses far away’

“Lego is very sweet with him, I think he knows Eden is only little and he really looks after him”

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“Pressure from Brooke supporters has already helped secure a ban in Kenya and working with IGAD will allow Brooke to have an even wider impact; shutting down the entire region and keeping donkey populations and livelihoods safe.”

The spokesman said one of the main reasons the trade was banned in Kenya was because the Government recognised the damage it was doing to the livelihoods of Kenyan people.

“But that hasn’t stopped slaughterhouses trying to overturn it.” said the spokesman. “With donkeys being stolen, a pressure being put on their owners to sell, and the rising cost of donkeys all mean that people are losing the donkeys they need, and aren’t able to replace them.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

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A three-year-old boy who is “sending money to help the sad donkeys and horses far away” has surpassed his fundraising target as he hacks 100 miles in 100 days.

Kelly Lagden’s son Eden Lagden-Melbourne, who developed an “obsession” with horses last year, is undertaking the Brooke MyHackathon challenge on Claire Underwood’s Dartmoor pony Lego. The challenge asks riders to ride 100 miles in 100 days while raising a minimum of £100 for the charity.

Kelly, who is based on the Isle of Wight, told H&H Eden quickly struck up a bond with Lego when he started riding him in December.

“They are lovely together,” she said. “Eden is always kissing and cuddling him. Lego doesn’t really like his ears being touched by people but the other day I turned around in the field and he was letting Eden play with them.

“Lego is very sweet with him, I think he knows Eden is only little and he really looks after him. Eden rides about three to four times a week, he’s a natural and really enjoys it.”

Eden began his challenge, accompanied by Kelly on foot, on 21 January and has ridden 15 miles to date.

“We set the fundraising goal at £250 but we’ve now raised £650. It would be great to get to £750. Eden knows we’re raising money for Brooke and says ‘we’re sending money to help the sad donkeys and horses far away’,” said Kelly.

“We’ve had lots of support from friends and family and people on the island. Eden was in the local paper and got recognised for the first time the other day.”

Article continued below… 

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Kelly, who has recently taken up riding again following a break from the saddle, recommends the MyHackathon challenge to others.

“I first heard about the challenge last year and I got in touch with Brooke to see if we could still do it. It’s great to have something to aim for in winter because it gives you a good reason to get out there when it’s cold,” she said.

“I’ve been a supporter of Brooke since I was a teenager after seeing mistreated donkeys in Spain. Once the 100 miles are finished I hope to think up some more fundraising ideas for us to get involved with.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

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The sport of dressage often comes with certain stereotypes, but outside the pristine white boards of the arena, there are plenty of dressage riders getting up to antics you might not expect...

1. An Olympic gold medallist goes hedge-hopping

Olympic gold medallist Laura Tomlinson has been known to swap the dressage arena for a spot of hedge-hopping recently aboard her trusty hunter Dan. And, perhaps unsurprisingly given that she is married to England polo player Mark Tomlinson, Laura also enjoyed indulging in some polo over the summer, explaining that a change of scene helped her remember what a blessing it is simply to spend time with horses in any capacity.

2. A different type of horsepower

Gareth Hughes is not quite your typical dressage rider in many ways, having grown up in Australia and having a passion for reining, and this year he tapped into his wild side again by introducing a new ride – this time in the shape of a Harley Davidson motorbike!

3. Combining eventing with dressage – literally

Dannie Morgan juggles eventing with grand prix dressage, so it was inevitable that sooner or later he would combine the two sports. Dannie famously began a trend among dressage riders of attempting a line of tempi-changes into a fence, and also took it a step further himself, with this impressive canter zig-zag into a skinny.

4. Swapping the arena for the hunting field

Dressage legend and five-time Olympian Carl Hester enjoyed a change of scenery when he spent a day out trail-hunting with the Heythrop last year, and wrote about it afterwards in H&H. Although he admitted it had been 10 years since he last left the ground, Carl said his day out with hounds was “totally exhilarating”.

5. Dressage rider to jockey

Dressage rider and trainer Ali Dane took on a huge challenge in 2017 when she took part in the Champions Willberry Charity Race at Cheltenham. Ali swapped her Pikeur breeches and dressage saddle for racing colours and short stirrups and after only 60 days of training finished the 1 mile 5 furlong race well riding Miss Inga Sock.

6. Taking on a marathon

Several well-known riders have added the impressive achievement of running a marathon to their sporting CVs, with a fair few dressage riders among them, such as Andrew Gould, Judy Reynolds and Olivia Oakeley. Grand prix rider Alice Oppenheimer (pictured during a training race) is set to run the postponed London Marathon in October 2021, raising money for Brooke.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

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Charities are among those remembering the soldiers and animals killed in conflict, on Armistice Day, today (11 November).

More than eight million equids died between 1914 and 1918, as well as camels, bullocks, dogs, carrier pigeons and other animals.

A spokesman for the RSPCA said many of its inspectors had been soldiers prior to joining the charity, and when the war was declared they were called to their old regiments, like many other reservists in Britain.

“At the height of the war 1,000 horses a week were being sent to fight,” said the spokesman.

“Within weeks of the war starting we set up the RSPCA Fund for Sick and Wounded Horses. It raised more than £250,000 (the equivalent of over £12m today) between 1914 and 1918. Even King George V made a donation.”

The spokesman said the fund paid for four fully equipped field hospitals with state-of-the-art operating theatres that could each hold up to 2,000 horses. It also bought 28 motorised and 180 horse-drawn ambulances to carry injured horses back from the fighting to the vet hospitals.

“The hospitals treated two and a half million animals during World War One and 80% of them were taken back to the front lines again,” said the spokesman.

“More than eight million horses died in the First World War, many on the front lines, and 18 RSPCA inspectors were killed during the conflict. During the war, the RSPCA worked tirelessly to help sick and wounded horses on the frontline and protect and support all those animals under fire.”

Dermot Murphy, head of the RSPCA rescue teams, said: “It is so important to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of our staff and remember all the animals who lost their lives through conflict.

“Animals have given so much to us, not just in the theatre of war, and we owe it to them to continue our work to improve their lives now and into the future.”

The spokesman added that the RSPCA bought thousands of sheepskins, cloths, bandages, medicines, brushes, hoof picks, books and tonnes of horse feed for the animals in the field hospital, and the charity trained men entering the Army Veterinary Corps in looking after horses.

“As horses were being subjected to new types of warfare, including gas attacks, the fund began paying for specialist veterinary laboratory equipment and isolation units, which were vital in treating animals suffering the effects of gas attacks and burns,” he said.

“We didn’t confine our support to British forces. The fund provided 11 motorised ambulances to the American army, as well as provided assistance to the Canadian army. By the end of the war the fund had become truly international, supporting activities in France, Italy, Mesopotamia, Salonika and Egypt.”

The Blue Cross started helping animals during the Balkan War, in 1912-13 then during the First World War set up animal hospitals on the front line, providing essential veterinary kits to soldiers for their horses.

“Originally named ‘Our Dumb Friends League’, the charity formed in 1897 and has been crucial to the lives of millions of animals since its early work helping the working horses of London. Special fundraising efforts provided water troughs placed all over the capital and ‘trace’ horses to assist weaker horses carrying a heavy load up steep hills,” said a Blue Cross spokesman.

“The Blue Cross Fund, led by Arthur Coke, worked tirelessly to raise cash towards helping animals at home and overseas in wartime. In the First World War, animal hospitals were set up across France and Italy, and animal ambulances, marked with a blue cross to distinguish them from the ambulances for injured soldiers, were funded to collect animals on front lines needing urgent treatment. Eventually, the charity changed its name to Blue Cross in the 1950s.”

The spokesman added that by the end of the First World War, more than 50,000 animals had been treated in Blue Cross hospitals in France alone, and veterinary supplies were received by more than 3,500 units of the British Army.

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Brooke has launched an ‘Every Horse Remembered’ pin badge costing £3, available until the end of November on the charity’s website.

“We ask that people wear them alongside their poppy to help remember the brave animals who sacrificed their lives during the two world wars,” said a Brooke spokesman.

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Viewers can experience what life is like inside a Pakistan brick kiln for working animals and their owners as charity Brooke releases virtual reality footage on YouTube.

Brooke youth ambassador and YouTube star This Esme has also released her own 360 degree video on her channel this week, which includes an edit of the footage shot at the kiln — one of the most extreme working environments on Earth.

“I’m really pleased to have the opportunity to take my viewers on a journey through a real-life brick kiln in Pakistan, via the wonders of 360 technology. The harsh conditions facing working animals in settings like this are unimaginable, especially when I compare their lives with those of my own animals,” said Esme, who starts her 360 virtual reality (VR) video with footage of day-to-day life at her own yard.

“Having visited Brooke’s work in Senegal last year, I was able to see the amazing progress that’s being made in bringing about positive change for working animals and their owners and can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

Brooke’s film was made in July 2018 and features brick kiln worker Waqas, his wife Tayyba, baby daughter Sania Fatima and nine-year-old stallion Raju. They are one of 50 families employed to produce 45,000-50,000 bricks per day at this site.

Their livelihood depends entirely on their horse and the film follows them as they work to meet their targets while trying to keep Raju hydrated and not overload him.

The footage has already been screened at a string of high profile events including the World Equestrian Games, Olympia and the charity’s own supporter day but this is the first time it has been made available to the public.

Brooke is currently working actively in 8,483 of South Asia’s 152,700 brick kilns, helping to improve conditions for workers and their horses.

Article continued below…

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The kilns employ more than 16million people and 500,000 animals and produce more than a fifth (21%) of the world’s bricks.

The charity takes a “one health” approach which recognises that the well-being of workers, their animals and environmental health are all linked.

In Pakistan, it is currently working with the government and the Brick Kiln Association to plant trees on site to address pollution and land degradation. These trees include fruit and shade species and will not only reduce carbon footprints, but also provide shelter for working animals.

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Equine charities have ramped up their fundraising efforts as Covid-19 and lockdown restrictions continue to take their toll.

As visitor centres remain closed to the public and many vital fundraisers have been cancelled, charities are continuing to look at alternative methods to raise money.

Brooke has urged its supporters to pick up their pens and paintbrushes for a new art competition, DonkaDoodle, with the winning entries featuring on gift cards to be sold in the charity’s online shop later in the year.

Budding artists have until 7 June to submit their work, which must include a horse, donkey or mule and be inspired by an element of Brooke’s work around the world. There are three age categories; under 12, 12-17 and over 18, and entries cost £5. The winners will also receive a £50 voucher for an online art shop, GreatArt, and a Brooke goody bag.

“As the Covid-19 pandemic reaches the countries Brooke works in, local communities are becoming more dependent than ever on their working animals to maintain their livelihoods and health, which is why donations have never been so important,” said a charity spokesman.

The Moorland Mousie Trust, which runs the Exmoor Pony Centre, has taken to the charity’s social media channels to hold virtual competitions, tours, a children’s club and an auction after coronavirus forced the centre to close.

“The income is not there from the centre, fundraising events have had to be cancelled and of course costs are hard to reduce when you’re caring for animals,” said a spokesman. “That said, the charity has worked extremely hard over the past six weeks to move its operations and public engagement online.”

The charity is encouraging its supporters to get in touch with fundraising ideas.

“The charity has seen some ingenious ways of championing their cause, from supporters from all over the world. Sponsorship challenges are a great way of getting involved in fundraising, a challenge can be anything from a sponsored silence to running a marathon in your back garden,” said the spokesman.

“One young boy took to the pavements with his hobby horse to ‘trot’ 2.6km during the 2.6 Challenge in response to the loss of the London Marathon. Four-year-old Jakson raised £470 and took social media by storm, giving many of those in lockdown a welcome distraction.”

In a fundraising effort for the Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre, a therapeutic riding centre for children in London, supporter Richard Burke has raised £3,000 by completing a half-martathon.

Richard was inspired to help the charity, despite the fact he has never ridden a horse himself, as its income was “plummeting drastically” during lockdown.

“The funds will enable the transformational work at the centre to continue. To watch a child’s gradual development when motivated by the interaction with horses, with a beaming smile throughout a riding lesson, is life enhancing,” said a spokesman for the centre.

Liverpool-based Shy Lowen Horse and Pony Sanctuary, which helps horses, children and military veterans, has surpassed its £3,000 fundraising target thanks to an appeal from patron Kelly Marks and Intelligent Horseman magazine.

More than £4,700 has been raised for the sanctuary via a JustGiving page, with those who donated at least £5 being entered into a prize draw to win prizes including a course with Kelly Marks and her team, a day behind the scenes with Gillian Higgins of Horses Inside Out, and a rider confidence course with Daisy Smith.

There is still time to donate and enter the prize draw, which takes place on 31 May.

HorseWorld, Bristol, has launched an urgent appeal for funds to help refurbish part of its essential hospital facilities. The charity’s isolation unit, the first port of call for new rescues, needs new rubber matting.

“During the Covid-19 crisis we find donations have greatly reduced and we’ve lost all the income from our open days. We still however have our horses to care for and seek support to help us cover this essential element of their welfare costs,” said a spokesman.

“This flooring project is one of our most urgent and we need to raise £5,300 which will make a huge difference to newly admitted horses, ponies and donkeys at a time when their lives hang in the balance. Our hospital facilities mean the difference between life and death.”

Article continued below…

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International working animal charity SPANA has launched an emergency feeding programme in Marrakech, Morocco, to save the city’s carriage horses who are facing starvation during the pandemic. Working with local partners, the SPANA team is delivering lifesaving concentrated feed to almost 600 horses in Marrakech, and the neighbouring town, Aït Ourir.

“The devastating impact of the coronavirus is far-reaching and, as the economic situation worsens, the survival of countless working animals is now under severe threat,” said SPANA chief executive Geoffrey Dean.

“In developing countries, working animals – including those used for tourism – are a lifeline for their owners, providing a livelihood for people in many of the world’s poorest communities. In the absence of work however, it is proving impossible for owners to afford basic necessities for their animals. Owners are becoming increasingly desperate about the prospect of losing their animals and the terrible, long-term implications this will have.”

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A charity that supports working horses and donkeys has launched an emergency appeal to fund their work as Covid-19 impacts developing nations around the world.

Brooke wants to ensure working equids can still fulfil their roles providing communities with vital access to food, water and medical transport.

The pandemic has reached every country where the charity works and many have now enforced lockdowns, including India, Pakistan and West Africa’s worst-affected country Burkina Faso.

Despite the tough restrictions on movement, horses, donkeys and mules are still working everyday in difficult conditions to support millions of people.

Brooke said that its long-term sustainable approach of training local vets, farriers and animal health workers means that these animals are currently still receiving support within their communities.

But it believes that as communities face huge challenges to their livelihoods, the animals will also feel the impact.

Petra Ingram, CEO of Brooke, said: “Around the world, families have had to make adjustments to their daily lives in order to stop the spread of this deadly disease. These adjustments have been even tougher for the millions of people across the developing world who depend on working horses, donkeys and mules for food, water and medical transport.

“Now more than ever, these animals are essential. It’s so important that we continue to champion the welfare of these animals so that they can continue to keep their communities safe.”

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More than 100 million horses, donkeys and mules are used by families worldwide to earn an income, put food on their tables and send their children to school.

Many of these animals are also suffering, so Brooke works in more than 11 developing countries, with owners, communities, service providers, governments and international organisations to make long lasting improvements to the lives of animals and their owners.

More info on Brooke’s emergency appeal can be found here.

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Equestrian celebrities William Whitaker, Charlotte Dujardin and YouTube star This Esme have got behind hacking challenge MyHackathon, as it celebrates its fourth year.

The event, organised by equine welfare charity Brooke, calls on riders to hack 100 miles in 100 days and raise £100. The initiative launches this month and runs until October.

Riders can join Brooke’s official MyHackathon Facebook group to share their tips with hundreds of other participants across the country. Each month, Brooke will select a “hacker of the month” from the group and award prizes including a branded tote bag, tabard and body warmer.

Riders wanting to get involved can sign up by visiting Brooke’s website and then setting up a JustGiving page to raise money.

All participants who complete the challenge and raise £100 will receive a certificate and pin badge, with additional incentives for those who raise more than £250.

Brooke ambassador This Esme took on the challenge last year and shared her journey on her YouTube channel. This year she is hoping even more people will get involved.

“I’m so excited to be supporting MyHackathon this year. Casper and I had a great time taking part last year and it was brilliant to know that we were helping less fortunate horses, donkeys and mules around the world,” she said.

“I visited Brooke’s work in Senegal last year and saw first-hand the amazing difference that donations can make.”

Multiple Olympic gold medallist and Brooke global ambassador Charlotte Dujardin is also backing the cause again this year.

She said: “I’m thrilled to be continuing my support for Brooke’s MyHackathon this year. It’s a great way of keeping fit and spending time with your horse whilst also making a difference to the lives of working equines who need our help most.”

This year, showjumper William Whitaker has also lent his support to the event.

“I’m really excited to be supporting this year’s MyHackathon and helping to make a difference to the lives of vulnerable horses, donkeys and mules around the world. It’s really easy to sign up, so you can start clocking up the miles straight away,” he said.

“Jimmy and I love to take advance of the beautiful hills here in Yorkshire and it helps him to stay fit while I get some fresh air and clear my mind.”

My Mini Hackathon, which gives small children or ponies the opportunity to take part by completing 10 miles in 100 days and raising £100, will run alongside Myhackathon once again this year.

Continues below…

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Money raised by the initiative will go towards Brooke’s work throughout Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America, which aims to bring lasting change to the lives of working animals.

Each £100 raised is enough for Brooke to provide a community with a permanent water trough for its animals, train two farriers to trim and balance hooves properly, or support women’s groups that give female owners the skills that will benefit them and their animals for life.

To find out more about MyHackathon, visit the Brooke website.

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A Shetland social media sensation is urging his fans to dress up as donkeys in aid of Brooke.

Teddy the Shetland is supporting the equine charity’s first Donkey Dash, a 5km run to be held on 12 July at Highfield Farm, home of Wellington Horse Trials in Hook, Hampshire.

Each entrant will be given a pair of donkey ears and a tail to wear for the run around the cross-country course – and another social media star, Brooke ambassador This Esme, will be among them.

“As the proud owner of three beautiful donkeys, I couldn’t be happier to be taking part in the UK’s first ever donkey-themed fun run,” Esme said.

“Last year I was lucky enough to visit Brooke’s work in Senegal and saw the amazing difference that donations can make to the lives of donkeys, horses and mules. This July, I can’t wait to stick on a pair of donkey ears and help raise awareness of the vital contribution these animals make around the world.”

Each entrant will be given a Brooke rosette, and entertainment will be provided by a DJ, as well as appearances by real donkeys, as well as a fun warm-up session.

Teddy is encouraging his online fans to sign up to take part in the run.

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Owner Alice Goring said: “We’re excited about supporting Brooke’s first Donkey Dash and helping improve the lives of the less fortunate horses and donkeys and mules around the world.”

Money raised from the day will go towards Brooke’s work with working equines and those who depend on them, across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Central America.

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Owners of donkeys in Kenya have been dressing them in human trousers and tunics to save them from the deadly menace of biting flies.

Some 60 donkeys died in the eastern county Meru after swarms of stable flies hit the area this month.

The insects, stomoxys calcitrans, appeared after an extended period of heavy rain, which followed two years of drought.

“The flies started biting and sucking the blood of animals, leaving them with gaping wounds and highly vulnerable to infection,” said a spokesman for equine charity Brooke.

“Donkey owners decided to protect their animals by covering them in human trousers and blankets.”

Brooke East Africa and its partner, Kenya Network for Dissemination of Agricultural Technologies (KENDAT), successfully treated 736 donkeys at the start of January.

A team comprising Brooke, KENDAT and other locals including the county veterinary department and Chuka University determined the best treatment for the donkeys; drugs, wound management and pesticide spraying. They also treated 10 dogs.

Brooke East Africa programme manager Elijah Mithigi said: “While the sight of donkeys wearing human clothing might be amusing, it also shows the lengths people will go to protect their animals and how much they value them.

“Donkeys are sometimes the only means poor women and men in rural and urban communities use to transport food, water and other goods for domestic use and generation income so losing them can be disastrous.

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“Brooke was pleased to offer vital intervention after identifying the source of the issue, ensuring these hard-working donkeys could feed once again, free of biting.”

The team visited the owners again six days later and found the flies had disappeared and wounds were healing.

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An equestrian vlogger with nearly 500,000 followers is to follow in the footsteps of famous faces including Charlotte Dujardin as an ambassador for Brooke.

This Esme, known for her horsey videos and vlogs on YouTube, will take on the role with a focus on inspiring young people to become involved with the equine welfare charity.

A spokesman for Brooke said East Sussex-based Esme Higgs, 18, has supported the charity’s Myhackathon challenge and Brooke shop, and last autumn travelled to Senegal to see its work.

“Esme heard more about Brooke’s farriery and drought resilience work and broadcasted this to her combined following of over 486,000 viewers on Instagram and YouTube,” he said.

Esme, who films videos about her day-to-day life looking after her two horses and three donkeys, said she is “so excited” about taking on the role and further her support of Brooke.

“I was lucky enough to see the huge difference donations make to the lives of working horses, donkeys, mules and the people who depend on them,” she said.

“I can’t wait to use my voice to inspire more people to get involved with Brooke and raise awareness of the vital contribution these animals make around the world.”

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The spokesman added that Esme’s appointment follows that of author Hannah Russell who was named as an ambassador with youth focus at the beginning of 2019.

“Brooke and Esme will collaborate on videos and digital content to raise awareness of the tough conditions experienced by working horses, donkeys and mules around the world today,” he said.

“Brooke works with owners, governments and local policy-makers to make sustainable improvements to the lives of these animals and the people who depend on them.”

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A new farrier certification which could help almost one million working equines in Senegal — and create jobs — has been described as a “significant milestone”.

Welfare charity Brooke, which is training 100 people in different regions in Senegal, is to launch an accredited certificate in farriery from 2020.

This comes as part of the charity’s global project aiming to raise the profile of farriery in low- and middle-income countries that lack training and tools, and it is hoped other countries will follow suit by providing communities with official routes to gaining qualifications.

Brooke West Africa programme manager Mactar Seck told H&H the country has one million working equines, and an unregulated system meant untrained blacksmiths and woodworkers were trimming and shoeing horses.

“They don’t have the knowledge or the skills so generally cause harm to the animal,” he said. “Before we started the project we assessed that more than 80% of the working equines were suffering from hoof abnormalities and infections.”

Mr Seck said the certificate, which is granted after a year’s training, will be integrated into a state-funded programme.

“We hope at the end of the process we will have certified farriers who can trim or shoe animals. The farrier sector was completely overlooked before and now it’s being taken into account by the minister of professional training and the minister of livestock, so it’a good achievement.

“Farriers are welcomed by owners because they can see the difference they can make so they are happy this training is going on.”

Brooke West Africa regional representative Emmanuel Bouré Sarr said the launch of the certificate was a “historic moment” for Senegal.

“A few years ago farriery was considered as ‘low work’, but thanks to Brooke it’s now becoming a full profession. I believe this will have a greatly positive effect on the lives of working equines in this country and create jobs for years to come,” he said.

David Buckton, immediate past master for the Worshipful Company of Farriers, who attended a presentation on the charity’s global farriery project, said: “Having the ministry of training recognise farriery in Senegal must be much like it was in 1356 when the first fellowship of farriers was established in London, starting a long legacy of craft farriery within the UK.

“I was very impressed to see the plans for the project, which will not only improve the welfare of working horses and donkeys but also inspire prospective farriers and be of great benefit to families who rely on these animals for a living. This is a significant milestone and may it be the first of further successes within global farriery.”

Farrier Fatou Toure, a former metal worker who undertook the training from Brooke and its partner the Senegalese Association for the Protection of Animals and the Environment, helps mentor new farriers and has supported the charity’s work creating the certification.

“The training has been very useful to me. What really gives me contentment are the horses from my neighbourhood who are brought to my house for trimming and the owners go back satisfied,” she said.

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An animal lover has pulled a cart for 300 miles in aid of of working horses, mules and donkeys around the world.

John Yates has raised almost £1,700 for charity Brooke though his gruelling trek, which began in Chester on 28 September.

He took in Shrewsbury, Worcester, Gloucester, Cirencester, Swindon and Salisbury en route to his home town Plaistow in the South Downs one month later.

The 50kg cart, which John designed himself, doubled as a mini camper van in which he slept each night.

He said particularly wet and windy weather during October made the challenge even harder than anticipated.

“Having completed similar endurance challenges in the past, I was prepared for the physical demands. However, the rain made things really difficult. Getting into a wet bed in the evening was pretty horrible,” John said.

Despite the hardships, he was buoyed on his trek by members of the public, many of whom stopped to talk about Brooke’s work, some even buying him breakfast.

“I knew that people would be generous but I didn’t expect to meet so many people who wanted to discuss animal welfare in general,” he said.

“I’m generally quite an introverted person and could probably live quite happily on an island on my own but it was amazing to meet so many people, and having the opportunity to talk about subjects I’m passionate about was so rewarding. It made the cold nights and damp days worth it.”

John stopped in Salisbury, the birthplace of Brooke founder Dorothy Brooke, on 25 October where he met the charity’s CEO Peta Imgram for a day of walking and discussion.

John said his mission was not just about raising money but more importantly raising awareness of the conditions some working animals endure.

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“People were shocked to hear that there are 100 million working horses, donkeys and mules around the world,” he added.

John, who is no stranger to charity fundraisers, having raised money for causes including a 900-mile bike ride for the Staffy Club last year, is now looking ahead to his next fundraising expedition.

“I’m going to redesign the cart for next year. Having spent three weeks sleeping in it, I’ve got a few ideas on how to improve it,” he said.

“Next year, I want to have a broader focus on rescue animals and highlight several smaller charities and the amazing people who volunteer their time.”

Donations are still being accepted for John’s challenge.

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Flooding, blisters and challenging hills have not deterred an ambitious animal lover from tackling a 300-mile walk in aid of working horse and donkey charity Brooke.

The challenge is even more tough for West Sussex-based John Yates as he is pulling a 50kg cart for the entire journey.

He hopes the trek from Chester to his home will help raise awareness of the struggles faced by working equines.

Mr Yates started on 28 September and hopes to finish on 19 October.

His custom-made cart is loaded with food, water and cooking equipment, and converts into a bed to provide somewhere to sleep each night.

“It’s not just about raising money, it’s about raising awareness of how hard horses and donkeys work in the developing world,” he said.

“I’ve spoken to people and they didn’t realise a mule will pull a tonne of bricks a time in an Indian brick kiln, and that’s without mentioning the incredibly hot conditions and poor welfare.”

Mr Yates intends to walk approximately 15 miles a day and his route was to take him past Shrewsbury, Worcester, Gloucester, Swindon, Salisbury and Winchester, ending in his home town Plaistow around three weeks later.

He started his challenge at Brooke’s art exhibition at Chester Military Museum and was waved off by charity staff and supporters.

So far he has faced unkind conditions, with flooding leading to wet feet and blisters, as well as tough hills and busy roads. But he remains upbeat and said he had met “wonderful and generous” people, who were keen to hear his story.

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Mr Yates has set up a JustGiving page and has a fundraising target of £4,000.

The fundraiser is no stranger to taking on tough challenges for charity, as last year he completed a 900-mile bicycle ride for the Senior Staffy Club, which rescues and rehomes Staffordshire Bull Terriers.

“It’s all about education,” he added. “I want to raise awareness for all animals in need and this year I’m focusing on working horses and donkeys.”

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Olympic rider Charlotte Dujardin is supporting welfare charity Brooke’s annual Hack to Remember Day in memory of equines from the past.

The event, now in its second year, takes place on Sunday 7 July, when riders across the UK are urged to come together and hack out on the same day.

Charlotte, a global ambassador for Brooke since 2015, said: “Horses have always been a huge presence in my life and this Hack to Remember Day I’ll be thinking about my four-legged friends who are no longer here.

“I feel it’s important for horses to go out for regular hacks and see the world. It’s a vital break from the training routine that keeps them happy and means they’re experiencing new things. By donating and taking part you can honour the horses, donkeys and mules of yesterday, whilst helping to ensure that those of tomorrow have a better quality of life.”

A spokesman for Brooke said the day will highlight the important role equines play in our lives while benefiting the millions of equines working around the world today. Participants can share messages and pictures on social media using the hashtag #HackToRemember and can join the charity’s official event page on Facebook to let others know they are taking part.

“Whether it’s to honour a special horse from the past, or to pay tribute to the contribution of horses around the world today, Brooke is asking riders to hack out in honour of these animals and donate to the MyHackathon JustGiving page,” said the spokesman.

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The day coincides with the charity’s annual MyHackathon fundraising challenge which asks supporters to hack 100 miles in 100 days and raise £100 to improve the lives of working equines.

“Brooke’s overall target for MyHackathon is to raise £30,000 by the end of October. It’s estimated that it costs just £4.50 to reach one animal through their work overseas, which means that with a fundraising target of £100, each rider will be helping a horse like theirs every 4.5 miles they hack,” said the spokesman.

To find out more about MyHackathon and to sign up visit www.thebrooke.org/myhackathon.

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Runners and riders from across the country are preparing to tackle the London Marathon for equine charities and a range of other good causes.

A world record 414,168 people applied for places in this year’s 26.2-mile challenge, on 28 April, with more than 40,000 expected to take part.

World Horse Welfare has five runners raising funds in its name.

Vet Anna Hammond from Bristol University veterinary school, who works at the charity’s Glenda Spooner farm, told H&H it will “mean a lot” to support it.

“I’ve got to know how the charity works and operates and I think it’s a fabulous organisation – I’ve been very impressed with the way it run things, the ethos and the strict moral values it applies to everything it does. I think World Horse Welfare does a splendid job,” she said.

Phil Newton, who ran for the charity last year, said he is “thirsty for more” after raising £2047 in 2018.

“I was a few minutes outside my target of a sub four-hour marathon last year and am determined to reach that goal this year. My wife, Vicki, works in the international department of the charity and we have rehomed a World Horse Welfare horse, Rana, who is very much for of the family,” said Phil.

Lottie Hing and Ruth Ellison are also running for the charity, along with World Horse Welfare design officer Matt Green.

A team of seven are raising funds for the Donkey Sanctuary.

Yvonne Moore, a 64-year-old “dedicated fundraiser” from Rochford missed out running for the sanctuary in 2018 and is “really excited” about taking part this year.

Andrea Barrett, a “loyal” supporter, was introduced to the sanctuary when she was very young when her grandmother adopted a donkey called Winston.

Shelley Hall and her partner Ashley Lloyd, Gavin Paye, Tanya Potiyenko and George Paraschou will also be part of the Donkey Sanctuary team.

Raising funds for Hannah’s Willberry Wonder Pony is secondary school biology teacher and Pony Club coach Jenny Norman, who has been riding for more than 30 years.

Jenny told H&H: “Last year a pupil in my form at school lost her fight with cancer at the age of 15. She suffered from a form of osteosarcoma, very similar to Hannah Francis. This led to me becoming involved with the charity and I have been raising money ever since by completing runs and sponsored rides.”

Jenny will also raise funds for the Jess Grant Celebration charity, set up by Jenny’s students’ parents and Queen guitarist Brian May in Jess’s memory to support young people who are ill by funding music lessons.

Eleanor Martin and Rachel Hatcher are running for international equine charity Brooke.

Eleanor’s “passion” for equine welfare took her to India in 2017 where she helped develop a retraining of racehorses programme.

“I witnessed first-hand how different things are in the poorer countries and while these thoroughbreds were not subject to the conditions of those in Egypt or Jordan, the boys caring for them still had to learn about horse welfare, management and training methods,” said Eleanor.

The Royal Veterinary College has a team of eight runners raising funds to support the college’s animal hospitals including the equine practice and referral hospital.

Kyle McCreesh, Oliver Siddons, Sophie Tilyard, Eloise Nice, Paul Berrington, Leanne Smith, Kirsty Bendon and Hannah Lacey will run.

Georgie Dickinson, who is behind the marketing and sponsorship for Bede events, including Osborne House and Osberton Horse Trials, is raising funds for baby charity Tommy’s.

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Georgie, who has evented to intermediate level, told H&H it’s been tough fitting in training alongside her work commitments.

“Around the events I’ve been struggling to get the training in before and after work but because I’ve got the goal it’s kept me going. Everyone in the office have been incredibly supportive and really helped me along,” she said.

Lucy Cocker, a human physiotherapist, is raising money for Life Charity who fund equipment for disabled and terminally ill children.

Lucy, who events with her ex-racehorse General Samarski, told H&H: “I have brought him on from never jumping, up to BE novice level – he is not the easiest of horses but he has so much talent. I wanted to run the London marathon as a new challenge but I am really missing the start of the eventing season.”

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A visually impaired rider has shared her experiences to encourage others going through similar issues not to give up hope of enjoying riding.

Vicky Heil, 23, who also has Ehlers Danlos syndrome — a group of rare genetic conditions that affect the body’s connective tissue, has spoken of how help from others — and the right horse — have kept her in the saddle.

Vicky has ridden since she was a child and credits her horse Murphy for allowing her to continue enjoying her passion for riding.

“If at any point I am lost, I either check my phone, or let Murphy take the lead,” she said.

“He knows the way home very quickly. I blame him knowing dinner is waiting for him once he’s back! It’s all about working together, which keeps us safe, helps us to enjoy our ride and to allow me to feel independence where my body tends to fail me.

“With the right horse, communication and support you can definitely ride, hack out, jump and gallop across fields.”

Last year, Vicky signed up to take part in Brooke’s MyHackathon, which asks riders to hack 100 miles in 100 days and raise £100, which goes towards bringing relief and positive change to the lives of working equines across the world and the people who depend on them.

However her health restricted the amount of time she could ride, at which point some kind strangers offered to take up the cause and help her reach the 100-mile target as part of a team effort.

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Joy Wood and Cassi Errington, who had been following Vicky’s progress on the MyHackathon Facebook group, added their hacking miles to Vicky’s tally and she raised a total of £162.

“I felt very humbled that there were helpful and selfless riders willing to help me,” said Vicky.

“I have to admit I felt guilty taking on help for the challenge and not completing it myself but Brooke and the community of Hackathoners are so supportive and told me not to be so silly for feeling guilty.”

Brooke’s MyHackathon returns for a third year in 2019 and started yesterday (1 March).

For more information and to sign up, visit www.thebrooke.org

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Leading equestrians joined staff from Brooke for a special interval performance at Olympia on Wednesday (19 December) to thank all the charity’s supporters.

Olympic eventer Gemma Tattersall and showjumper Laura Renwick joined the procession led by the charity’s chief executive Petra Ingram.

“We are so honoured to be official charity for Olympia, The London International Horse Show this year, and to have the opportunity to walk into the arena with some of our volunteers on Wednesday was a very special moment,” said Petra.

The charity’s long-serving ambassador Richard Waygood and eventing legend Jane Holderness-Roddam were also in the procession.

Radio DJs Amy Vivian and Lilah Parsons were other supporters waving flags for the charity at Olympia.

Behind them came Harry and La La, the miniature Shetland ponies, and Alfie, the miniature donkey, who were also greeted enthusiastically by the crowd.

Alfie takes part in every finale at this year’s Olympia so is used to the limelight.

TV presenter Anthea Turner introduced a short film about the Brooke’s work across the developing world while the procession took place.

The charity works in more than 11 developing countries helping owners, communities, governments and international organisations make long lasting improvements to the lives of working horses, donkeys and mules.

“Thank you so much to everyone who supports Brooke and to those who have donated at the show this week – you’re helping to improve the lives of hard working horses, donkeys and mules around the world and the people who depend on them,” said Ms Ingram.

Visitors to Olympia can find out more about the Brooke’s work by visiting the team in the Gallery at stand G181.

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Brooke is also in the shopping village at stand B41 selling merchandise to help improve the lives of working equines.

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The Duchess of Cornwall was among the high-profile supporters of equine welfare charity Brooke at the organisation’s carol service this week.

The Duchess gave a reading from The Lost War Horses of Cairo, by Grant Hayer-Menzies, which details the life of Brooke founder Dorothy Brooke.

World Equestrian Games team champion eventer Gemma Tattersall and Olympic gold medal-winning cyclist Victoria Pendleton were among the other guests at the service, held on 12 December at Guards’ Chapel in London.

Brooke chief executive Petra Ingram told H&H the charity was “delighted” to have the Duchess and other supporters in attendance at the first ever Brooke carol service.

“It was a fantastic success and we were able to raise an amazing amount of money towards helping working horses, donkeys and mules around the world,” she said.

“What a wonderful surprise for all our guests to be welcomed by our four-legged friends Ollie the donkey and Harry the miniature Shetland, who definitely stole the show.

“We’re excited to have Harry join us again at Olympia, the London International Horse Show next week, where Brooke is the official show charity.

“Thank you so much to all our supporters who attended the service and made it a lovely festive day.”

Article continues below…

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The Lost War Horses of Cairo: a moving tribute to Dorothy Brooke’s passion

Grant Hayter-Menzies chronicles the life of Dorothy Brooke, founder of international equine welfare charity Brooke, and her efforts to relieve

The Guards’ Chapel organist and choir led the carols and the service was followed by a reception in the Guards’ Museum.

The chapel dates back to the construction of Wellington Barracks in 1834 and today serves the Household Division’s seven regiments, including the Household Cavalry.

The charity raised more than £25,000 from the carol service and proceeds will go towards improving the lives of working horses, donkeys and mules, and the people who depend on them across the world.

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The RSPCA has paid its respects to the animals and soldiers who lost their lives in war.

To mark the centenary of World War I, the charity was among others including Brooke and PDSA to attend the Animals in War memorial ceremony in London today (9 November).

RSPCA deputy chief executive Chris Wainwright, inspectorate staff officer Simon Osborne and operational superintendent Paul Stilgoe laid a poppy wreath at the memorial to commemorate the bravery of all the animals involved in war.

The charity was 90 years old in 1914, when it had one clinic and animal home in Islington. With financial support from the war office, the charity built four hospitals to help animals during the war. RSPCA staff also enlisted in the Army Veterinary Corps and raised £250,000 for veterinary supplies to help ease the suffering of horses on the frontline.

The money supplied 13 veterinary hospitals with an operating theatre, forage barns, dressing sheds, 180 horse-drawn ambulances and 16 motorised ambulances. Between 1914 and 1918 two and a half million animals passed through the hospitals.

Mr Wainwright said: “This was a heartfelt and touching ceremony to commemorate all the animals and soldiers who lost their lives in war.

“It’s a time to reflect on the human and animal pain, distress and losses caused through human conflict and commemorate those people who defended and protected animals, and the animals themselves who served not just in the two world wars, but also wars across the world today.”

Ploughed horse marks First World War centenary

The horse has been ploughed into a farmer’s field in Suffolk

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Mr Osborne said: “To mark 100 years since the First World War, it’s incredibly important to honour the valiant efforts of RSPCA staff and all animals who were lost during the war efforts.

“During the First World War, the RSPCA worked tirelessly to help the sick and wounded horses from the frontline. We also lost 18 RSPCA officers in the first and five in the second world war, and there were many more who survived, labouring through these and subsequent wars to protect horses, mules and other animals under fire.”

The charity will also attend the National Service of Remembrance held at The Cenotaph in Whitehall on Remembrance Sunday.

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A permanent walkway is being built at the World Equestrian Games (WEG) venue in the US to raise funds for donkeys working in brick kilns in India.

Equine charity Brooke is the official chosen charity of WEG, which takes place at the Tryon International Equestrian Center, North Carolina, from 11 to 23 September.

Plans for the commemorative walkway, the Brooke Breezeway, will be unveiled on the opening day of the Games.

People can buy “Brooke Bricks” to dedicate a person, pet, anniversary, business or organisation.

Princes range from $100 (£78) for the smallest with an inscription, to $1,000 for a multi-brick array. This can include a corporate logo or personal graphic.

All proceeds raised from the bricks will benefit the charity’s brick kiln projects in India.

Emily Marquez-Dulin, Brooke USA executive director said: “Purchasing a brick at the ‘Brooke Breezeway’ during WEG is a great way to support our mission of helping working equines and their families, and at the same time, permanently memorialising your WEG experience.

“All bricks sold are humanely manufactured in the US and can be personalised or dedicated to a person, a beloved pet, a business or anniversary.”

Visitors to WEG will see the often-harrowing conditions in which the donkeys have to work, in an interactive 360-degree video shown in the large video dome in the World Equine Expo.

Working in thick dust and in temperatures of up to 122 F with little shade, animals often suffer from respiratory diseases, injuries and malnutrition.

The families that rely on the equines are often in bonded labour and have little access to vets, farriers or first aid.

In the video Brooke follows a young couple, their child and their equine in the kilns.

Around the world in developing countries 100m horses, donkeys and mules work alongside people in challenging environments.

Continues below…

Charity finds nearly 40 mules abandoned in a brick kiln

Staff working with The Brooke discovered the equines struggling for survival during an inspection of the kilns in Nepal

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Charlotte Dujardin and Alice Oppenheimer will be visiting Ethiopia to see the work of Brooke first-hand

Brooke expands work to support 45,000 working equines in India

This year, the Brooke will provide support to over 1,000 brick kilns across India, which will directly benefit 45,000 working

Brooke CEO Petra Ingram and trustee Jane Holderness-Roddam will be giving interviews at WEG championing the charity’s work.

Monty Roberts, who is Brooke’s global ambassador, will also be at WEG giving demonstrations on 19 and 20 September.

In the first session Roberts will be working with an American Mustang to demonstrate the “Horse Sense & Healing” programme for veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Don’t miss the full WEB preview in the current (30 August) edition of H&H.

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Charlotte Dujardin’s fiancé Dean Wyatt Golding is preparing to take on an open water swim in aid of an equine welfare charity.

Dean will be dipping into the chilly waters of Lake Windermere in the Lake District for a two-mile swim on 8 June to raise money for Brooke, Action for Working Horses and Donkeys.

Charlotte is a patron of the charity and travelled to India in October 2015 to learn about the work it is doing to improve the lives of horses, donkeys and mules as well as the millions of people who rely on the working equines.

Dean asked for people to donate to the cause instead of buying him birthday presents and reached his target of £2,000 within 48 hours of starting the online fundraising page.

“I’ve chosen this charity because their mission means a lot to me, and I hope that you’ll consider contributing as a way of celebrating with me,” he said. “Every little bit will help me reach my goal.”

He has so far raised more than £2,500.

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Charlotte encouraged people to support her fiancé with a post on her own Facebook page.

“[I’m] really proud of him and wanted to share his fundraising efforts if any of you would like to donate,” she said.

“All proceeds will go to the charity that I am very proud to be an ambassador for and will continue to help in their efforts to assist so many horses, donkeys and communities around the world who need our help.”

Click here to support Dean

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This week’s edition (31 May) is a training special, including a look at the world’s top trainers and whether you should have multiple coaches. Also check out our summer clothing guide, interview with showjumper and recent winner of the Hamburg Derby, Matt Sampson and feature on health problems in miniature horses

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Equine charity Brooke is inviting people to turn their daily dog walk into the chance to help vulnerable working horses and donkeys.

TV vet Dr Scott Miller, the star of More4’s Vet On The Hill, has leant his support to the Dog Walk Challenge, which is encouraging people to walk 10,000 steps every day for a month with their pets.

“I love this initiative. It’s very important for dogs and their owners to walk every day to keep up good physical and mental health, and if at the same time you’re helping to improve the lives of other animals, it’s a win-win,” said Scott, who owns two dogs, Betty and Skully.

“It can be difficult for some people and some smaller dogs to get up to this distance each day, but if you’d still like to do some walking for Brooke, set your own distance that feels like a good challenge for you and your dog.”

You can sign up for a 10 or 30-day challenge and those with smaller dogs can set their own daily goals.

Money raised from sponsorship will be used to help working equines overseas. Brooke says more than 100 million of these animals are a lifeline for around 600 million people across the developing world, helping them to transport food and water, and provide for their families.

Many of these animals are suffering from injuries, disease and malnutrition every day.

“The Dog Walking Challenge is a perfect way for dog walkers and their four legged companions to help other four-legged companions overseas,” The Brooke said.

Scott has previously worked with the charity, joining its teams in Pakistan in the aftermath of the 2005 earthquake to provide relief for 50,000 animals who had been injured by falling debris or suffered from lack of shelter.

Continues below…

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Originally founded in 1934 by Dorothy Brooke, who was moved by the plight of old warhorses sold into hard labour in Cairo, the charity now regularly works with owners, communities, service providers, governments and international organisations to improve animal welfare.

“I’m particularly passionate about Brooke’s work on the ground, building the capacity and skills of local vets and health providers, and showing communities that small changes like shelters and regular farriery can make huge improvements to their animals’ health,” Scott added.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

 This week’s edition (17 May) features a full report from Royal Windsor Horse Show, including all the showing, showjumping and dressage action. We go behind the scenes with the Household Cavalry as they prepare for the royal wedding, plus check out our interview with Irish eventer Padraig McCarthy.

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Top British event riders Gemma Tattersall and Harry Meade have joined a 100-mile hacking challenge to help equines in need throughout the world.

Welfare charity Brooke launched My Hackathon last year, with dressage star Charlotte Dujardin among the high-profile personalities joining the challenge.

This year four-star eventers Harry Meade and Gemma Tattersall will also be taking part, as well as British eventing team performance manager, Dickie Waygood, and top dressage rider Alice Oppenheimer.

The challenge is open to all riders and involves hacking 100 miles in 100 days to raise £100 for the Brooke. The funds will help improve the lives of working horses, donkeys and mules, as well as the people who depend on them.

Gemma explained why she was keen to take part.

“Hacking is a huge part of my horses’ fitness routine,” she said. “Join me and my team in supporting Brooke, and sign up to My Hackathon.”

Dickie, who is already a Brooke ambassador, shared his support for the fundraiser.

“I’m proud to support Brooke’s My Hackathon,” he said. “Hacking is essential for a healthy, happy horse, and it’s good for you too. With spring just on the horizon the time is perfect to get out there, ride and raise funds for this wonderful cause.

“Working horses, donkeys and mules around the world will thank you for it!”

Harry added, “if you want a challenge this summer, join me and support Brooke’s My Hackathon.”

Visit thebrooke.org/myhackathon to find out more and sign up. The challenge is free to enter and prizes, including certificates, badges and rosettes, will be awarded to those who reach or exceed their goal of £100.

Brooke estimates that it costs £4.50 to reach one animal through their work overseas, which means that with a fundraising target of £100, each rider will be helping a horse like theirs with every four-and-a-half miles they hack.

In 2017, hackers helped raise £20,000, which provided assistance for is the equivalent of 4,444 horses, donkeys or mules.

Riders are encouraged to share pictures of their rides using the hashtag #MyHackathon

Continued below…

The Lost War Horses of Cairo: a moving tribute to Dorothy Brooke’s passion

Grant Hayter-Menzies chronicles the life of Dorothy Brooke, founder of international equine welfare charity Brooke, and her efforts to relieve

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Claire Harker, who runs the Instagram account @life_through_the_ears, raised over £450 for Brooke when she took part in My Hackathon last year, and is keen to take part again with her horse, Rock.

“We can’t wait to get involved with My Hackathon this year,” she said. “Rock and I had a great time last year and we’re really looking forward to clocking up another 100 miles for Brooke.”

Every Horse Remembered

This year My Hackathon will incorporate Every Horse Remembered, Brooke’s campaign for 2018 that marks 100 years since the end of the First World War.

Sunday 1 July marks the anniversary of the battle of the Somme, which took place in 1916 and claimed the lives of thousands of soldiers and horses.

This will also be Brooke’s “Hack To Remember” day, where riders are encouraged to hack out to honour the horses, donkeys and mules of the past.

My Hackathon runs until the end of October 2018.

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Riders from up and down the country will be swapping boots and breeches for shorts and trainers as they tackle the London Marathon for horsey charities and good causes.

This year’s 26.2-mile challenge takes place on 22 April and more than 40,000 runners will be taking part.

Welfare charity Brooke has two runners taking part to raise funds in its name.

Sixty-year-old horse lover Mike Rowe from Hungerford is running his first marathon for Brooke to mark his recent landmark birthday.

Mike has supported Brooke for over 10 years and decided to sign up after a sightseeing trip to Buckingham Palace.

“It was the day before the London Marathon, with all the flags flying along The Mall I could really feel a sense of excitement and anticipation in the air… and that was it, that was when I decided ‘that’s what I want to do to celebrate turning 60’,” he said.

Top showjumper Scott Brash’s agent Joel Birks (pictured above) is also running for Brooke.

Fellow international equine charity SPANA will be supported by its trustee, Rob Gethen Smith (pictured above).

Rob visited Ethiopia earlier this month to see SPANA’s work in person, and did some training runs while he was there.

“I had the privilege to see first-hand the work that SPANA does and the impact it has,” he said. “I can really see how far our supporters’ money goes to directly improve the welfare of working animals through veterinary treatment but also through educating owners and children how to care for and respect their animals on which they ultimately rely.”

Horse & Hound’s 2017 charity of the year, World Horse Welfare, has several runners taking part in its honour.

Brett Backstrom, Kate Burn, Phil Newton (pictured below), Susan Skea, and Brian Warden are running for World Horse Welfare.

Becky Statham, World Horse Walfare’s senior communications officer, has also signed up.

“London Marathon has always been on my bucket list and this was the perfect opportunity to tick it off as well as raising funds for a cause close to my heart both personally and professionally,” said Becky.

Worldwide runners

Seven individuals, from as far afield as Bermuda, are raising funds for the Donkey Sanctuary.

Bermuda-based Claire de ste Croix will be teaming up with her brother James Tomkinson from Cornwall to take part in the event.

Claire was caught up in the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings and had just finished the race when the bombs were detonated.

The Donkey Sanctuary was the obvious choice for the pair. The charity is very close to their hearts as it came to their aid many years ago when two of their own rescued donkeys became unwell.

Kimmarie Smith, Lesley Walker, Stuart Hurcomb, Victoria Lack and George Paraschou will also be part of the Donkey Sanctuary team.

Amateur jockey Lucy Wheeler is no stranger to race days and will be taking part in London Marathon for Racing Welfare.

“This year I’m not race-riding so I’ve chosen to swap my saddle for my trainers!” she told H&H.

Emma Murray is running for the Willberry Wonder Pony Charity and will be joined by mascot “Raceberry”.

“Sadly, in 2014 my Dad died after a short battle with cancer,” the amateur eventer told H&H. “So I think any fundraising to help #kickcancersbutt. It is so worthwhile although I have never done any fundraising before.”

The Countryside Alliance Foundation has five runners this year, including eventers Katie Bleekman and Ella McEwen.

The foundation runs three main initiatives; Casting for Recovery — supporting women who have had, or have breast cancer — and Fishing for Schools and Falconry for Schools – helping children, who are often struggling, to re-engage with education and build their confidence and self-esteem.

Remarkable comebacks

Phillipa Lord (pictured above and below) had a serious riding accident in 2015 when she broke three vertebrae.

“I was originally told I wouldn’t walk again, but there was a spinal surgeon at the Queen Elizabeth hospital who thought he might be able to fix me, and he did!” she told H&H.

“I am now, just over two years later, running the London Marathon in aid of Spinal Research. I really want to help those who weren’t as lucky as me to get this second chance.”

Event rider and trainer Rae Gatland-Hanlon will also be running for Spinal Research.

“It all happened a bit by accident, one of my clients ran it for a young family member who had had a spinal stroke,” he said. “In November she messaged me to say she had another space and would I be willing to give it a go and seeing as spinal injuries are all to common for riders.

“I have had a few friends who have suffered spinal injuries so it seemed like I couldn’t say no!”

Trainer and dressage rider Justine Sole will be running the marathon for the Lymphoma Association.

Her mother was diagnosed with a brain tumour due to lymphoma three years ago, but has since recovered.

In May last year Justine broke her back in a fall.

“In October I was contacted by the Lymphoma Association to be told I had a place in the marathon,” she told H&H. “At this stage I could just about walk but decided to except the challenge.

“I knew it would be hard but also a really good goal to get me back in track. It has done exactly that and I know I would not be where I am today without this goal.”

Fellow dressage rider Olivia Oakeley is taking part in aid of the Meningitis Research Foundation.

“My grandad was an Olympic yachtsman and my ambition is to compete at the top level as a senior rider so he’s always been a huge inspiration in my life,” she told H&H.

“He passed away to septicaemia in December 2016 and my dad survived bacterial meningitis when he was young so it’s a charity I felt had helped my family.”

Horse and dog lover Justin White will be raising funds for the Greyhound Trust.

“The charity only got one place so I will be running solo for the trust,” he told H&H. “I have osteoporosis now so this is not just an ordinary challenge.”

A vital service

Rider and student Esther Anderson is tackling her first marathon for St John Ambulance

“Both on the equestrian and marathon running circuit St John’s are an integral volunteer-led team,” she said.

Louisa Stokes (pictured above) wanted to give something back to Meningitis Now.

“I have several friends who have lost family members or had their lives severely affected by this awful disease,” she said.

“I’m determined to do my bit to raise as much money as I can and raise awareness to help people that may be unfortunate enough to be affected by it in the future.

“ I’m very lucky to have had the fantastic support of the Berkeley Hunt in my fundraising and awareness campaign.”

Amateur eventer Jaide Hartridge has chosen to run for the Mental Health Foundation.

“In April last year a very close friend of mine took his life,” she said. “None of his close friends or his family were aware he was suffering any mental health issues so it was a total shock, but the Mental Health Foundation do some really great work in raising awareness of mental health and helping to reduce (and hopefully eventually eliminate completely) the stigma associated with mental health issues.”

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Rider and owner Alison Bailey will be taking part for Children with Cancer UK.

“It’s been very time-consuming trying to fit in marathon training, four horses, working and being mummy to my and boys,” she said. “Lots of very early starts and late nights to fit it all in but it will be worth it.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Top British riders are honouring war horses thanks to Brooke’s latest scheme.

Eventer Harry Meade and dressage rider Alice Oppenheimer are supporting the charity’s “Every Horse Remembered” initiative and have been named as Brooke’s ambassadors for the scheme.

British showjumper Laura Renwick is also backing the cause.

To mark the anniversary of the Battle of Verdun, Brooke has released a pin badge to honour the lives of millions of horses who died in the First World War.

A commemorative badge depicts the Every Horse Remembered logo and is available to buy from thebrookeshop.org. Each badge costs £3 plus postage and package.

“The badge provides the perfect way for supporters to show they’re honouring the lives of war horses, and help working horses, donkeys and mules of today,” said a Brooke spokesman.

Harry was keen to get behind the campaign.

“It is so important to honour the bravery of the millions of horses who served alongside our soldiers in the First World War,” he said.

“I’m supporting Brooke’s campaign to help them reach their £1m target in tribute to our war horses and to raise awareness of today’s working animals around the world.

“Learning about Brooke’s work has made me realise how lucky our own horses are to have all their basic needs looked after. But there are still millions of animals in desperate need of our help, so why not start fundraising today to help Brooke continue their amazing work?”

Alice has seen Brooke’s work first-hand, when she travelled to India with the charity.

“Every Horse Remembered is such an important campaign to remember the heroic horses of the First World War,” she said. “But working animals are not just a thing of the past. Every day horses, donkeys and mules still work tirelessly in terrible conditions.

“Having seen Brooke’s work in India I know how important it is to support them and help them continue their vital work protecting and improving the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable working horses and donkeys, both now and in the future.”

Laura added: “I’m delighted to start my official support for Brooke as an Every Horse Remembered ambassador.

“I’m looking forward to representing the campaign for Brooke in the British showjumping scene.”

Laura, Harry and Alice join author Hannah Russell and Little Alf the miniature Shetland, as well as the United States’ Instagram star “Muledragger” as ambassadors.

The group will be promoting the campaign through social media, attending events and supporting fundraising initiatives through 2018.

“Little Alf and I are so proud to be supporting Brooke’s Every Horse Remembered campaign,” said Hannah.

“The millions of animals who fought in the First World War endured the most horrendous conditions and it’s devastating that there are still equines working in [awful] environments around the world.

“If you’ve ever loved a horse, donkey, mule or even a cheeky miniature Shetland please help Brooke’s Every Horse Remembered campaign to help prevent the suffering of working animals today.”

The battle of Verdun was longest battle fought on the Western Front and was so bloody it was known as the ‘Meat Grinder’ in the trenches.

Continued below…

The Lost War Horses of Cairo: a moving tribute to Dorothy Brooke’s passion

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Thousands of horses died in the battle, and on just one day 7,000 were killed by a shelling.

Eight million horses died in the First World War, 75 percent of them from the extreme conditions they worked in.

Brooke’s founder Dorothy Brooke sought out many of the leftover horses years later in Cairo, Egypt. She set up the Old War Horse Memorial, a legacy that evolved into Brooke.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Author Grant Hayter-Manzies’ moving tribute highlights the remarkable life of Dorothy Brooke, founder of international welfare charity, Brooke.

The Lost War Horses of Cairo: The Passion of Dorothy Brooke chronicles Dorothy’s travels to Cairo where she discovered thousands of suffering former British war horses.

Dorothy established the Old War Horse Memorial Hospital, where respite was provided for these exhausted animals.

The story provides an in-depth exploration of historical events, human-horse relationships and Dorothy’s tireless work to make a difference.

The legacy of the Old War Horse Memorial Hospital and its founder lives on through Brooke’s continued efforts to improve the lives of working equines throughout the world.

Two old friends

One particularly moving anecdote involves a pair of gharry (carriage) horses (pictured above), who arrived at the hospital together.

One of the horses was in a particularly poor condition and Dorothy decided the kindest thing to do was to put him to sleep.

“No sooner had the incapacitated horse limped to the shed than Dorothy heard the piebald [companion] whinnying as if in pain. She hurried into the stables, where she found him “in a terrible state of mind,” she recalled, “pawing desperately at his straw with his battered old legs and deformed feet. . . . Moreover he was shaking all over and, as he was blind in one eye, he had his head turned over his shoulder on the side he could see,” stabled as he was in the Egyptian way, with his face toward the wall. Still unsure what to do, Dorothy had bran mash brought to distract him, but the piebald wanted something else and was so desperate for it that this treat, something that in his long life of Egyptian labor he can never have hoped to taste again, meant nothing to him. This is when Dorothy realized that he was looking for his old friend.

“Dorothy had a syce bring over from the “condemned” yard a horse the groom thought might be the piebald’s mate. But it was not. He led several over, each in their turn. None were the mate the piebald was seeking; and it was terrible to watch as he continued to strain to see over his shoulder, stamping and whinnying in agitation. Desperate to fix her mistake, Dorothy asked the stableman to lead the piebald himself over to the condemned yard, to see if he could find his friend himself.

““Anxiously, the old boy shambled across the yard,” Dorothy wrote, “and along two rows of waiting horses . . . until, coming to a miserable old crock, he stopped and nickered softly.”

The piebald and his mate, noses bobbing against the other, had been reunited.

Both horses were taken back to the stable. They were given bran mash, which they ate happily, heads together, tails twitching. Then they were taken out again and euthanized simultaneously.”

Continued below…

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The Lost War Horses of Cairo: The Passion of Dorothy Brooke was published by Allen & Unwin UK on 1 February, 2018.

Buy from Waterstones at £16.99 (hardback)

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High street retailer TK Maxx has withdrawn a cosmetics product containing donkey oil from sale after being challenged by equine charity Brooke.

The organisation, which protects the welfare of working horses and donkeys around the world, used social media to inform the chain that the “Elizavecca Donkey Creamy Cleansing Melting Cream” that they were selling across their UK stores contained the controversial ingredient.

The product, which appears to have originated in China, features a smiling cartoon donkey on the front but Brooke says that the packaging masks the cruel trade behind its ingredient.

“The world’s donkey population is experiencing horrific abuse because of the growing popularity of so called beauty products derived from donkeys. In many cases donkeys are cruelly slaughtered and are often stolen from the poor families they support in order to meet this demand,” the charity said in a post.

“Do you know where the donkeys that end up in your product come from and how they are treated? Do you think it’s morally okay to promote and sell such products with a cute cartoon of a smiling donkey?

“We’re sure as a reputable high street retailer with customers who care greatly about animals and the environment, that you will investigate the sourcing and treatment of the donkeys who are used as ingredients for this product.”

TK Maxx were quick to respond on Twitter, saying: “Thanks for bringing this to our attention. We take matters of this nature seriously and above all our vendors confirm to us that the goods they provide are in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and industry standards. We’ll look into this as a matter of urgency.”

The company later confirmed to H&H that all their stores had been instructed to remove the product from sale.

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A spokesman for Brooke said the use of donkey skins was a major problem in the Chinese cosmetic market and that they had received multiple reports from their country programme officers in Africa that families were having their donkeys stolen for their hides.

It’s thought working donkeys are being targeted to satisfy the demand that China cannot satisfy domestically.

The scale of the problem has become so significant that the charity hosted a crisis meeting in the summer to discus ways to reduce demand for the hide, which is also used in traditional Chinese medicine called ejiao.

The charity fears that major welfare abuses are taking place in the holding, transport and slaughter of these donkeys, as well as the theft of working animals causing hardship for the families that own them.

A report by The Donkey Sanctuary revealed that during the past three years, global demand for donkey products — particularly skins — had escalated rapidly. Estimates are that a minimum of 1.8million donkey skins are now being traded each year.

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Dressage stars Charlotte Dujardin and Alice Oppenheimer will be visiting Ethiopia this month to see the work of an equine charity first-hand.

Olympic gold medallist Charlotte and grand prix rider Alice will be in Africa from 24 – 30 October.

The trip will be the second time Charlotte and Alice have seen Brooke’s work, as both visited the charity’s programme in India in October 2015.

In India they met equine welfare groups, visited brick kilns and saw thousands of horses, donkeys and mules being bought and sold at an equine fair.

“My first trip with Brooke to see the work in India was an eye-opening experience for me,” said Brooke global ambassador Charlotte.

“It was a rollercoaster of emotions, seeing the sheer scale of welfare issues and the level of suffering alongside the incredible achievements of Brooke’s teams to improve the lives of horses, donkeys and mules.”

With approximately nine million horses, donkeys and mules, Ethiopia has the third largest equine population in the world.

These animals play a crucial role in the national economy but live under harsh conditions with a life expectancy of just a third of what would be expected in the UK.

On the trip, Charlotte and Alice will meet urban “gharry” horses, who work day in day out as “town taxis”.

“They are a particularly stark example of the suffering Brooke is working to prevent,” said a spokesman for the charity.

“They will see first-hand the difference that Brooke is making, meeting the passionate Brooke Ethiopia field staff, trained local vets, farriers and harness makers who are working hard with local communities and service providers to bring about long-term change.”

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Charlotte became Brooke’s global ambassador in February 2015, and as well as raising vital funds for them, has been supporting the charity at events and campaigns.

This year she has supported Brooke’s How the Other Horse Lives campaign, and My Hackathon, a fundraising activity for riders across the UK.

Footage and stories from the trip will be published on Charlotte, Alice and Brooke’s Facebook pages.

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A seven-year-old heart surgery survivor has completed a riding challenge to raise money for horses and donkeys in need.

Cheshire-based Lucy Rayner undertook Brooke’s Hackathon challenge, by completing a mini hackathon with her pony Meric.

The pair completed 10 miles in 100 days, raising over £400 for the charity that helps working equines in developing countries. 

Brooke ambassador and British showjumper Jessica Mendoza presented Lucy with a rosette for completing her challenge.

Lucy’s mother Catherine helped her with her challenge, though she herself can only ride a little due to a riding accident 20 years ago which left her with nerve damage.

“I’m very proud of Lucy and I’ve enjoyed doing this together,” said Catherine.

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“Although Lucy has completed her mini hackathon, she is going to carry on and see how many miles she can clock up over the summer.”

Lucy has had open heart surgery twice, since she was diagnosed with rare heart condition hemituncus at eight months old.

Lucy stays active by riding regularly and her time in the saddle helps her keep a positive approach to life.

She has already completed one of her hacks with showman Robert Walker, and hopes to carry on going for rides with other famous equestrians.

“Lucy loves horses so much, they have helped her through her various hospital visits and she even had a photo of Teddy, her first pony, by her bed when she had her second operation, so it made sense to support a charity that helps millions of horses in the developing world,” added Catherine.

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Midsomer Murders star John Nettle has been sharing his support for equine charity Brooke.

The actor, who plays DCI Barnaby in the ITV series, has voiced Brooke’s latest advert to help promote the work it does to improve the lives of working horses, donkeys and mules in developing countries.

The advert, which is running on a number of different television channels, tells the story of Chittoo, one of thousands of donkeys working in the dark and claustrophobic environment of the Pakistan coal mines. The equines work in deep narrow tunnels, and are in extreme danger of injuries, malnutrition and dehydration.

For more information visit www.thebrooke.org/chittoo.

“I heard about Brooke a few years ago, and since then I’ve learnt about some of the brilliant and vital action they’re taking worldwide to help working horses, donkeys and mules — training vets, providing treatment and working to improve animal welfare policy,” said animal-lover John.

“I have always loved equines, and our home is a refuge for them. We have seven horses, all rescues, and two donkeys called Achilles and Hector.

“Maybe because of the spiritual significance, I think people expect donkeys to be stoic and solemn but they’re children really — funny, playful and above all curious. They are so beautiful and make getting up in the morning worthwhile.

“I was delighted to do this voiceover for Brooke and hope it helps to raise more awareness of the plight of working horses, donkeys and mules overseas.”

Continued below…

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115,000 of Pakistan’s 4.7m horses, donkeys and mules work in coal mines every day.

Brooke works with local vets and service providers to improve welfare problems such as lesions and exhaustion due to overloading, and dehydration.

The charity also provides training and support to equine owning communities.

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The equine stars of hit television series Game of Thrones are helping to improve the lives of working horses across the world.

The horses, who appear in the epic battle scene with Jon Snow in series six, carry the White Walkers and accompany Daenerys Targaryen, are switching the spotlight onto hard-working donkeys, mules and horses.

They are supporting the “how the other horse lives” campaign, run by global equine welfare charity Brooke.

The aim of the initiative is to highlight the differences between the daily lives of horses in the UK and working animals in developing countries.

As part of this, their charity has been sharing pictures and exclusive snippets of information about the horses which hail from the Devil’s Horsemen stunt team.

“We’re proud to support Brooke’s How The Other Horse Lives campaign,” said Camilla Naprous of the Devil’s Horsemen.

“We have easy access to everything we need to make sure our horses are happy and healthy, when they’re working and when they’re not.

“People in developing countries don’t always have the skills they need to maintain good welfare, or access to nutritious feed, vets or farriers.

“We admire Brooke’s approach to helping and educating owners and workers in the welfare of these horses, mules and donkeys and by the sheer scale in which they are making changes.”

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The Devil’s Horsemen are based in Mursley, Buckinghamshire, and have 80 horses who star in film and television.

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“These horses are now part of a relatively few horses that work in the UK on a daily basis,” said a Brooke spokesman.

“Although many still do, gone are the days when horses and donkeys drew carts through the streets of London, or ploughed the fields.

“However, in developing countries, people still rely on working equines.

“There are over 100 million of these animals worldwide that support the lives of around 600 million people.”

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Equestrian stars and celebrities have been sharing their support for Brooke’s 100-mile hacking challenge.

Riders across the UK are being encouraged to take on the #MyHackathon challenge of riding 100 miles in 100 days to raise £100 to help improve the lives of working horses, donkeys and mules and the people who depend on them.

Dressage star and Brooke global ambassador Charlotte Dujardin is among those supporting the cause, as is polo player George Meyrick.

British eventing team manager Richard Waygood has also got involved as well as presenter and horse lover Anthea Turner.

“Hacking is really important for horses and riders – it keeps both fit, and for me, it’s nice to have some chilled-out time with the horses outside the training arena,” said Charlotte. “I love hacking out into the fields and having a big open space to ride in.

“With Brooke’s #MyHackathon, you’re also making a difference for working horses, donkeys and mules at the same time, all you have to do is hack 100 miles in 100 days and raise £100 for Brooke.”

Riders can track their miles through a smartphone app designed for the charity challenge.

#MyHackthon’s sponsor Trackener has now launched the app on iOS with an Android version coming soon.

Participants are invited to use the hashtags #MyHackathon and #TrackenerRide on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, to share their successes and photos and spread the MyHackathon message.

To take part in #MyHackathon and for more information visit Brooke’s website.

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“We’re delighted with the incredible response we’ve had to Brooke’s #MyHackathon challenge so far,” said Brooke community fundraising manager Paul Munro.

“The public has really got behind us and we’ve had hundreds of sign-ups already. It’s fantastic that our UK horses will be doing their bit to help less fortunate working horses overseas.

“All the money raised by our supporters will help improve not just the lives of working equines but also the owners, the families and the communities who rely on them, so if you haven’t signed up already, get involved and become part of our community of happy hackers!”

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Despite multiple injuries, tough training regimes and terrible traffic, a pair of dedicated vets have run 10 marathons in 10 days to help equines in desperate need.

Carolyne Crowe and Brian Faulkner successfully completed their Ten2London challenge at the London Marathon on 23 April.

They exceeded their £10,000 target, having so far raised nearly £15,000 for Brooke, with money still coming in.

“We did it, 10 marathons in 10 days and we’re still in great spirits!” said Carolyne after completing the final run in the capital.

“It’s amazing what you can achieve when you dare to dream.”

Speaking about their gruelling training schedule Brian said: “Carolyne did twice as much training as I did.

“Carolyne spoke to Greg Whyte, who coached Eddie Izzard for his runs [27 marathons in 27 days for Sport Relief], and Carolyne would feed back what he’d said.

“I remember she told me we had to do a week of half marathons in March, and then we had to get comfortable doing back-to-back marathons every weekend, and I thought ‘yeah, right!’ But do you know what? That is what had to happen.”

Carolyne, from Gloucestershire and Brian, from Suffolk, started their gruelling 260-mile journey in Wahilgoe, Northern Scotland, on 14 April.

Travelling across the country, they faced punishing terrains from Land’s End to Orkney, and from Galway in Ireland to Wales.

They both suffered from injuries over the ten days. Carolyne’s knees became increasingly painful and Brian was struggling with his shins and legs.

Brian said one of the biggest challenges was running along the roads in Galway during their sixth marathon.

“In Galway the traffic, the lorries, the buses, the cars, was incessant,” he said.

“I got a little bit irritated with that but then you think about those working donkeys and horses in India and Egypt and other countries and what they have to endure day in day out must be unbelievable.

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“Would I do another marathon? I wouldn’t say no, but I have no itch to scratch right now. But that’s what I said last year!”

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Runners swapped riding boots for trainers to take on the London Marathon and raise thousands of pounds for equestrian causes.

H&H news writer Rachael Turner was among the 40,000 people pounding the capital’s streets on Sunday (23 April) for charity.

She was running for World Horse Welfare — H&H’s 2017 charity of the year — finishing in a time of 4 hours 52 minutes and raising £1,793.

Rachael said it was an “incredible experience” and thanked everyone who donated.

“The second half of the marathon was really tough and I had to dig deep to keep going,” she said.

“The crowds were incredible — I don’t think I could have made it without them. Nothing beats that incredible atmosphere. Running past Buckingham Palace at the end was something I will never forget.

“Thinking of all the horses that would be helped though the money people had donated helped me through the last miles — my temporary suffering does not compare to theirs.

“I’m so glad I could do something to support them and World Horse Welfare’s work.”

Rosie Arbuthnot, Ann Bowe, James Hemingfield and Vikki Scott also ran for World Horse Welfare.

“We would like to express a huge thank you to all those who ran the 2017 London Marathon to raise money for World Horse Welfare,” said Frances Plume, on behalf of the charity.

“Tackling a marathon is no small task and it’s an amazing achievement which all our runners should be very proud of.”

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Racing Welfare’s nine runners raised more than £34,000 for the charity, which provides help and support to anyone working — or who has worked — in the horseracing and breeding industry.

Godolphin employee Alex Cairns crossed the line in a speedy 3 hours 6 minutes.

Also running for Racing Welfare was Racing Foundation chief executive and marathon first-timer Rob Hezel, Godolphin managing director Hugh Anderson, Fergal O’Brien’s head lad Kevin Brown, Jane Petrucci, Megan Hurst and groundsmen Darrin Lenharth and Sam Butler-Spelzini.

Ben Blowes completed the team of nine — running the 26.3-mile route with a tumble dryer attached to his back.

“This year’s Racing Welfare Marathon team have been truly awe-inspiring, not least for their physical efforts, but for their outstanding fundraising skills as well,” said chief executive Dawn Goodfellow.

“To date they have raised over £34,000 and the total is still rising. It is amazing to have such a fantastic team running for the charity and we cannot thank them enough.”

Taking part for the Animal Health Trust (AHT) were six brave runners.

These were Daniel Mead, Harry Fielder, Charlotte Meelam, Becki Hayes, Anysia Huggins and Kate Flory.

Anysia, who shattered her femur in a riding accident seven years ago, and had to learn to walk again. She finished in 5 hours 21 minutes.

“We are so proud of Anysia and all of our runners,” said Andrew Simmonds, head of individual giving at the AHT.

“We are so grateful for their huge commitment to training and fundraising, especially in our 75th anniversary year. Together they have raised almost £10,500, which will benefit so many animals as we are able to continue our vital research into improving treatments and discovering cures. A massive thank you and well done to them — we hope they have their feet up today.”

Brooke had 17 London Marathon runners, who raised a total of £36,000 for the charity.

“We can’t thank them enough for all their amazing support and hard work,” said a spokesman.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

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International equine welfare charity Brooke has launched a new fundraising event allowing riders to raise funds while spending time in the saddle.

Riders across the UK are being encouraged to take on the challenge of riding 100 miles in 100 days to raise £100 to help improve the lives of working horses, donkeys and mules and the people who depend on them.

The MyHackathon challenge is free to sign up to (www.thebrooke.org/myhackathon), and supporters can either take part alone or share the distance with friends, for example 10 riders get together and ride 10 miles.

Riders can start their MyHackathon now and are encouraged to complete their challenge by 31 October.

Prizes, including certificates, badges and rosettes, will be awarded to those who reach or exceed the goal of £100.

Riders can track their miles through a smartphone app specially designed for the charity challenge.

“Thanks to MyHackathon sponsor, Trackener Ltd, you will soon be able to track your miles,” said a Brooke spokesman.

“They’ve developed an app that will help all MyHackathon participants track their distance and share their routes on social media.

“To receive your free Trackener app, register your interest on the Trackener website – it launches on 1 May. You can also keep track of your distance using Brooke’s tracking sheet.

“To make things simpler, supporters can do their fundraising through JustGiving, to making it quick and easy for friends and family to sponsor them.”

Participants are invited to use the hashtags #MyHackathon and #TrackenerRide on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, to share their successes and photos with each other and spread the MyHackathon message.

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“Join MyHackathon and clock up some riding miles for working horses, donkeys and mules all over the world,” said Paul Munro, community fundraising programme manager for Brooke.

“By jumping into the saddle riders will be making sure they and their horse are getting regular exercise and staying healthy.

“Not only that, they’ll also be helping to reduce the suffering of the world’s most vulnerable working horses, donkeys and mules. Ride for them, and make a difference.”

Visit www.thebrooke.org/myhackathon to register and find out more.

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An equine charity will save almost 14,000 drought-stricken donkeys by providing life saving hay and water.

Below average rainfall has caused drought in Kenya with the government having declared the situation a national disaster.

The drought, which has caused rivers and dams to dry up, is expected to last until July.

Almost 14,000 donkeys were left in dire need of food and water, with some struggling without water for three days at a time.

International welfare charity Brooke has stepped in and since 1 March has been bringing aid to these animals.

Brooke’s East Africa office is working with local partners — Agency for Pastoralists Development, Farm Systems Kenya and Kenya Veterinary Associations – to provide 13,100 donkeys with water, and 800 with hay.

The team are also providing vaccinations and emergency veterinary treatments.

“We have been able to provide water for these donkeys, fuels to power the water pumps and also hay and feed,” said Brooke’s chief executive, Petra Ingram.

Thanks to its supporters, the charity has exceeded its £23,600 target for the emergency response.

“Tens of thousands of litres of water have been delivered to communities in greatest need, hundreds of litres of fuel have been supplied to boreholes allowing donkeys to quench their thirst and feed is being distributed to owners,” added a Brooke spokesman.

Friends of Brooke

Yesterday (4 April), Brooke launched Friends of Brooke (www.thebrooke.org/friends), a new initiative for its supporters.

Hosted by charity patron and newsreader Alastair Stewart at Surrey’s Loseley Park, the evening gave guests the chance to find out about the programme.

Through an annual donation, the friends scheme allows members to become more closely involved with Brooke, receive invites to special events and exclusive updates on the charity’s work.

“We are so grateful to our donors for helping us reach so many animals in need,” said Ms Ingram.

“Friends of Brooke is the perfect opportunity for our most loyal and knowledgeable supporters to hear more about the details of our work, and actually get involved by meeting the staff that make it all happen.

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“It’s great to be joined by so many of Brooke’s friends and together, with their continued support, we can move closer to our vision of a world in which working horses, donkeys and mules are free from suffering.”

Mr Stewart added: “Horses have been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. So I was honoured when Petra asked me to come on board as patron of Brooke.

“Since that time, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed a close friendship with this wonderful organisation. By joining as a friend, you too have that opportunity, whilst making even more of an impact on a cause you’re passionate about.”

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Runners are hoping to raise thousands for equestrian causes as the London Marathon edges closer.

With just six weeks to go until the big day (23 April), runners are entering their final stretch of training.

H&H news writer and digital sub-editor Rachael Turner (pictured, top) will be among those pounding the capital’s pavements as she takes on the 26.2-mile route in aid of World Horse Welfare — which is also H&H’s charity of the year.

“I write many news stories about the charity’s often harrowing welfare cases and campaigning work, so it’s a cause close to my heart,” said Rachael.

“World Horse Welfare works tirelessly to help these animals and it’s charity I’m proud to be able to run for.

“Any funds, however big or small will help make a difference. Thank you so much for your support.”

Click here to support Rachael

Freddie Allen (pictured, below) is running the marathon for Brooke in memory of his mother, eventer Jo Lomas, who passed away in 2012 following an accident turning her horses out.

This will be the first marathon he has run for charity and he said that Brooke was his “first and only choice”.

Donations on his JustGiving page have already topped £2,000.

Click here to support Freddie

Also fundraising for Brooke are vets Carolyne Crowe and Brian Faulkner, who are taking on 10 marathons in 10 days.

They will be running in extreme locations across the British Isles, finishing with the London Marathon on 23 April, and hope to raise £10,000.

The pair start their 260-mile journey in Wahilgoe, Northern Scotland, and will take on punishing terrains including Land’s End and Galway.

“I will be 40 in 2017 and I wanted a big challenge; this seemed as good as any,” said Carolyne.

“I also believe in creating stories to tell my grandchildren and I’m sure a few good ones will come from this adventure.”

Click here to support Carolyne and Brian

Running for the Animal Health Trust is Anysia Huggins.

This will be the first marathon for Anysia, who is hoping to raise £2,000.

The 24-year-old overcame a serious leg injury seven years ago to learn to walk, ride and eventually run again.

A fall during a gridwork lesson left her with a shattered femur. She was rushed to hospital and spent four hours in theatre having emergency surgery, where she needed blood transfusions and pins and rods were inserted into her leg.

Anysia said she is feeling “very nervous”, but is looking forward to the celebratory glass of fizz at the finish line.

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Are you running the London Marathon for an equine cause, or know someone who is? Get in touch with lucy.elder@timeinc.com to be added to the article.

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