“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.”
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.
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
“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.
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
Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.
