Horse whisperer launches charity for working horses in Cuba
A Wiltshire-based horse whisperer has started a new charity project to help working horses in Cuba.
Gary Witheford launched Help Cuban Horses earlier this year after witnessing what he called “the appalling condition” of its working equines.
Gary returned from his latest trip to Cuba at the end of February and told H&H of his plans.
“I have worked hard with problem horses and now I want to give something back,” he said.
“The horses out there don’t have access to vets, medical supplies or enough feed.
“Some are skin and bone and their harnesses are made of rope so they are constantly sore with deep wounds.
Gary, who more famously works with difficult racehorses, has been assisting horses in Holguin and Havana by providing more comfortable tack and equipment.
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“The owners are very appreciative for what we are doing.
“They don’t have farriers and they make their own shoes out of reinforced metal, making each nail by hand.”
Gary cited a lack of education as a reason for some of the problems the horses face as well as financial strain.
Wessex Vets and farrier Jamie Goddard have joined Gary’s scheme and he is looking for donations of tack and equipment.
On his most recent trip, he took fly masks and medical supplies donated by NAF, as well as donations from Farm and Stable Supplies and Wadswick Countrystore.
Gary hopes to return to Cuba in the next six weeks and is looking to buy land as well as horses to set up a loaning scheme. This will allow the working horses to have some much-needed rest and grazing while a loan horse is used.
“I am passionate about doing it now and can’t wait to go back,” he added.
H&H visited Gary at his yard in September last year — see his work with problem horses here
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Rachael joined Horse & Hound in 2014, initially as a digital sub editor then became part of the news team as a writer in 2015. The philosophy graduate studied journalism at the Press Association before working as a local reporter at the Brentwood Gazette. Rachael is now a mum of two and still loves all things equestrian, including hacking, dressage and jumping with her cob Bert. Rachael left the H&H staff to go freelance in June 2019, but still contributes to our magazine and website, as well as our sister magazine Country Life, among others.