BROOKE NEWS WINTER 2018
Our impact worldwide
Every horse remembered
Guatemala’s ‘horse whisperer’
SUPPORTING YOU TO SUPPORT US Without you – our supporters – none of our work would be possible. That’s why we’re always happy to help. Contact our Supporter Care team if you’d like to discuss our work, ask for information, update us on your details, or make a donation. We’re always delighted to hear from you.
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Visit
www.thebrooke.org
Call
020 7470 9393 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm)
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info@thebrooke.org
Write
Brooke, 5th Floor Friars Bridge Court 41-45 Blackfriars Road London SE1 8NZ
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Editor: Amanda O‘Brien Chief Executive: Petra Ingram
CONTENTS
Cover Photo: Nepal All images © Brooke unless otherwise stated. Please note that the majority of our photos are taken by staff in the field to save costs.
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News in brief
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Proud to be Brooke
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Vets from the field and research
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News from Guatemala p10-11 A world of difference: p12-13 our impact in numbers
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Keeping Kenya’s donkeys safe
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Innovation Fund: Fresh green fodder in India
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Every Horse Remembered p16-17 Meet the Legacy team
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Brooke USA and partnerships
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Brooke community p20-23
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Registered Charity No. 1085760
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Welcome
This winter’s Brooke News brings to life all the wonderful ways you’ve been helping horses, donkeys and mules – and their owners – around the world. As we go into 2018, I’ve been looking back at the incredible things we’ve achieved over the past year, thanks to your generosity. Not only are we increasingly creative in the ways that we work, but our programmes are rigorously monitored to make sure that they’re cost effective and deliver maximum impact. There are three aspects of Brooke I feel particularly proud of. First and foremost, I’m proud of the people. From the vets and partners, service providers and owners who are helping us to deliver better animal welfare overseas – to the Brooke team, volunteers, fundraisers and supporters here at home, we owe our success to a dedicated global network of compassionate people. Secondly, I’m proud of the positive difference we make. Time and again I hear inspiring stories of how we’ve changed the lives of animals, owners and entire communities. Finally, I’m proud that we’re widening our reach. When something works, we replicate it, bringing the benefit to more horses, donkeys and mules and the people who depend on them. This edition of Brooke News introduces you to some of the inspiring people and projects that are changing lives around the world – and shows the impressive scale of our work. Thank you, once again, for helping us to achieve so much.
Petra Ingram Chief Executive
From Kenya to Pakistan, from South Sudan to Central America, none of our work would be possible without your invaluable support. Thank you.
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News in brief
Brooke celebrates as we’re granted special status with the UN Brooke is delighted to have been granted special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). This gives us new opportunities to share our expertise and make sure the welfare of working animals is part of global policy. This will allow us to have more influence and more opportunities to share our knowledge, benefiting more animals. It’s unusual for a charity of our size and niche focus to be granted this status, so we are honoured. It’s a reflection of the work we’ve been doing to bridge the gap between human development and improving the welfare of working animals – highlighting the links between them and the benefits of improving both. “Brooke is excited to have an enhanced voice in the UN – helping to improve the lives of working horses, donkeys and mules, wherever there is a need. These animals are the key to the survival of millions.” Petra Ingram, Chief Executive
BROOKE’S BRILLIANT DAY AT ‘YOUR HORSE LIVE’ On 11 and 12 November last year, Brooke staff and volunteers joined well-known equestrians and horse-lovers for the Your Horse Live event at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire. Visitors learned about our work overseas and how different life is for working horses, donkeys and mules there, from our Veterinary Adviser, Ebony Escalona. Ebony also shared her stories from the field and let listeners into top tips on topics from farriery to first aid. Britain’s most successful dressage rider, Brooke’s Global Ambassador Charlotte Dujardin and Olympic gold medallist Carl Hester – who celebrated his 50th birthday at a star-studded party – were among the famous guests. The celebrity signing area was sponsored by Brooke, so visitors could collect our goody bag together with autographs from celebrities like Geoff Billington, Guido Lewis and Richard Maxwell.
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Remember Brooke with Pam St Clement
”It’s easy to forget that one can help animals even after your death. It came to my mind when I was reviewing my Will and I thought, of course I want to help Brooke after I’ve gone” Pam St Clement
From 11-17 September, Pam St Clement – best known as Eastenders’ Pat Butcher – lent her support to Brooke for Remember A Charity Week. The theme was ‘Have your say on the world you want to pass on’. The aim was to encourage people to leave gifts in Wills to charities – and raise awareness of the impact of this incredible gesture. By sharing her reasons for remembering Brooke, Pam hoped to inspire others to do the same. “I grew up on a farm where we had two working horses, so it’s part of my heritage,” Pam said, “The problem comes when they’re being overworked and misused and that’s where Brooke comes in. They do a tremendous job helping people to care for their horses, donkeys and mules.”
Email: legacies@thebrooke.org or visit www.thebrooke.org/legacies
Boosting Brooke’s efficiency in the field Understanding how our work in the field is making an impact on horses, donkeys and mules is essential to Brooke. Now a brand new software app, developed by Brooke, is revolutionising the process. BrookeCheck replaces pen and paper with hand-held tablets, which help to eliminate errors and speed up the analysis of results, making reporting more efficient. BrookeCheck also acts as a training tool, giving the paravets and farriers that Brooke mentors an instant snapshot of how their skills are improving. To keep up to date with Brooke’s news, visit www.thebrooke.org/news follow @thebrooke on Twitter or like ‘The Brooke Charity’ on Facebook.
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News in brief
Remembered with respect On 10 November, business woman and Dragon’s Den investor Deborah Meaden joined our Chief Executive Petra Ingram at an Animals in War memorial service for the brave animals who lost their lives in conflict. At the event, Deborah spoke movingly about the horses, donkeys and mules who served in the First World War – and the horses who were abandoned and sold into hard labour in Egypt after the war, inspiring Dorothy Brooke to set up our charity. Petra spoke about our Every Horse Remembered campaign (see pages 16 and 17) and joined Deborah to lay a remembrance wreath at the Animals in War Memorial in London. They also presented messages of respect and sympathy from our supporters around the world. “I am honoured to support Brooke and the Every Horse Remembered campaign… The horses, donkeys and mules Brooke works with are no different to animals here, but, like those who fought beside British soldiers in World War I, their lives are so much harder.” Deborah Meaden
Glad to be grey When the owner of a donkey in Uhuru County, Kenya decided to paint his donkey in the colours of his favourite political party, a concerned animal lover alerted Brooke to their concerns on social media. We immediately contacted Brooke East Africa, who sent Dr James Kithuka to check on the animal and speak to the owner. Once he was made aware that both toxic paint and using his donkey in a political protest were bad for its welfare, the owner immediately apologised and promised to care for his donkey better in future. In simple ways like this, Brooke is not just helping individual animals, but changing owners’ attitudes in the long term too. 6 Brooke News
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180 COUNTRIES now
PROUD TO BE BROOKE A BIG THANK YOU FOR THE DIFFERENCE YOU MADE LAST YEAR Amazing supporters, like you, helped Brooke to make an incredible impact on the lives of hardworking horses, donkeys, mules – and their owners – in the last financial year. We reached more horses, donkeys and mules than ever before, improving their welfare and supporting communities to provide the best possible care for them. You also supported us to raise awareness of the issues that affect the wellbeing of working animals and to influence decisionmakers, at every level. And you helped us
acknowledge the new OIE* WELFARE STANDARDS for working equines
to carry out research that underpins our projects. Thanks to you, we raised more than ever before – helping to offset higher costs due to the lower value of the pound. And we’ve made sure we operate as efficiently as possible and use our resources effectively, protecting our work far into the future.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR Thank you
11,957 EQUINE WELFARE ASSESSMENTS
SUPPORTERS 85,377 BROOKE
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£2.67 RAISED FOR
COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING GROUPS
EVERY £1 SPENT FUNDRAISING
SATISFIED WITH 95.5% ARE THEIR EXPERIENCE PRESENTATIONS 3 BY 28 DELIVERED BROOKE AT 14 PEER REVIEWED CONFERENCES
PAPERS PUBLISHED
To help Brooke improve animal welfare, donate today by visiting www.thebrooke.org/newsletter or call 020 7980 7234
*World Organisation for Animal Health
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Vets from the field
Dr Diop introduces a scheme that’s helping to save lives in Senegal Working animals in Sokone, Senegal were suffering because vets couldn’t get hold of basic veterinary medicines. Then Brooke set up a revolving fund and recruited Dr Diop to manage it and provide training and advice. Dr Diop was working in Sokone long before Brooke arrived and witnessed lots of welfare problems. “Donkeys and mares were rarely brought in for veterinary treatment,” he remembers. “Hernias were prevalent, as well as cases from road accidents. Another common problem was with hooves – you’d see mares with very long hooves wandering around in pain.”
Problems like these were made worse still because basic medicines were either unavailable or unaffordable – those that were available were often illegal and dangerous. When Brooke started working in the region, a fund was set up so veterinary professionals could get hold of the medicines and vaccinations they needed. Dr Diop was responsible for purchasing the drugs from wholesalers and distributing them to local animal health practitioners. Now they can treat sick and injured animals with appropriate medicines.
Better health and welfare for horses and donkeys Members of the scheme also benefit from Dr Diop’s expertise. As well as meeting every Wednesday to discuss their cases, share knowledge and learn about important topics – such as correct dosages – they can consult him on specific issues and emergencies. Dr Diop has noticed the impact: “Now the paravets can confidently do basic treatments and the auxiliaries, on the frontline
Brooke research
BROOKE PLAYS A PART IN SOLVING A GLOBAL HEALTH PROBLEM The threat of ‘superbugs’ that are resistant to the medicines doctors routinely prescribe, is one you may well be aware of. It’s a global problem, affecting both animals and people, that’s making bacterial infections harder to treat. Brooke is determined to be part of the solution.
Polly Compston, Research Coordinator for Brooke
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In many of the countries where we work, resistance to antibiotics is made worse by a lack of knowledge and inadequate regulation. For example, antibiotics are usually freely available over the counter. On top of that, because pharmacists and animal healthcare workers have little or no training on using medicines responsibly, they’re often prescribed incorrectly. www.thebrooke.org 020 7470 9393
of veterinary care, have increased their knowledge and their quality of work has improved.” Since the fund was set up, the demand for paravets and other animal health workers has grown as word has spread of their good work: “They are getting more work and more owners are stepping forward for veterinary help. Also, farriers and vets are working together. For example, I went to a village and after working there, called the Brooke-trained farrier and told him there were a lot of equines with long hooves and he needed to come.” So, thanks to the fund, more animals in Sokone are benefiting from better healthcare.
“Every day I am very proud of the work that has been done.” Dr Diop, Senegal
Influencing at every level Brooke is well-placed to improve matters – whether it’s by improving practices in the field, influencing the regulations that govern medicine, or raising awareness at high-profile conferences, like the one Brooke’s Research Coordinator, Polly Compston, attended in Berlin last October. Our vets work with over 4,000 animal healthcare practitioners and we train in veterinary schools too – giving us the opportunity to build good medical principles
and diagnostic skills in the vets of the future, and to ensure antibiotics are only used appropriately. We can also have an impact on the treatment of both animals and humans by making sure pharmacists – who sell medicines to both groups - are aware of the issues. With the help of our supporters, we’re making an impact on this pressing global issue, protecting the health of hardworking animals and their owners.
To help Brooke reach more animals in need, donate today by visiting www.thebrooke.org/newsletter or call 020 7980 7234
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Brooke in Guatemala
In conversation with Guatemala’s ‘horse whisperer’ Lester Lemus has worked for Brooke’s partner ESAP (Healthy Equines for the People) for 11 years. He’s equally skilled at dealing with horses and people and is sometimes referred to as a ‘horse whisperer’ because of his patience and understanding. Q: What are the biggest challenges of working in a drought-stricken region of Guatemala? A: It’s so dry that there’s a shortage of water and food for both animals and people. The conditions are difficult too, as temperatures rise over 40°C. Q: What’s your typical day like? A: After breakfast, me and Hugo – the ESAP vet – head for the field. We typically work in two communities a day. In the morning we often talk to schools or authorities and in the afternoon we train owners in handling and welfare. Q: What improvements have you noticed since you started working for ESAP? A: We’ve changed many of the attitudes people had towards animals. For example, we worked with one owner whose three mares had been mistreated. After just a few days, the owner’s small daughters were riding the mares and he knew how to care for them properly. When people see it’s possible to train an animal kindly they’re open to listening to advice on other matters. Q: What do you enjoy most about your job? A: I enjoy teaching people – but I also enjoy learning from them!
WHY GOOD HANDLING MATTERS
The quality of handling an animal receives is key to their wellbeing. Day after day, the effects of poor handling can build, causing long-term mental and physical damage. Brooke is here to transform animals’ lives and our new global Humane Handling for Animals project showcases the fantastic work our teams are doing and our plans for the future. 10 Brooke News
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GOOD NEWS FROM GUATEMALA
THE FIVE FREEDOMS EXPLAINED
After years of hard work by our Guatemalan partner, ESAP, a new animal welfare law has been approved, promising better protection from mistreatment.
Originally developed by the Farm Animal Welfare Council, the Five Freedoms are now viewed as essential rights for companion and working animals too. International organisations, including the World Organisation for Animal Health and the RSPCA have used them as a measure of welfare since 1965.
We’re delighted that the Guatemalan government now recognises animals as living, feeling beings – not just assets. A brand new law that aims to eradicate cruelty and mistreatment of animals makes owners responsible for ensuring that welfare standards – based on the ‘five freedoms’ – are met and maintained. “This law represents a golden opportunity for these invisible workers to become more visible in society. Working horses, donkeys and mules have enormous value for people’s livelihoods in Guatemala, and they should be recognised for that.” Mario Sapon, General Director of ESAP
1. Freedom from hunger and thirst 2. Freedom from discomfort 3. Freedom from pain, injury or disease 4. Freedom to express normal behaviour 5. Freedom from fear and distress
To help Brooke reach more animals in need, donate today by visiting www.thebrooke.org/newsletter or call 020 7980 7234
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A world of difference
From Guatemala to Nepal, Pakistan to Kenya, you’ve helped Brooke to reach more working animals than ever before in the last financial year. Whether we’re getting food and water to animals affected by drought; or engaging the next generation of animal owners in schools, with your support, we’ve been changing the lives of horses, donkeys and mules – and the people who depend on them – for the better. Here are some of last year’s highlights.
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GUATEMALA 18 new communities joined our equine welfare programme and 50% more animals have healthy ‘frogs‘ (an easily-infected hoof part) NICARAGUA 20% reduction in severe wounds in urban horses, donkeys and mules AFGHANISTAN 4,000 owners started working with Brooke and 5,200 school children learned about animal welfare PAKISTAN 389 animal healthcare workers, saddlers, farriers and other service providers trained INDIA 772 groups set up to improve the welfare of horses, donkeys and mules NEPAL 4,637 owners took part in community activities to help them care for their animals better SENEGAL 16 farriers trained and a pilot project in Burkina Faso reached 5,000 equines
EGYPT 207 communities benefitted from training and support ETHIOPIA 2,700 people trained to pass on vital welfare messages to their communities and 421 vets and animal health workers trained and mentored KENYA 15,411 donkeys affected by severe drought provided with food and water and 31 farriers trained
To help Brooke reach more communities and animals around the world donate today by visiting www.thebrooke.org/newsletter or call 020 7980 7234
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Donkey theft
Keeping Kenya’s donkeys safe A growing market for donkey skins has led to a rapid rise in the theft of donkeys in countries like Kenya. From tags and tracking devices, to shelters and fences, Brooke is working with owners to help them keep their donkeys safe. MARGARET’S STORY Margaret, a Masai woman whose community has had a number of their animals stolen, explains how important their donkeys are to them – and how they’re protecting them: “If my donkeys get stolen, I have to fetch water myself – but one Jeri can is not enough. If there’s a shortage, my house is dirty and my kids are dirty. Sickness would start coming into the family.” Margaret and the other villagers are working hard to protect their precious donkeys. As part of donkey welfare group - supported by Brooke’s partner Farming Systems Kenya (FSK) – they’re pooling their resources and working together.
“I would love to tell everyone – let us protect our donkeys, because they are the source of our daily lives.” Margaret Mpatiany
“If my neighbour joins the group, they will look after my donkeys and I theirs, so cases of theft will reduce”, Margaret explains, “A donkey cannot be taken from above – so everyone should be on the look out.” Margaret’s welfare group also took part in a Brooke initiative to come up with ideas on protecting donkeys from theft: “The first thing we said we would do is build a house for our donkeys. The second thing is to hire a watchman, who will guard them. We plan to buy nails, wood, fencing and iron sheets so we are able to protect our donkeys.”
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Innovation Fund
Fresh green fodder all year round Thanks to our wonderful supporters, Brooke is helping families to prepare for drought with creative solutions like the hydroponics project we’ve been piloting in India. In the Maharashtra region of India, donkey owners were struggling to provide their animals with enough nutritious green fodder. Brooke’s life-changing pilot project is helping 200 families who can’t afford the land to grow crops. We provided the families with a ‘starter kit’ so they could grow a sustainable, affordable crop of maize in a small space with very little water. From then on, owners are able to grow the fodder independently. BROOKE’S HYDROPONIC STARTER KIT Five seed trays, compact enough to keep at home. A batch of maize seeds, chosen for their high yield, even with minimal water. A green shade cloth to shelter the seeds while they grow.
The families have proved their own initiative by finding ways to stack their trays using household objects or branches, making the most of the limited space they have. And, if they have any questions, the Brooke team is on hand to answer them. The owners are delighted at how their homegrown crops are thriving – and to see their donkeys becoming happier and healthier. “This method is very easy,” Gyanoba Raje from Avvalkonda village told us, “We will be buying our own maize seeds and will propagate this method in other areas as well. It will remove the scarcity of green fodder for our donkeys.”
“Brooke has helped us in green fodder cultivation along with donkey welfare – this is a new thought process for us and we are very happy. The method is cost effective and we don’t have to depend on anyone. We will continue as we know our donkeys will become healthy. We are very thankful to the Brooke team.” Donkey owner Badiram Dake, Ambajogia. To help Brooke action life-changing innovations like this, donate today by visiting www.thebrooke.org/newsletter or call 020 7980 7234
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Every horse remembered To mark the centenary of the end of World War I, we’re remembering the horses, donkeys and mules who played such an important part in the conflict. Through our Every Horse Remembered campaign, we want to make sure that the brave contribution of these unsung heroes is never forgotten.
GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
The Museum Of The Horse has helped us compile these fascinating facts about how horses contributed to the war effort. To find out more about the museum, visit www.horsemuseum.co.uk
The work
The numbers 25,000 horses belonged to the British Army on the eve of World War 1. By mid 1917 they owned 591,000 horses and 213,000 mules. North America supplied us with 429,000 horses and 275,000 mules. But because horses can’t vomit many died from seasickness on the journey.
Horses pulled supply trains because some roads were so badly damaged by the war that most vehicles couldn’t use them. Without horses, guns would have run out of ammunition, soldiers wouldn’t have had food or post and casualties couldn’t have been moved from the battle fields.
The suffering During each year of the war, 15% of animals employed by the British Army were killed, went missing, were abandoned or died. In total, Britain lost 484,000 horses – that’s one horse for every two men.
from: A Soldier’s Kiss Only a dying horse! He swiftly kneels, Lifts the limp head and hears the shivering sigh Kisses his friend, while down his cheek there steals Sweet pity’s tear, “Goodbye old man, Goodbye”. No honours wait him, medal, badge or star, Though scarce could war a kindlier deed unfold; He bears within his breast, more precious far Beyond the gift of kings, a heart of gold. by World War I poet, Henry Chappell
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It’s because those equines suffered that Dorothy Brooke was inspired to rally support and set up our charity. Having found these ‘walking skeletons’ working as beasts of burden on the streets of Cairo, she decided to set up the Old War Horse Memorial Hospital where our story started. With the help of our compassionate supporters, past and present, we’ve since gone on to help millions of working animals around the world. But there are still 100 million horses, donkeys and mules labouring in punishing conditions today. We are determined to build a better future for them, continuing our founder’s proud legacy. On the Western Front, most animals died from exhaustion, air or mud-borne diseases, rather than gas or gunfire - which accounted for 25% of deaths. Vets treated 2.5 million sick and injured horses – 2 million were then returned to the dangers of the battlefield.
Strange but true Dummy horses were sometimes used to mislead the enemy about the location of troops. Quaker Oats bid to supply army horses with oat and molasses cakes was turned down as extravagant – instead, high speed pumps for oats were installed at French ports to reduce unloading times.
Help hardworking animals with our centenary gifts From 14 February you can buy an Every Horse Remembered pin badge, card or virtual gift. Visit www.thebrookeshop.org
SHARE YOUR WAR HORSE STORY
Do you know the story of a World War I horse, donkey or mule? Perhaps there’s a tale that’s been passed down in your family, or a photograph of horses being drafted in your local community. We’ll share your memories with local media to highlight the contribution of working equines, past and present. Send us your anecdotes and pictures by emailing press@thebrooke.org or writing to: Brooke, 5th Floor, Friars Bridge Court, 41-45 Blackfriars Road, London SE1 8NZ
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Brooke Legacies
Meet the Legacy team Legacy Manager Susan Hughes introduces two enthusiastic new team members in response to your feedback.
A message from Susan At our legacy events, supporters like you have told me you’d like more opportunities to meet us in person and find out about Brooke and the difference your support makes, face to face. That’s why I hope you’ll join me in welcoming Harriet and Erin to Brooke. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet them in person at some of next year’s regional legacy events. Please email legacies@thebrooke.org to find out more. Warmest wishes,
Susan Hughes Legacy Manager Email: susan.hughes@thebrooke.org For more information about gifts in Wills at Brooke, please contact: Email: legacies@thebrooke.org Visit: www.thebrooke.org/legacies 18 Brooke News
Hello from Harriet I still can’t quite believe that I work for such an amazing charity, which is making a staggering difference to the lives of working equines around the world. I have an incredible passion for horses in particular – and have been lucky enough to be around them for most of my life – so I have a close affinity to Brooke. I found my way into charitable work after graduating from university, but never thought I would have the opportunity to combine helping a good cause and horses, so securing this job has been a dream come true. I can’t wait to get out and about and meet as many people as I can! Harriet Langston Senior Regional Legacy Officer
Introducing Erin I feel very privileged to be joining a team which plays such a key role in Brooke’s mission to transform the lives of vulnerable animals. I’ve already been overwhelmed by the generosity of people like you. Gifts in Wills from kind-hearted supporters make the greatest contribution to Brooke’s income. I’m very passionate about animal welfare, so I’m delighted to work in an organisation where I can share this passion with like-minded colleagues and supporters. I have already learnt so much – including exactly where your donations are helping. And I’ve seen how dedicated people are to resolving the issues we face. I hope I can play a part in the positive impact Brooke is having on equine welfare and that, together, we can make even more progress in improving the lives of working animals.” Erin Finch Legacy Officer
Brooke USA & Partners A rest in the shade for Ethiopia’s donkeys
Working donkeys in Bulle and Gedeeb, Ethiopia are now able to enjoy a rest in the shade, thanks to permanent shelters provided by Brooke USA. Their Free the DonkeysGive them Shade campaign drummed up support through social media and several events, and – with the help of generous individual donations - they exceeded their target of $98,000.
Honouring yesterday’s horse heroes helps today’s A year ago, Brooke USA launched their Horse Heroes campaign to remember the one million American horses and mules who served in World War I. By raising $1 in memory of each brave horse, the goal was to raise $1 million for today’s hardworking animals. We’re delighted to report that, by the end of 2017, Brooke USA succeeded in reaching their target, which will make an incredible difference to horses, donkeys and mules around the world today.
Ride-away Equestrian’s galloping success Since Ride-away Equestrian chose us as their Charity of the Year, they’ve proved to be brilliant fundraisers! Their employees and customers alike have supported us in a whole host of ways, raising money and awareness in-store, online and at their Open Day.
ABOVE: Ride-away Champion. Cassi Moss riding Ron on Camber Sands beach, East Sussex. FAR LEFT: Reserve Champion. A charming picture of Coco and his carer Molly at the Hope Pastures Horse and Donkey Sanctuary, Leeds. LEFT: Special Mention. Lisa Nixon’s horse, 22-year-old Derwen Renatta.
In the summer, their online photo competition was incredibly successful. Young and old entered snaps in categories from Best Turned Out and Action Shot, to Funniest Face and Muddiest Horse! Wonderful prizes were donated by companies including Weatherbeeta, Equilibrium, Hy Equestrian and Mark Todd.
If your company would like to choose Brooke as their Charity of the Year and you think you could raise £5,000 or more to help our work, we’d be delighted.
We’re thrilled that Ride-away Equestrian supported us with such dedication in 2017 and look forward to another year of this wonderful partnership.
Please get in touch by emailing corporate@thebrooke.org
To find out about how your company can partner Brooke, contact corporate@thebrooke.org
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Brooke Community
A big thank you to all our fantastic fundraisers
Over the past year, our amazing supporters have done us proud. So many of you have been out there in your communities, fundraising to help hardworking animals. From taking on challenges, to hosting tea parties, the creative ways you raise money for Brooke never ceases to impress us.
Sandra Newcombe, our Lichfield Champion Fundraising Group Leader is celebrating an incredible 45 years of fundraising for Brooke in style!
Congratulations to happy couple Alessandra and Marco, who drummed up support for Brooke as they celebrated their big day.
Long-term Brooke supporter Angela Humphrey (left) whose High Tea for Gee Gees party was attended by Great British Bake Off contestant Iain Waters and Wendy Turner-Webster. A big thank you to Angela and friends who raised £2,200 for Brooke!
Sisters Molly and Emily McCaig raised an impressive £175 for their Halloween fancy dress pony parade.
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Danielle Hill took on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, last May raising an impressive £481 for Brooke – thank you Danielle!
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Our North Yorkshire fundraisers are out there helping us, whatever the weather, here they are at the Ripon Races & Ripley Show.
Our new Blackpool & The Fylde Fundraising Group travels to shows and fairs with eight donkeys, including Cochise and Cheyenne, to raise funds for less fortunate animals overseas.
Staunch supporter Gill Green has been raising money for Brooke at the wonderful Souldrop Charity Horse and Dog Show for over 25 years! Thanks to them, £2000 will go towards our work.
At Tweenhills Farm and Stud, guests enjoyed an exclusive equestrianthemed event, which raised an incredible £11,000. A big thank you to Mary Redvers and the team.
Brooke was out in force at Bolesworth International Horse Show. Our Cheshire fundraisers were joined by students of equine, equestrian and animal welfare subjects and children’s author Hannah Russell with Little Alf, the mischievous miniature Shetland pony.
To find out more about fundraising for Brooke, call the team on 020 7470 9393, email community@thebrooke.org or visit www.thebrooke.org/get-involved
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Hackathon-tastic! A big thank you to everyone who joined the likes of Anthea Turner, Major Richard Waygood and Brooke Ambassador Charlotte Dujardin and signed up for MyHackathon. People took part between March and October last year, and helped to raise over £20,000 to help hardworking horses, donkeys and mules.
JOIN MYHACKATHON 2018 If you didn’t get the chance to take part – or you’d like to join in again – we’ll be launching this year’s MyHackathon in March, and hope you’ll help us make it bigger and better than ever! If you’d like to take on the challenge to ride 100 miles in 100 days, raising £100 or more, please get in touch. Whether you’d like to ride the distance solo, or join with friends to complete the distance between you, it promises to be a really exhilarating experience! “It’s for a great cause... for a fabulous charity. So come on, let’s get out there... let’s go hacking.” Major Richard Waygood, MBE To register, or find out more go to www.thebrooke.org/myhackathon
Durham, dinner – and donkeys! Last November, more than 70 people attended Brooke’s Gala Dinner at Headlam Hall Country Hotel in County Durham, in remembrance of the millions of horses, donkeys and mules who lost their lives in World War I. Guests relished a delicious four-course meal and enjoyed a performance from award-winning magician Graham Hall. There was a silent auction, with magnificent prizes, a fascinating talk from our Chief Executive Petra and an entertaining Mane and Tail fundraising game – not to mention music and dancing into the small hours. But the highlight of the evening were our guests of honour – donkeys Cochise and Cheyenne – decked out in patriotic ribbons and cosy Brooke rugs.
Thanks to our incredible guests, the dinner raised over £12,500. We’re looking forward to our next Gala Dinner on 2 November 2018. To find out how to reserve your place, email community@thebrooke.org 22 Brooke BrookeNews News
www.thebrooke.org 020 7470 9393
DINNER WITH A DIFFERENCE
Get your running shoes on for Brooke
Whether you’re a beginner, or an experienced runner, there are plenty of ways you can boost your fitness, challenge yourself – and raise money for hardworking animals. VIRGIN MONEY LONDON MARATHON 22 April 2018. Registration deadline: end of January Join our team for the iconic London marathon. We’d love to hear from you if you have a ballot place and would like to join Team Brooke – or if you want to apply for one of our limited charity places. EDINBURGH MARATHON FESTIVAL 26/27 May 2018. Registration deadline: start of May Enjoy some of Edinburgh’s much-loved landmarks at Scotland’s largest running festival. Races range from 5km, to a full marathon, so there’s something for everyone. LONDON 10,000 28 May 2018. Registration deadline: mid April Starting and finishing in St James’s Park, this race takes in famous sights including St Paul’s Cathedral, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. Great for beginners. GREAT NORTH RUN 9 September 2018. Registration deadline: start of July This atmospheric 13.1 mile route starts in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, proceeds through the city centre towards the river, before crossing the spectacular Tyne Bridge.
Sitting down for dinner with friends and family is something we all do. So why not hold an internationally-themed dinner party to raise money for Brooke? HERE’S HOW: 1. Pick a date and your guests. Make sure everyone knows they’ll be asked for a donation in return for their delicious dinner. 2. Let us know. Our Supporter Care team will send you our fundraising pack and all you need to make sure your dinner’s a success. 3. Choose your cuisine. Cook up some kofte and kebabs or dish up your favourite curry. Keep it simple or decorate and dress up to your theme. 4. Share the experience. Remember to send us pictures of your party so we can share them on social media and encourage other supporters to follow in your footsteps. 5. Tot up your total. Add up your donations and send them in (details in your fundraising pack) 6. Say thank you. Remember to let your guests know how much they raised for hardworking animals.
To sign up, find out more, or tell us about your own challenge or event, visit www.thebrooke.org/fundraise or email community@thebrooke.org
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A lasting way to help hardworking animals
Leaving a gift in your Will can transform the lives of working animals far into the future. By remembering us in this thoughtful and powerful way, you can help us reach millions of horses, donkeys and mules every year.
“I have just changed my Will and am leaving a gift to Brooke, who I’ve supported for over 45 years. When I was 12 and pony mad I was given a book called ‘For the Love of Horses’. It was the start of my support not only for abused and neglected horses, but for all animals across the world.” Jayne Shipperley, Brooke supporter, Southampton
When you remember Brooke in your Will, your kindness can help us to: make a lasting difference to the lives of horses, donkeys and mules by working with their owners and communities. inspire future generations to care for and protect their animals, easing their suffering. expand Brooke’s work to reach millions more working animals in new communities and countries.
For more information about gifts in Wills to Brooke,
All images ©Brooke unless stated Registered Charity No. 1085760
24 Brooke News
Visit: www.thebrooke.org/legacies Call: 020 7470 9343 Email: legacies@thebrooke. org 020 7470 9393 www.thebrooke.org