Helping Ethiopia
Our attention is turned to Ethiopia where a crisis looms large. A deadly combination of prolonged droughts, political conflict and rising food prices means that many equine owners can no longer afford to feed their working horses, donkeys, and mules.
As well as hunger, many equines are sick and in pain because medicines are too expensive or not available. Some horses and donkeys have painful hoof injuries because their owners have no access to trained farriers. Others have leaking sores on their backs from ill-fitting harnesses and lack of local veterinarians.
Animals work very long hours in Ethiopia – sometimes ten hours a day – in the searing heat just to earn enough money to feed the families who depend on them for survival. There is rarely much money left over to buy proper feed for the animals and they are permanently weak and tired.
No matter how hard it gets, the animals must keep working or their families will starve. But a better life for working equines is possible with help from you.
Wako Burka with his favorite horse Guracha.
Story From the Field - Wako Burka, Community Leader:
I know first-hand what a difference Brooke USA’s supporters can make to a family like mine. Before Brooke USA started funding work in our area, my horses and donkeys did not have a shelter to protect them from sun, rain and even hyena attacks. I did not know how important nutritious food and rest was for the well-being of my animals.
Thanks to Brooke USA, I have learned how to feed and care for my horses and donkeys better. I have learned to groom them and prevent wounds by making my own, well-fitting harnesses.
Your vital donations have also ensured that I acquire basic hoof care skills so I can stop them from further injuries or getting infections. I learned how to clean their hooves properly and the importance of visiting the farrier regularly to keep their hooves trimmed and in good shape.
More importantly, because of Brooke USA-funded training, I became what’s known as a Community Leader. In this role I share my training and knowledge with my community to help them provide for their own animals. This model of education and training creates a ripple effect – that reaches the most animals in need by building strong relationships among equine owners.
Sadly, there are thousands of horses, donkeys, and mules and even owners, who urgently need the support of community leaders such as me.
That’s where you can make a difference.
