Within just a few days of the devastating hurricanes that struck the Southeastern United States, displacing people and animals, disrupting health and veterinary systems and leaving families and their beloved equines in desperate need of services and supplies, the Board of Directors of Brooke USA Foundation approved an emergency campaign to help those affected.

In an effort to respond quickly, Brooke USA partnered with Equestrian Aid Foundation, EQUUS Foundation and Fleet of Angels. These organizations are well-equipped to respond immediately while also supporting the long road to recovery. They have the know-how, systems and reputation to help the equestrian community and their equines during this disaster.

“We are truly honored to be able to help them fulfill their missions with a $8,000 grant to each, totaling $24,000,” stated Emily Dulin, Brooke USA’s CEO. “Weary families and their equines across the Southeast have been living with the inconceivable damage left behind after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Unfortunately, the need continues, but we are proud to have done what we could to help as essential services are restored and communities begin rebuilding."

If you would like to make a donation to Brooke USA to help horses in times of need, please consider making your donation today.

Brooke USA has received Candid's coveted Platinum Seal of Transparency, previously recognized as GuideStar's Platinum Seal of Transparency. Candid is the world's largest source of nonprofit data, and this designation demonstrates that Brooke USA is an organization focused on measuring its progress and results to provide current and potential funders accurate and detailed information. The designation is only awarded to charities possessing the highest level of responsible fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency.

"It is with great pride that we accept Candid's Platinum Seal for the first time, having boasted Candid’s Gold Seal of Transparency for three consecutive years. We have enhanced our programmatic evaluative tools through additional quantitative and qualitative benchmarks and indicators leading toward improved monitoring and assessments ", said Jim Hamilton DVM, Chairman of the Board of Brooke USA. "Our Board of Directors and staff work tirelessly to maintain a transparent and efficient organization while ensuring that the highest possible portion of Brooke USA's budget is directed to funding our mission of alleviating the suffering of working horses, donkeys and mules, and the people they serve in vulnerable community across the world and right here in the United States."

Brooke USA’s CEO Emily Dulin, added, "Candid's Platinum designation is reflective of our organization’s proven success in attaining full financial transparency. This seal is crucial for financially trustworthy and responsible nonprofits. This designation enhances Brooke USA’s ability to fund our programming locally and abroad, and sponsor projects that improve the lives of those who need it most – human and animal."

In today's ever-changing philanthropic environment, donors seek transparency and accountability from the organizations they choose to support. The Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency confirms that Brooke USA is worthy of donor confidence and generosity.

Brooke USA is pleased to announce that national founder, global mission volunteer and animal advocate, Dr. David Jones of Asheboro, NC was recently honored with the organization’s Crystal Award.

The Crystal Award is Brooke USA’s most prestigious accolade. It recognizes outstanding champions of the organization who have gone above and beyond in support of its mission to significantly improve the welfare of working horses, donkeys, mules, and the people they serve in the developing world. The honored individuals demonstrate a deep love and commitment to Brooke USA; they understand the interrelationship between working horses, donkeys and mules, and their owners. They know that by helping working equines, they are helping the people who depend on them for survival.

Jones is the retired Director of the North Carolina Zoo where he worked for over 20 years. Prior to joining the North Carolina Zoo, he served at the Chief Executive Officer of the Zoological Society of London. Jones’ accomplishments are vast, consulting in more than 50 countries and participating in the design, development and management of approximately 30 worldwide zoos. He has written more than 100 reviewed scientific papers and numerous articles.

For many years, Jones served as the Chairman of Board of Trustees of Brooke Action for Working Horses & Donkeys (Brooke), sister organization and working partner to Brooke USA. In fact, when he joined Brooke, the organization boasted only 30 local staff members in Egypt and today more than 1,000 people work for the organization in 16 countries across the globe. He is responsible for founding Brooke India and Brooke Pakistan, and of course, for developing Brooke USA, now considered one of the leading equine charities in the country.  

“Working toward making a difference among those who need it most gives me great joy and a true sense of accomplishment. I have volunteered for over 50 years of my life to the Brooke family of charities because I believe in the value of our work toward reducing poverty and improving animal welfare,” explained Jones when accepting the award.

Dr. David Jones joins Margaret Hamilton Duprey, Katherine Kaneb, and Claudine and Fritz Kundrun who received the award in 2019; Antonia Axön Johnson, Jennifer and Richard Schechter, and Hazel and Richard Schultz who received the award in 2020, Melissa and Gerrit Klaerner who received the award in 2021, Talmadge and Ian Silversides who received the award in 2022, and Vicky and Dr. Eric Busch and Amal Murgian who received the award in 2023. The efforts of all these outstanding people help make a true difference by alleviating the suffering of some of the 100 million equines working in the developing world that support the livelihoods of 600 million people.

Join Brooke USA this Giving Tuesday on December 3rd in our mission to raise $50,000 in a single day to help end the Donkey Hide Crisis.

This Giving Tuesday, Brooke USA Foundation is encouraging donors and friends to support efforts to end the cruel and senseless Donkey Hide Trade which sees hundreds of thousands of donkeys killed for their skins each year and causes vulnerable communities to lose their livelihoods.

Nearly six million donkeys are killed for their hides every year. Donkeys are stolen from families who depend on them – families often already struggling and living below the poverty line. These donkeys are essential to those living in the developing world; they fetch water, transport food and take children to school. There are 100 million equines working worldwide, earning an income under $2 a day for 600 million people who rely on them to put food on their tables.

The donkey hides are boiled to create ejiao, a gelatine used in traditional Chinese medicine, cosmetics and supplements with claims of resulting in increased fertility, improved potency and better blood circulation.

Brooke USA has been working to pass the Ejiao Act, sponsored by Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), to ban the importation and sale of ejiao in the United States and thus, leading to a decrease in production revenue to companies invested in its manufacture. The United States is the third largest importer of ejiao in the world, following Japan and Hong Kong; China is the largest consumer and the main global producer.

Stephen Kimiri has been working with donkeys in Narok for nearly 20 years, using them to deliver water to homes and businesses. "The donkey is my boss; I depend on it for everything,” he says.

In 2017, one of Stephen's two donkeys was stolen and slaughtered for its hide, a victim of rising donkey thefts in Kenya. These animals are targeted for their skins, which are used to produce 'ejiao,' a traditional Chinese medicine. The loss has had a devastating impact on Stephen's livelihood. "You can't rely on one donkey to do everything," he explains, struggling to meet demand and earn enough income. The surge in donkey prices makes replacing the stolen donkey difficult, leaving families like Stephen's vulnerable.

He calls for action: "The government should close the slaughterhouses. It will reduce donkey theft in our country."

In February 2024, the announcement was made: African state leaders approved the ban at the conclusion of the African Union summit in Ethiopia. 

What does this mean for the brutal and inhumane trade? 

About two-thirds of world's estimated population of 53 million donkeys are in Africa. People in the poorest, rural communities use them for transport and to carry water, food and other goods.

One recent study in Ethiopia - that set out to measure the economic value of donkeys - showed that owning one could mean the difference between destitution and a modest livelihood.

Raphael Kinoti, Regional Director of Brooke East Africa said this was a "terrific moment for communities in Africa who have benefitted from donkeys since time immemorial."

Without a doubt the African ban will eventually, when laws go into effect, benefit most donkeys in the world. Concerns now rise regarding the illegal and underground trade which will be even more inhumane. Moreover, without a source of donkeys from Africa, the Chinese manufacturers of ejiao will turn to Asia and Latin America to meet the demand.

Riding Warehouse, the leading online purveyor of equestrian products and supplies for the three main disciplines of equestrian sport: English, Western and Endurance, is running a Giving Tuesday special with 5% of all sales for the entire day donated to Brooke USA. Moreover, customers can purchase, while supplies last, one of only 50 available, LeMieux’s coveted Daphne the Donkey stuffed animal with 10% of the proceeds allocated to Brooke USA. Each Daphne, selling for $79.95, comes with her own Riding Warehouse/Brooke USA ribbon and a Brooke USA informational brochure.

Riding Warehouse customers can also directly contribute to Brooke USA when Holiday shopping online by adding a donation amount to their purchase via a quick option in their shopping cart. All customer donations are directly passed on to Brooke USA and may be used to reach the total order free shipping minimum. Just visit www.ridingwarehouse.com to make a purchase.

Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement, unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and their world. Last year, Brooke USA raised $55,496 from Giving Tuesday. “This year, we hope to raise even more funds to help those in need. Our goal is to inspire people to give back through the end of the year and support our efforts to ban the sale of ejiao and put an end to the vile Donkey Hide Trade,” said Kendall Bierer, Brooke USA Donor Relations Officer.

For more information or to begin browsing for your Giving Tuesday finds, visit www.ridingwarehouse.com.

This Holiday season, support Brooke USA by purchasing limited-edition Holiday greeting cards or making a meaningful in-honor gift. Beautifully designed by renowned equine artist Weatherly Stroh, the cards feature a serene winter scene of a horse adorned with a festive wreath. Each pack of six cards is available for $25 (including postage and handling) and can be ordered at BrookeUSA.org/holidays, with delivery in 7–10 days. These cards will brighten someone’s day while making a real difference in the lives of working horses, donkeys, mules, and the families who depend on them.

Weatherly Stroh, an animal advocate and passionate equestrian, created this design especially for Brooke USA, reflecting her dedication to animal welfare. A portion of her proceeds is generously donated to organizations like Brooke USA, underscoring her commitment to supporting animals through her art.

For even more impact, Brooke USA’s Holiday Shop offers in-honor gifts that spread joy and support vital programs.

For a $25 donation, receive a digital certificate; for a $50 gift, a mailed certificate with a personal message; and for a $100 in-honor donation, a printed certificate and a set of Brooke USA notecards. Donors giving $250 or more will also receive an exclusive donkey painting by a student from a Brooke USA-funded Donkey Care Club in Kenya. Visit www.brookeusa.org/donkey-care-club-paintings to view a sampling of these unique artworks.

Every card and in-honor gift directly support Brooke USA’s mission, with 100% of profits benefiting vulnerable communities worldwide. Spread Holiday cheer that truly makes a difference this season!

Brooke USA hosts events in
Sacramento, CA & Southern Pines, NC

In preparation for Brooke USA’s 10th anniversary celebration in 2025, the organization’s Regional Advisory Councils held friend-raising events in Sacramento and Southern Pines, an opportunity for equestrian members of these communities to learn more about the mission of Brooke USA and raise funds for current and future programs. Proceeds from the silent auctions and other donations were dedicated to help victims – human and equine – affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Supporters gathered at the family home of Brooke USA Ambassador and Olympian Kasey Perry Glass in California, at the beginning of October to learn more about Brooke USA's global work and to delight in a dressage presentation by none other than Kasey.

Supporters later came together at the home of Robin Greenwood, a longstanding supporter and member of The Dots, Brooke USA’s group of women who follow in the footsteps of founder Dorothy Brooke, where Bobby Costello, Technical Advisor and Chef D’Equipe for the US Event Team at the 2024 Olympic Games, shared anecdotes from his recent Paris experience.

Brooke USA is thrilled to announce the inaugural Ocala debut of Divertimentos & Dressage, presented by Lugano Diamonds, on January 30, 2025, at the renowned Bridlewood Farm. This prestigious event will then return to Wellington, FL, for its third consecutive year, with a change of venue to the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center on February 20, 2025.

Divertimentos & Dressage combines elegance and equestrian artistry, featuring world-class dressage performances with live musical accompaniment, making it a unique celebration of talent and horsemanship. This year's events in both Ocala and Wellington will support Brooke USA’s mission to improve the lives of working equines and the communities they serve worldwide.

For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.brookeusaevents.org.

Brooke USA is excited to announce a major upgrade to its donor experience through the integration of Qgiv, a leading online donation and event platform. This enhancement provides donors with a seamless, user-friendly interface, empowering them to manage their contributions with greater ease and flexibility.

With the new Qgiv platform, donors can create personalized profiles, manage recurring donations, and enjoy express payment options like Apple Pay and Android Pay. The new donation forms are fully integrated into Brooke USA’s website and feature top-tier security, ensuring that every contribution is safe and secure.

“We are thrilled to offer our supporters a cohesive, modern donation experience,” said Karen Moon, Mid-Level Gifts Officer. “This upgrade not only simplifies the process for our current donors but also helps us engage a younger generation of philanthropists who are passionate about our mission.”

To experience the new donor interface for yourself, please visit www.brookeusa.org or make a donation by pushing the button below.