Fatehpur, a region in Uttar Pradesh, hosts a significant equine population employed in the area's brick kilns (BKs). These BKs are categorized into migratory and non-migratory types, with migratory BKs attracting workers from distant districts. One such migratory BK is Ashish BK, located in the village of Aliabad, 14 miles from the Brooke India (BI) Equine Welfare Project office in Fatehpur.

Sundar Kumar, an equine owner from Jalaun, arrived at Ashish BK with his family and three mules at the start of the BK season (September - May). He built a temporary shelter and relied on his mule, Kallu, to transport bricks within the BK premises. However, one day, while Kallu was pulling a fully loaded cart, he became frightened and injured himself, sustaining a deep cut on his back. Panicked, Sundar sought help from other equine owners, who advised him to contact Rahul Kumar, a Field Assistant from Brooke India.

LHP Sandeep Kumar treating the wound of Kallu

Rahul immediately instructed Sundar to detach Kallu from the cart and isolate him. Since Rahul was at another site, he contacted Sandeep Kumar, a Local Health Provider (LHP) trained by Brooke India. Sandeep’s training had equipped him to handle such situations, and he quickly arrived at the scene. Together, Rahul and Sandeep cleaned the wound, administered first aid, and dressed the injury to prevent infection. They also prescribed medication and advised Sundar on proper wound care.

Thanks to their prompt intervention, Kallu’s condition improved quickly, and he fully recovered within 15 days. This successful treatment not only healed Kallu but also reinforced the trust of equine owners in Brooke India and their local health providers, highlighting the critical role of accessible veterinary care in protecting both animal welfare and livelihoods.

Field Assistant Rahul Kumar came at the Brick Kiln for a health check-up of Kallu.

Brooke USA recently agreed to fund its first multi-year project to support more than 300 newly identified Indian BKs over the next five years, promoting animal welfare-friendly attitudes and environments.   Brooke USA will be working in communities which have never been in contact with Brooke India, the field partner on this project, allowing Brooke USA to measure impact and change over time – from initial program deployment to planned exit strategies years later.

Please consider making a donation to Brooke USA today to help us provide the funding for training programs in newly identified BKs to create community leaders, local healthcare providers, and farriers that can help these invisible workers, while helping to end the cycle of poverty in the most vulnerable communities.

Brooke USA Foundation was voted The Scout Guide Wellington’s 2024 Scouting for a Cause winner. As the recipient of this prestigious award, Brooke USA will receive a full-page spread in the inaugural magazine, professional promotional photography, and year-round marketing support.

Voting was conducted by The Scout Guide Wellington between July 10 and July 28. During this time, friends and supporters had the opportunity to champion their local nonprofits by voting for their favorite organization in the “Scouting for a Cause” contest. 

The Scout Guide Wellington is part of a national network of close to 90 cities across the country. The Scout Guide is a 100% woman-founded national franchise that offers an elevated advertising experience to local businesses through printed city guides and digital channels. These city Scout Guides connect readers to local businesses through content, curated by market owners and tastemakers.

“Brooke USA is honored to have won the Scouting For A Cause campaign and to be recognized as one of the top nonprofits in Wellington,” said Kendall Bierer, Donor Relations Officer of Brooke USA. “We would like to extend our congratulations to all the deserving nonprofits that were also nominated and continue to make a tremendous impact through their extraordinary missions. Thank you also to The Scout Guide Wellington for hosting this contest and recognizing our organization. We are thrilled to share our message of supporting the working equines and the families that depend on them for survival.”

“We absolutely love the mission of Brooke USA and are thrilled to partner with them this year. We are excited to amplify their voice through The Scout Guide Wellington!” said Ani Brown, Owner and Editor of The Scout Guide Wellington.

The first edition of The Scout Guide Wellington will launch in January and will be available throughout Wellington all year. Follow @tsgwellington to find out where you can pick up a copy of the guide.

On Sunday, September 1, Brooke USA hosted a delightful Picnic & Polo event in Lexington, KY, amidst the excitement of the final games of the Labor Day weekend tournament, organized by Lexington Polo. The event was a wonderful opportunity for guests to enjoy a day in the sun, cheering on the polo teams while indulging in tailgating festivities, picnic-style lunch baskets, and refreshing drinks.

A highlight of the day was the Best Playing Pony award, generously sponsored by Hillcroft Farm, recognizing the top equine athlete of the tournament. We were also pleased to welcome Doc Lane's Veterinary Pharmacy to the event, further underscoring the community's commitment to equine welfare.

The Picnic & Polo event would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of our Host Committee, whose hard work ensured a memorable experience for all attendees. Their contributions helped create a perfect blend of sport, camaraderie, and philanthropy, all in support of Brooke USA's mission to improve the lives of working equines worldwide. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special day.

Brooke USA Foundation is pleased to announce a generous $25,000 donation that has been added to the prize money for the 4S division of the upcoming Plantation Field International Horse Trials, taking place from September 19-22, 2024, at Mr. Cuyler Walker’s Plantation Field in Unionville, Pennsylvania. This significant contribution brings the total prize money for the 4S division to $40,000, making it the most competitive purse at this level in the United States.

The $40,000 Brooke USA 4*S Division is made possible through a donation made in honor of Brooke USA and the millions of horses, donkeys, and mules who tirelessly work to improve the lives of people worldwide. This generous gift underscores the importance of equine welfare and celebrates the deep bond between humans and the animals that support them.

Plantation Field Equestrian Events, Inc. (PFEE, Inc.) extends its deepest gratitude to Brooke USA for this tremendous support, which will undoubtedly elevate the level of competition at this year’s event.

The Plantation Field International Horse Trials and Country Fair is a much-anticipated annual event, offering $55,000 in total prize money across four divisions. Set against the stunning backdrop of Unionville’s rolling hills, this event promises thrilling equestrian competition alongside family-friendly entertainment, including vendors, food trucks, kids’ activities, and a beer garden.

Spectator tickets are available online at www.plantationfield.com. Brooke USA staffer Karen Moon will be attending the trials on Sunday September 22nd and would love to see you there. Email her at Karen.Moon@BrookeUSA.org to RSVP.  

Brooke USA Foundation is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our Ambassadors at the Paris Olympics and Paralympics. Renowned show jumper and Brooke USA Ambassador Laura Kraut played a crucial role in securing the Team Silver for Team USA in the equestrian events, demonstrating exceptional skill and teamwork on the world stage.

We are also thrilled to congratulate Brooke USA Ambassador Rebecca Hart on winning her first Paralympic individual medal—a Gold—marking a historic moment in her career and a proud achievement for Team USA.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Laura Kraut, Rebecca Hart, and all the athletes who represented the United States with such distinction. Their dedication and excellence not only brought honor to our country but also highlighted the important work of Brooke USA in improving the lives of working equines worldwide.

To learn more about our ambassadors and their contributions to Brooke USA, visit Brooke USA Ambassadors.

We are thrilled to announce that Emily Marquez Dulin, CEO of Brooke USA, has been honored as the 2024 Hispanic Woman of Distinction – Latina Pioneer of the Year! This prestigious recognition is a testament to Emily's unwavering dedication to improving the lives of working equines around the globe. Her leadership at Brooke USA has been instrumental in driving initiatives that provide vital resources, education, and support to equine-dependent communities in some of the world's most challenging environments.

Emily’s work transcends borders, making a tangible difference in the welfare of animals that are essential to the livelihoods of millions of people. Under her guidance, Brooke USA has expanded its reach, ensuring that more working equines receive the care and attention they need to lead healthier, more productive lives. Her passion for animal welfare, combined with her commitment to empowering communities, exemplifies the values that Brooke USA stands for.

We are incredibly proud of Emily's achievements and the positive impact she continues to make. Her recognition as Latina Pioneer of the Year not only highlights her professional accomplishments but also her role as a trailblazer for Hispanic women in leadership. 

Learn more about Emily and the 2024 Honorees at www.hispanicwomenofdistinction.com.

Plantation Fields Horse Trials
September 19-22, 2024
Coatesville, PA

Ponies & Pearls
October 20, 2024
Aiken, SC

Divertimentos & Dressage
October 24, 2024
Tryon, NC