BROOKE HOSPITAL FOR ANIMALS

ngela Rippon is one of Britain’s best-known television journalists and broadcasters and has travelled the world sharing with viewers countless stories of human calamities, courage, and hope.

And she has found that often at the heart of communities, carrying families from place to place, transporting produce to markets and working hard in fields, are horses, donkeys and mules.

“I have travelled in many countries and seen how these animals are a vital part of the economy because of the work they do,” she says.

“They are a huge part of the family. They have an important role in keeping them fed and bringing in money. They are part of that family’s very existence.”

In many places, these precious working animals are as well cared for as families can possibly manage. But some are less well treated, perhaps due to a insufficient understanding or education, or a sheer lack of access to the proper means to look after them better.

This is where where animal charity Brooke steps in to help, bringing knowledge and training for vets and saddle-makers to ensure working horses, donkeys and mules live a healthier and happier life so, in turn, they can better support the families that depend on them.

The charity’s farrier training programme has improved hoof health, ensuring millions of working animals like Laity (pictured right, with owner Abdoul) walk pain-free, potentially protecting them from a very bleak end in the slaughterhouse.

Angela has a particular passion for horses – she has ridden in events, cross country, and races. But, she points out, the work of Brooke goes deeper than a sentimental attachment to horses.

“Brooke operates on so many levels,” she explains. “The charity provides work for people as saddlers and farriers, it trains vets and veterinary assistants.

“It also teaches people how to look after their animals, and goes into schools to teach children how to care for them, providing them with knowledge they will carry to adulthood.

“It is micro-economics – it’s about supporting individuals in being able to look after themselves. Because when working animals are fit and healthy, they can do the work required to keep that

People can maintain their dignity, they look after their animals, they are able to earn their own living and keep feeding their families.