Handle with care

Through compassion, together we can improve the lives working horses donkeys and mules around the world.  

Our Christmas animation this year features Caballito, a little horse who hoped for a better future, and found it with his new owner, Ismelda. The animation is narrated by Brooke supporter and actor Annette Badland.

You may recognise Harry the horse, a character from our previous animations, who plays Caballito. Not seen our other animations?

Before Ismelda met him, Caballito’s previous owner had mistreated and mishandled him. They even hit his ear with a machete when he tried to eat some crops they’d planted, causing his distinctive drooped ear now. 

Thankfully, painful stories like this are rare, but millions of working horses and donkeys experience poor handling. It can cause stress and trauma, which can lead to anxiety and fear, as well as causing physical scars. 

Caballito was scared and didn’t like being handled when Ismelda met him, so when she heard about the training Brooke and our partner Biometepe were running on the island, she joined up straight away. She learnt how to communicate with Caballito and understand what he was trying to tell her. She also learnt how to build a feeding station for him and her other horse Kadeja, and provide affordable food for them.  

With time, Caballito was able to heal, and they now share a beautiful bond. 

Brooke trains and supports people with the skills they need to see the world from their animal’s perspective, and handle them with a shared understanding. 

Handling and harnessing are vital for improving animal welfare, and reducing stress whilst working, both for animals and their owners.  

“I've really learned a lot about how to handle and take care of them (her horses). They come to trust you, just like you trust them.” - Ismelda

Do you want to help us create a better life for working horses, donkeys and mules around the world?  

Share our Christmas animation to spread the word.