SUCCESS STORIES
Equipping women: First aid training for equine well-being
In Kuradiya Bander, a fishing village in Gujarat's Kutch region, the community relies heavily on horses to transport fish and equipment. Brooke India (BI) equine welfare project (EWP) Kutch has supported this area since 2020, focusing on improving equine health and welfare.
The fishing community lacks knowledge about equine care and resides far from locations with veterinary services. Men usually provide first aid to the equines but are often away fishing, leaving women unable to address equine health issues. This gap leads to increased illness among equines and economic losses for the community.
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Safura Bai, a member of BI women equine welfare group (WEWG), recognised the need for better equine care. Encouraged by her group, she underwent training with BI team to use first aid kits (FAKs) and handle common equine issues like colic, pain, and wounds. Within two months, Safura Bai became a trained Ashwasakhi (woman equine friend), providing vital services to the community’s horses.
Safura Bai with her horse in her village in the coastal region of Kutch
Her training proved invaluable when Halimabai, a community member, called her about her injured horse. Safura Bai quickly attended to the horse, cleaned and dressed its wound, and administered oral pain relief medication. Her timely and skilled intervention helped the horse recover quickly, showcasing her capability in handling equine emergencies with confidence and expertise.
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Now, women in Kuradiya Bander no longer have to wait for their husbands to address horse health issues. Trained Ashwasakhis like Safura Bai can provide immediate care, reducing dependence on men and elevating women's status in the community. Safura Bai currently takes care of 29 horses in her community and has successfully treated 15 cases of colic, fever, and wounds using her FAK, highlighting her indispensable contribution. The empowerment of women like Safura Bai has significantly improved the health and well-being of local community horses while also boosting women's confidence and status.
From distress to delight: Rescued mare Maya receives life-saving emergency treatment and medical care
In Amritsar, Punjab, Mr. Manpreet Singh, an animal lover and samaritan, found a distressed mare on the streets—limping, stressed, and anxious. Concerned, he promptly contacted the Government Veterinary Officer (GVO) for help. The GVO, experienced in equine care, alerted the team of BI EWP Amritsar for immediate assistance. BI Veterinary team quickly examined the mare, discovering maggots in her ears and ticks causing severe itching, dehydration, and likely days without proper food. With the GVO's support, arrangements were made to transport the mare to Kamdhenu Gau Dham Trust (KGDT), a local animal welfare centre.
At KGDT, the mare named Maya by BI staff received clean water, food, and immediate medical care. BI veterinarian Dr. Vikram Singh cleaned and treated Maya's ears, preventing infection. With continuous care, Maya's pain lessened, her ear infection healed, and her appetite returned. She made new friends at KGDT, and her recovery accelerated in the stress-free environment. Moved by Maya's plight, Mr. Manpreet Singh decided to sponsor her lifelong treatment, food, and care. This heartwarming rescue tale underscores the crucial role of animal lovers and the collaborative efforts of BI, GVO, and the community members who supported Maya's journey. Maya's story inspires compassion and kindness towards animals.
BI Veterinarian assessing Maya's condition after arriving in field
Courage to chart new boundaries: Women equine welfare group explores an income generation activity
In Khanpura village, Dholpur, India, women have long been actively supporting their families, often by engaging in activities like goat rearing. BI recognised their potential and empowered them through the formation of WEWG, creating a platform for collective action and economic resilience. As the brick kiln (BK) season approached, BI recommended the Bhole Baba WEWG for a distinctive income-generating project: the production and distribution of FAKs for working equines at BKs. Despite the women's lack of prior experience in preparing first aid kits, the WEWG members eagerly embraced the challenge.
BI’s team played a crucial role in facilitating connections with experienced groups, conducting market research, and providing guidance throughout the process. The Bhole Baba WEWG, backed by substantial savings of INR 104,290, including funds from the government, they successfully made 60 FAKs for INR 170 each. These kits, containing essential medicines, were subsequently retailed for INR 200-250, yielding a profit of INR 40 per kit. This impactful initiative benefited 730 equines and 590 owners. Installing FAKs at BKs across the Dholpur district ensured easy access to emergency medicines for equines. BI team intends to maintain this effort by continuing to engage with WEWG members for future BK seasons as well.
WEWG members preparing FAKs to be sold at BKs
Equine owners safeguarded: Implementation of equine insurance in Rajasthan
Equines are the unsung heroes in the lives of marginalised communities, supporting them in agriculture and other livelihood activities. However, the vulnerability of equine owners to significant financial losses in the event of equine fatalities prompted BI to address this pressing issue.
Understanding the economic challenges faced by equine owners like Rakhi Devi and Mukesh Kumar (who are husband and wife) in Agrasain Kachhi Basti, in the district of Churu, state Rajasthan, BI initiated a collaborative effort with the Animal Husbandry Department (AHD) Rajasthan. Rakhi Devi and Mukesh Kumar are marginalised equine owners who engage in various occupations such as scrap dealing, operating a grocery store, and providing tailoring services. Regular meetings were held to strategise and implement equine insurance, a novel-concept in the region.
Rakhi Devi and Mukesh with their horse
Through these meetings, BI, in close collaboration with AHD Rajasthan, implemented the insurance program tailored to the needs of local equine owners.​ Rakhi Devi and Mukesh Kumar, proud owners of a Marwari horse, were among the first beneficiaries. The owners are protected against the death or illness of their equines and will receive designated compensation in case of an unforeseen incident. The insurance, which covers a sum of INR 30,000 at a nominal cost of INR 663, provides a safety net to the owners.
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The comprehensive initiative covered 12 equines in the district, reducing financial risks and educating owners about how to safeguard their valuable assets.
Brooke Hospital for Animals (India)
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Registered Office: F-310 B, Aditya Arcade, Preet Vihar, Delhi-110092 (India)
Email: mail@thebrookeindia.org | Tel. : +91 120 2400404 | Website: www.thebrooke.org/our-work/india
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