Standing Ovation by Ovation Riding: Brooke USA

Every week Horse Nation teams up with Ovation Riding to recognize those doing good in the horse world. 

Today we recognize Brooke USA, which funds equine organizations in the US and abroad to assist during the coronavirus pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit some businesses hard – this is especially true in the equine industry. In order to ensure that organizations that take an active role in equine welfare can stay up and running, some groups have stepped up to offer funding relief. One such organization is Brooke USA.

As of August 6, 2020, the Board of Directors of Brooke USA has approved $32,500 in micro-grants for 20 equine organizations in distress during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The fund disbursements were made from Brooke USA’s COVID-19 Response & Recovery Fund which was designed to address the need for financial aid across the globe due to the pandemic. In response to the spread of the coronavirus, Brooke USA is committed to meeting the needs of equine-dependent communities impacted by the pandemic both in the United States and abroad.

Brooke USA recognizes that in the developing world there is a lack of health care facilities, medical supplies are not readily available, and living in highly crowded communal situations exacerbates the risk of spread. Moreover, the international community which normally offers aid is hard pressed to help because every nation is dealing with their own problems related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“At Brooke USA we know that when equine owners suffer, so do their animals thus, it is imperative that we do what we can to help right now. We are uniquely positioned to provide aid where the need is greatest. And, it is our hope that equine-friendly businesses, individuals and philanthropists will continue to support us in this fight against this virus which is taking a toll on all of us,” said Emily Dulin, Brooke USA’s Chief Executive Officer.

The funds raised are used to support response and recovery efforts which vary from nation to nation, and community to community. Brooke USA understands that needs in each area are individual. In some communities, this may mean providing care for working animals whose owners have been impacted by the pandemic. In others, it may involve providing horse feed to a family who can no longer work due illness or economic distress.

Following is the list of organizations funded to date:

  • Arabian Rescue Mission
  • Brooke Latin America & Caribbean
  • Carolina Equine Rescue & Assistance
  • Equestrian Aid Foundation
  • Equitarian Initiative
  • Equus Foundation
  • February Star Sanctuary
  • Fleet of Angels
  • Foothills Equine Rescue Assistance
  • Foundation for the Horse
  • Fundación Equinos Sanos Para El Pueblo
  • Homestretch Thoroughbred Rescue
  • Humane Society of the United States
  • Medina Creative Therapy
  • Otra Mas, A Horse Rescue and Equine Therapy Organization
  • Pleasure Acres Equine & Feline Rescue Center
  • South Florida SPCA
  • Thoroughbred Athletes
  • United States Hunter Jumper Association
  • Viva Global Rescue

If you would like to contribute to the Brooke USA’s COVID-19 Response & Recovery Fund you can donate here.

About Brooke USA
The mission of Brooke USA is to significantly improve the welfare of working horses, donkeys and mules and the people they serve throughout Asia, Africa, the Middle East, the Americas and the Caribbean by raising funds and responsibly directing them to the areas of greatest need. 

Brooke USA accomplishes this through a holistic approach to funding which includes capacity building, sustainability programming, female empowerment, and international advocacy.

Brooke USA connects private philanthropists with their passion for helping relieve the suffering of working equines and their owners.  

Brooke USA raises funds to support a wide variety of programs for working horses, donkeys and mules to help them become (and remain) healthy and happy now and in the long-term, which also benefits the very poor families who depend on those animals to help them earn a living. For more information visit www.BrookeUSA.org.

Many thanks thanks to Ovation Riding for their support of both Horse Nation and individuals and organizations that are doing good work in the horse world. If you know someone who deserves a Standing Ovation, we would love to recognize them in a future post. Email the name of the person or organization along with a message about the good work they do to [email protected]. Photos/videos are always welcome, and include a link to their website if applicable.