Working horse and donkey charity Brooke(1) asked equestrians at Badminton Horse Trials(2) this year for their tips on horse handling, to support their animals' wellbeing.

Riders at Badminton (7-11 May) revealed that handling their horse with compassion creates a strong, mutual bond, so they can work together as a team.

British Olympic event rider, Gemma Stevens(3), who is also a Brooke ambassador, thinks her horse would describe her handling as “clear, compassionate and careful.”

“My horse Arctic Soul (or Spike) was incredibly nervous of crowds, and it took a lot of work to gain his trust and get him to believe that he would be ok in that situation,” said Stevens.

“My partnership with horses is key in my sport, so it’s important that they rate me highly!”

Rising star in eventing, Caroline Harris(4), believes her horse handling is “sympathetic, compassionate and patient.”

Harris remembers overcoming a difficult handling situation with kindness, helping a Four-star horse, who was a fussy eater, get enough fuel for competing by raising his feeding trough higher.

Horses can remember how they were treated for at least eight months after one interaction, so treating them with kindness, rather than impatience, is vital to their welfare.

Dr Sophie Hill(5), Brooke's Equine Behaviour and Handling Advisor, believes it is essential for handlers to understand a horse’s perspective, during training or work.

“Horses are sentient, social animals with emotions, memories and instincts,” Dr Sophie said.

“They respond to body language, tone, and intent.

“Understanding their perspective allows us to communicate fairly and avoid using fear or force, whether in the UK or overseas.”

Over 100 million working horses, donkeys and mules support 600 million people worldwide, to help them put food on the table and send their children to school.

Brooke works alongside owners, farriers, and vets to support positive and compassionate handling, through practical training and community empowerment.

Learn more about Brooke’s Compassionate Handling project(6), helping owners overseas improve the welfare of their working animals.

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

Brooke Action for Working Horses and Donkeys is a U.K. based, global animal health and welfare charity that gives working horses, donkeys and mules a life worth living.

Over 100 million of these animals pull carts, carry goods and work the land, earning an income that around 600 million people rely on to put food on their tables, earn a living and send their children to school. Sadly, many of them are suffering, so Brooke works with owners, communities, service providers, governments and international organisations to make long lasting welfare improvements.

Brooke was founded in 1934 when Dorothy Brooke, a British woman, sought out war horses that had been left in Cairo after the First World War. With support from an appeal letter in the Morning Post newspaper, she set up the Old War Horse Memorial, which became Brooke, and expanded across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Website: www.thebrooke.org

Facebook: thebrookecharity

Twitter: @thebrooke

Instagram @thebrookecharity

(1) - https://www.thebrooke.org

(2) - https://www.badminton-horse.co.uk

(3) - https://www.thebrooke.org/about-brooke/brooke-people/ambassadors/gemma-stevens#header_search

(4) - https://cheventing.co.uk

(5) - https://www.thebrooke.org/news/power-compassionate-animal-handling

(6) - https://www.thebrooke.org/news/brooke-launches-compassionate-handling-life-project

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