This month we celebrate a remarkable chapter in Brooke USA's history, launch exciting new initiatives, and invite you to continue creating lasting change for working equines around the world.

A Message from Brooke USA CEO, Emily Dulin

For the past 10 years, Kendall Bierer has been an integral part of the Brooke USA family. From our earliest days, she has helped shape the organization we are today through her unwavering dedication, compassion, professionalism, and genuine love for our mission. While we are sad to see her begin a new chapter in her career, we are equally proud of all she has accomplished and grateful for the countless ways she has touched our donors, partners, volunteers, Board members, and staff.

Please join me in celebrating Kendall's remarkable decade of service to Brooke USA and in wishing her every happiness and success in the exciting journey ahead. Below, Kendall shares a few personal words of gratitude and farewell.

Project Donkey | Namibia

In 2026, Brooke USA Foundation's Program Manager, Carlos Fernando Lopez, will provide capacity building, technical guidance, and mentoring to field partner, Namibia Working Animal Association (NAWA). His work will strengthen the organization's systems, enhance program delivery, and prepare for the launch of an expanded working equine welfare program in 2027. Brooke USA will also work with NAWA to cultivate strategic partnerships and secure long-term supporters, helping ensure the program's sustainability and impact well into the future. This initiative reflects Brooke USA's expanding approach to partner support by sharing in-house expertise to strengthen local organizations and improve the effectiveness and sustainability of field programs.

Donkey Welfare & Community Support Program | South Africa

In the rural communities of Selwane, Majeje, and Mashishimale, donkeys are essential for transporting water, firewood, crops, and other daily necessities. Through its partnership with Animal Relief for Rural Communities (ARRC), Brooke USA will support this three-year project to expand veterinary outreach, improve access to clean water and shelter, replace harmful harnesses with humane alternatives, and educate owners on best practices to improve donkey welfare. The program aims to directly benefit approximately 600 working donkeys while strengthening the livelihoods and resilience of the communities that rely on them.

Integrated Equine Welfare & Community Resilience Program | Colombia

Working horses, donkeys, and mules are vital to rural families throughout Colombia, yet many suffer from preventable injuries and limited access to veterinary care. Through a partnership with Fundación Arrieros Colombia, this innovative program in the region of Antioquia located in Central Northwestern Colombia combines veterinary outreach, owner education, community leadership training, and humane handling practices to improve the lives of up to 900 working equines while building long-term resilience in the communities they serve. Antioquia is one of Colombia’s most important Arabica coffee-producing regions, while also contributing significantly to the country’s production of flowers, fruits, cereals, and dairy products. Working equines are essential for cattle ranching, crop transportation and navigating the rocky terrain of the Andes Mountains, often leading to back pain, injury and lameness. 

Where Horses, Music and Philanthropy Come Together

The artistry of dressage meets the power of live symphonic music when Brooke USA’s Divertimentos & Dressage returns to the Tryon International Equestrian Center on Thursday, October 8.

Now in its sixth year, this signature equestrian event brings together world-class riders, magnificent horses and live orchestral accompaniment for an unforgettable evening celebrating the connection between horse and rider — all while supporting Brooke USA’s mission to improve the lives of working horses, donkeys and mules around the world.

Guests will enjoy a one-of-a-kind performance featuring choreographed dressage freestyles accompanied by the Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra, creating a breathtaking experience where music and movement come together in perfect harmony.

Founded by Brooke USA Board Member and Foothills Regional Advisory Council Chair Sally Frick, Brooke USA's Divertimentos & Dressage has grown from a local celebration of horses and music into Brooke USA’s signature fundraising event, inspiring performances in Wellington and Ocala, Florida.

Featured performers include Brooke USA Ambassador and International Grand Prix dressage rider JJ Tate; Olympian Julio Mendoza; International Grand Prix riders Trayce Doubek and Justine Wilson; FEI Adult Amateur rider Elma Garcia, and a special presentation introducing Grass Roots Vaulters. Additional performers will be announced in September.

Join us for an extraordinary evening of elegance, artistry and purpose — where every ticket helps provide lifesaving care and support for working equines and the communities who depend on them.

An Afternoon of Polo, Fashion and Philanthropy Benefiting Working Equines Worldwide

Polo, fashion and philanthropy come together when Brooke USA’s Ponies & Pearls returns to New Bridge Polo & Country Club on Sunday, October 18.

Now in its fifth year, this beloved Aiken tradition celebrates the community’s rich equestrian heritage while supporting Brooke USA’s mission to improve the lives of working horses, donkeys and mules — and the people who depend on them around the world.

Guests are invited to embrace the spirit of the occasion with their favorite boots, Western-inspired style, a touch of Brooke USA orange and, of course, pearls for an unforgettable afternoon featuring:

This year’s celebration also honors legendary horsewoman Ina Ginsberg, whose lifelong dedication to horses and the Aiken equestrian community has inspired generations of riders and horse lovers.

“Ponies & Pearls reflects everything that makes Aiken’s equestrian community so special — its generosity, its love of horses and its commitment to giving back,” said Katie Roth, Chair of Brooke USA’s Aiken Regional Advisory Council.

Join fellow equine advocates for a memorable afternoon where tradition meets purpose. Every ticket and sponsorship helps provide critical care, education and support for working equines and the communities who rely on them.

Brooke USA's Divertimentos & Dressage is Wellington's signature fundraising event where guests will enjoy an elegant cocktail reception, gourmet dining, exciting silent auction, and a breathtaking performance featuring live music performed by the Palm Beach Symphony and freestyle dressage by leading dressage riders. While the 2027 production theme and featured riders remain under wraps, guests can look forward to another spectacular collaboration that showcases exceptional horsemanship and world-class musicianship. Stay tuned this fall as we unveil this year's exciting production and rider lineup. Most importantly, your attendance helps make a lasting difference. Proceeds from Brooke USA’s Divertimentos & Dressage benefit Brooke USA's mission. Join us for an evening where equestrian excellence, extraordinary artistry, and compassionate purpose unite to create an experience that inspires long after the final bow.

Tickets coming soon!

Become an Equine Guardian: Small Monthly Gifts, Lasting Global Impact

The work of protecting vulnerable working horses, donkeys, and mules around the world depends on compassion—and consistency. That is why Brooke USA invites you to become an Equine Guardian, a special community of supporters whose monthly gifts provide reliable, year-round support for the animals and families who rely on them.

Joining is simple, meaningful, and flexible. A monthly gift—of any size—adds up to powerful impact over time, and every contribution is tax-deductible.

When you become an Equine Guardian today, you help provide hope, safety, and dignity for countless equine-human partnerships tomorrow.

Start your monthly impact today by becoming a Guardian at www.brookeusa.org/guardians

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, and be their advocate by spreading the word.

If you’re interested in how to help at this moment, your Donor Advised Fund could bridge the gap in our funding – making sure that our core programs continue uninterrupted while we navigate these challenging times.

Many of our donors choose to give from their assets such as stocks, gifts from their IRA, and grants from Donor Advised Funds to receive even larger tax savings.   

EIN number 33-1173163