Brooke USA Responds to Crisis: Lifesaving Aid for Working Equines in Northern Colombia Flood Zones

Together we raised more than $20,000 to help equines and families affected by the floods.

Thank you!

$20,000 Raised for Colombia Flood Relief — Thanks to You

Floodwaters in northern Colombia devastated communities — but thanks to the generosity of compassionate supporters and the power of two matching gifts, Brooke USA Foundation is proud to share that $20,000 has been raised to support urgent disaster relief efforts for working equines and the families who depend on them.

Torrential rains and historic flooding turned large parts of northern Colombia into vast disaster zones, placing thousands of working horses, donkeys, and mules at risk. In response, Brooke USA quickly mobilized support for on-the-ground partner Fundación Arrieros Colombia — and you answered the call.

Because of this incredible support, critical funding is now helping deliver:

• Emergency veterinary care and life-saving treatment

• Feed and clean water for displaced and vulnerable animals

• Essential supplies for equines and the families who rely on them

The impact of the flooding has been severe. The Government of Colombia declared a national emergency after more than 130 incidents across 181 municipalities. Thousands of homes were destroyed, and in regions like Córdoba, farmland and infrastructure remain submerged. More than 5,500 animals — including working equines — were affected.

For these animals, the dangers were immediate and life-threatening. Many were trapped in contaminated floodwaters without access to food or dry ground. Hidden debris caused injuries, while exposure to disease and exhaustion put countless lives at risk.

And yet, through your support, help arrived.

In northern Colombia, working equines are essential to daily life. They plow fields, transport crops, and connect rural families to markets. For many arrieros — traditional horse handlers — their animals are not only a livelihood, but a way of life. When an equine suffers, an entire family’s stability is at risk.

This is why your support matters so deeply.

“Disasters like this devastate entire communities, but working equines often suffer silently,” said Julia Wilson, DVM, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of Brooke USA. “Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we are able to respond quickly — helping both animals and the families who depend on them begin to recover.”

Brooke USA has a long history of responding to disasters where working equines are essential, including floods in Pakistan, the earthquake in Morocco, wildfires in the United States, and hurricanes in the Caribbean. This latest effort in Colombia continues that commitment — and would not have been possible without you.

While this emergency campaign has reached its goal, the need for equine welfare support around the world continues.

Your compassion is changing lives — for animals and people alike.

You Can Be the Lifeline They Need

This is a critical moment. Working equines are suffering — and families who depend on them cannot recover without your support.

Help us continue to provide relief for working equines worldwide.

Make a gift today.

COMPLETED

Brooke USA Launches Emergency Campaign in Support of Horses Affected by Texas Panhandle Wildfires

Hay, Feed, Fencing Materials and Veterinary Supplies Desperately Needed

The largest wildfire in Texas history has devastated the state’s agricultural industry, destroying more than 1 million acres of land in the Panhandle, killing thousands of livestock, burning crops and damaging infrastructure. Over 85% of the state’s cattle population is located on ranches in the Panhandle, according to the Texas Department of Agriculture. Horses are also among those animals affected as they are essential to cattle ranching and agriculture, two big contributors to the state’s economy.

“Texas is recognized by everyone as horse country and horses are part of the state’s economic fabric. They make truly great contributions to the livelihood and well-being of people. These animals play an essential role in the management of livestock. Without them, a rancher’s job is extremely challenging,” explained Dwayne Hildreth, Chair of Brooke USA’s Dallas/Ft. Worth Regional Advisory Council, and a member of the organization’s Board of Directors.

Brooke USA joins the Foundation for the Horse, the charitable arm of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), in its efforts to provide prompt aid to horses in need of assistance. To help their efforts, Brooke USA has activated its Disaster Relief Fund and launched the Texas Panhandle Emergency Campaign with 100% of the monies raised allocated to these efforts.  

Brooke USA is calling upon its donors and friends to help both people and horses across the Texas Panhandle. “Our Brooke family of supporters are known for their generosity. This is certainly a situation where we can come together and help as these fires have threatened the livelihoods of people and lives of horses and other livestock,” added Hildreth.

Restoring livelihoods for the most vulnerable disaster survivors – both human and animal – is at the heart of Brooke USA’s mission. Long-term care of these displaced equines will be the most pressing need, and hay and feed are paramount to support the equines whose owners have lost everything. “Our goal is to repair and rebuild communities by providing funds to support disaster recovery efforts. Catastrophic natural episodes such as these wildfires can have devastating effects on horses as well as humans. Delivering relief during and after a disaster not only sustains life, but also gives hope for the future and provides for potential full economic recovery” explained Emily Dulin, CEO of Brooke USA.

In the past, Brooke USA has partnered with organizations working on the ground and supporting the needs of equines and their owners – whether it was during the floods in Pakistan, the earthquake in Morocco, Hurricane Ian in Florida, or the wildfires in California.

To donate to Brooke USA Foundation’s Texas Panhandle Emergency Campaign, please visit www.brookeusa.org/texas.

Brooke USA COMPLETES Hurricane Relief Fund

Thank You for Supporting Horses and People Affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton

Hurricanes Helene and Milton have slammed into the Southeastern United States, displacing people and animals, disrupting health and veterinary systems and leaving families and their beloved equines in desperate need of services and supplies. As Americans in the storm-battered states begin to climb out of the damage, Brooke USA is rallying support efforts and partnering with Equestrian Aid Foundation, EQUUS Foundation and Fleet of Angels to provide first aid, food, clothing and other supplies to equestrian families as well as to equines in need of veterinary care as well as feed and hay. 

To support equestrian families distressed by recent hurricanes, Brooke USA has activated its Hurricane Relief Fund (www.BrookeUSA.org/hurricane-relief) and launched an emergency campaign with 100% of the monies raised allocated to partner organizations. Brooke USA is focused on helping more people and animals receive the lifesaving support they deserve. Gifts to Brooke USA allow for efficient response to these emergencies with dedicated funds to each organizational partner.

Equestrian Aid Foundation (www.equestrianaidfoundation.org) assists people from all corners of the horse world within the United States who are coping with a catastrophic injury, illness, or occurrence.  Members of the equestrian community who have been directly affected by the storms are invited to apply for emergency grants to help cover basic and essential living expenses by emailing contact@equestrianaid.org.

EQUUS Foundation (www.EQUUSFoundation.org) is 100% dedicated to the dual mission of protecting America's horses from peril and strengthening the bond between people and horses. Organizations belonging to the EQUUS Foundation Guardians may apply for micro-grant emergency support through the Brooke USA Bridge Grants (www.equusfoundation.org/emergency), or if not an EQUUS Foundation Guardian, contact EQUUS Foundation at mail@equusfoundation.org.

Fleet of Angels (www.FleetofAngels.org) helps horses and the people who love them in times of crisis, such as natural disasters, personal emergencies. It provides emergency grants to qualified applicants with whatever is needed to provide a solution to temporary challenges directly related to equine care. For grant information or to apply, visit https://Foa-Quicklink.com/EmergencyMicro-GrantApp-FOA.

Funds raised will ensure food and supplies for families and their equines; shelter for people who have lost their homes or for equines who require stabling, and medical and veterinary care and other essential services to those – animal or human - injured or sick.

“Without a doubt, horses make great contributions to the livelihood and well-being of people. These animals play an essential role in our lives. This is why Brooke USA is calling upon our donors and friends to help both people and horses across the affected states who are victims of Hurricane Helene and Milton,” stated Emily Dulin, CEO of Brooke USA. “Our Brooke family of supporters are known for their generosity. This is certainly a situation where we can come together and help as the livelihoods of people and lives of horses and other equines are affected,” added Dulin.

Restoring livelihoods for the most vulnerable disaster survivors – both human and animal – is at the heart of Brooke USA’s mission. Long-term care of these displaced equines will be the most pressing need. Brooke USA’s goal is to repair and rebuild communities by providing funds to support disaster recovery efforts. Catastrophic natural episodes such as these hurricanes can have devastating effects on horses as well as humans. “Delivering relief after a disaster not only sustains life but also gives hope for the future and provides for potential full economic recovery” explained Dulin.

In the past, Brooke USA has partnered with organizations working on the ground and supporting the needs of equines and their owners – whether it was during the floods in Pakistan, the earthquake in Morocco, Hurricane Ian in Florida, or the wildfires in California and Texas.

Emergency Hurricane Relief
for Working Equines in the Caribbean

Hurricane Melissa has devastated communities — and the animals they rely on. You can help.

Across the Caribbean — especially in Jamaica — working horses, donkeys, and mules are lifelines for families. They carry clean water, food, and building materials; transport people where vehicles cannot go; and help generate income to pay for school fees, healthcare, and daily necessities.

When disasters strike, these animals are left incredibly vulnerable.

Hurricane Melissa hit communities hard — destroying shelter, contaminating water sources, and cutting off access to feed and veterinary care. Families are struggling, and so are the working equines who support them.

Your gift today supports the Caribbean Equine Relief Fund, providing urgent aid, including:

• Emergency feed and clean water

• Veterinary care and medical supplies

• Safe shelter and equipment to protect animals from the elements

• Support for long-term recovery and rebuilding

You Can Be the Lifeline They Need

This is a critical moment. Working equines are suffering — and families who depend on them cannot recover without your support.

Give now to protect and rebuild the lives of Caribbean working equines and the communities that rely on them.

Make a gift today.
Every dollar goes directly to the Caribbean Equine Relief Fund.