Sangita and her elderly donkey, Shali, are living proof that change is possible.

Before Sangita partnered with Brooke India, her donkeys were suffering from preventable conditions like colic and tetanus. But today, she speaks with confidence and pride:

“Now we know about the importance of vaccines and medicines to stop our donkeys from suffering.”

Photo by Harish Damade

In the harsh, unforgiving world of India’s brick kilns — where the heat is relentless, the work unending, and animals are often pushed beyond their limits — Brick Kilns 360° is creating a lifeline.

With more than 100,000 brick kilns across India, animals and their owners face overwhelming odds. Donkeys, horses and mules carry backbreaking loads of 300+ pounds, day after day, with little rest, water, or proper equipment. These animals are the backbone of families — one donkey can support up to six people — yet their suffering goes unseen.

We can change that.

Our Brick Kilns 360° initiative is an ambitious, life-changing project aimed at transforming conditions for 4,500 working equines and 9,700 laborers and their families. Through education, veterinary care, and advocacy, we’re empowering communities with the tools they need to break the cycle of suffering — for both humans and animals.

But we need your help now.

To fully fund this critical program for 2025, we must raise $70,000. Every dollar you give brings us one step closer to healthier animals, stronger families, and brighter futures.

Will you be a part of this change today? Your gift has the power to ease suffering and build resilience — for generations to come.

Brooke USA is proud to announce the resounding success of its 2025 winter event season, which brought in nearly $300,000 through three unique, mission-driven celebrations: Brooke USA's Divertimentos & Dressage in Wellington, FL, and Ocala, FL, as well as the spirited Donkey Dance in Southern Pines, NC.

Each of these events reflected the heart of its host community—uniting philanthropic leaders, Brooke USA Ambassadors, equestrian athletes, and animal lovers to support working equines and the vulnerable communities who depend on them worldwide.

Divertimentos & Dressage – Ocala, FL

Earlier in the season and sold out two months in advance, the magic of Divertimentos & Dressage made its Ocala debut under the leadership of co-chairs Sally Lewis and Laurie Zink and presented by Lugano. This elegant evening captivated guests with musical freestyle performances set to the live music of the Ocala Symphony, all set against the vibrant backdrop of Ocala’s historic Bridlewood Farm. The event raised more than $70,000, while expanding Brooke USA’s footprint across central Florida.

Photos © Stunning Steeds

Divertimentos & Dressage – Wellington, FL

Held in February at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center and presented by Lugano, this signature Brooke USA experience dazzled more than 400 guests with world-class dressage performances, live music from the Palm Beach Symphony, and a powerful message of compassion. The event raised over $185,000 and set the stage for an even greater return in 2026. Brooke USA extends heartfelt gratitude to event co-chairs Dr. Candace Platz, Karen Nel, and Jennifer Burger and the entire Wellington committee, as well as to the incredible riders who brought the evening to life.

During the third annual event, Brooke USA also shared its 10 pillars of South Florida, presenting awards to the following donors: Fritz & Claudine Kundrun, Margaret Duprey, Katherine Kaneb, Lisa Bair, Lugano, Jacquie McCutchan, Antonia Ax:son Johnson, Jennifer and Richard Schechter, Gill Johnston and Hazel and Michael Schultz. South Florida PBS created and aired a spot featuring the pillars, and the video can be seen here or by viewing the video below.

Photos © Emma Claire Photography

Donkey Dance – Southern Pines, NC

The fun and festive Donkey Dance, held in Southern Pines at the Fair Barn in March, was a community celebration unlike any other. Led by the enthusiastic and ever-creative Kathy Virtue, this lively event blended southern charm, dancing, and a whole lot of donkey love to bring supporters together in support of the mission. The energy was high, the boots were on, and the generosity flowed freely. The inaugural event raised more than $60,000.

“These events not only raised critical funds for the communities and animals we serve, but they also created unforgettable moments of connection and purpose,” said Kim Shipp, Community Engagement Officer. “We are beyond grateful to our chairs, committee members, sponsors, volunteers, and every donor who helped make this season a record-breaking success.”

From heartfelt performances and educational moments to auction excitement and community camaraderie, these three events showcased the growing momentum behind Brooke USA’s mission and the power of people coming together for a cause greater than themselves.

The Board of Directors and Staff of Brooke USA are saddened to announce the passing of long-time supporter and advocate Mrs. Pamela Isdell who succumbed to cancer on March 18. 

Pamela was truly passionate about our work as she understood, after a trip to Egypt with her husband Neville, the plight of working horses, donkeys and mules. Her commitment to helping working equines and their owners, especially those in the south of Africa, has been a driving force for Brooke USA.

Pamela’s dream was for Brooke USA to start funding projects in Zambia where working equines play a vital role in the economy and livelihoods of rural communities, particularly in agriculture transportation and carrying loads. Zambia was very special to Pamela as she moved there from the UK as a child. It was also in Zambia that she met and married her husband, Neville. 

Last May, Pamela accompanied a small group of Brooke USA’s leading supporters to Buckingham Palace to meet HM The Queen who serves as president of Brooke Action for Working Horses and Donkeys. The trip was intended to celebrate Brooke’s 90th Anniversary and the legacy of founder Dorothy Brooke. Pamela then joined supporters for tea where she shared her passion for the work and her first-hand observations during her many travels. 

Pamela and Neville are well known for their philanthropic work supporting many charities including Brooke USA, WWF, The Nature Conservancy, Birdlife and Peace Parks Foundation. 

Our condolences to Neville, daughter Cara, son-in-law Zak Lee and grandson Rory. Pamela will be missed by those of us at Brooke USA who had the fortune of getting to know her. 

May Pamela rest in peace.

We are thrilled to celebrate Morgan Measey, Co-Founder and Chair of Brooke USA Young Professionals, for being featured in Sidelines Magazine!

Morgan’s dedication and passion for improving the lives of working equines and empowering the next generation of advocates is truly inspiring. Her leadership continues to make a lasting impact, and we are so grateful to have such a talented young woman guiding our mission forward.

Be sure to check out the article here https://sidelinesmagazine.com/app/index.html... and learn more about all that Morgan is doing by visiting https://www.brookeusa.org/young-professionals-committee