By Negedetsehai Akalewold (International Communications Officer)
27 Oct 2011

A Brooke vehicle drives around the town announcing the celebrations and this year’s theme: “animals matter to me.” 

The Brooke is putting on the event as part of a long term push to overcome the stereotypes and prejudice that puts equines on a lower level to other domestic animals, despite their obvious contribution to the livelihoods of their owners.

Invited guests from government, civil society organizations, associations and NGOs, listened to Meksan district administrator and guest of honour Ato Aklilu. 

“Working equine animals play a major role in reducing poverty in this country and contribute to our growth and transformation plans,” he said.

The event then continued with demonstrations of how working equines had helped their human owners over time, from garbage collection to their unforgettable war time role in moving supplies and troops.

Local focus on equine welfare

The Brooke first started working in Butajiri in 2005 after investigation revealed around 1,500 ghari (taxi) horses in poor health.  Many had wounds, different degrees of lameness and hoof problems but were still being used daily.

The Brooke worked with local farriers to improve hoof related problems and skills as well as advising owners on better husbandry practices.

A competition on the day, among the trained farriers to show of their new skills was a crowd favourite.  Woliyou Bedru eventually walked off with the top prize – a tool box, pair of safety shoes and a leather apron.

Cart maker shows how it is done

The Brooke also works with local cart makers and a second competition was equally well attended.

Aklilu Endale, one of the most renowned cart makers in Butajira, eventually won an electrical tool kit and welding mask for his design.

He impressed the judges by including padding at the pressure points, a well fitting harness that didn’t rub, using material that was durable, easy to clean and maintain and producing an affordable model with minimum overall weight that could be easily and safely modified to suit different tasks.