Everything for equines

Treatment: Providing expert care

Horses, donkeys, and mules have been by our side for thousands of years, they have helped shape civilisations, and continue to sustain the livelihoods of millions of people worldwide. Much like their owners, these equines often work long hours in challenging conditions to take care of the people who rely on them day in day out. Without proper veterinary care - which many owners don't have access to or simply can't afford - the work can take a toll on the animals' welfare.

To help prevent needless suffering, we provide free veterinary treatment to all equines, from horses in India to zebras in Malawi - some of whom have never experienced basic or routine veterinary care.

In 2023 WVS directly treated more than 7,800 working equines who desperately needed our help. But there are so many more in need around the world.

A serious encounter for a young foal

In an African wildlife reserve, we are on hand to assist wildlife in need. Animals like this four-month-old zebra who had sustained a large wound on her shoulder from being kicked by another zebra. After being safely darted, we were able to clean and treat the wound and check for any fractures or severe injury. We also administered antibiotics to help the foal recover and fight infection, before monitoring her closely as she found her feet and re-joined the other zebras.

You can help us care for equines around the world. It doesn't matter if they are living in a wildlife reserve in Malawi, providing rides for tourists in India, or carrying water for rural communities in Mozambique, they all deserve our care and attention.

Our work goes far beyond treatment...

Training: Sharing expert knowledge

Access to veterinary treatment and preventative care is critical for working equines. That is why we run training courses to improve local knowledge and skills, meaning horses and donkeys can receive expert care when they need it most, and that effective care can continue in the future.

In the Indian city of Ooty in 2021, we ran nine Equine Health and Welfare Courses, teaching both veterinarians and non-veterinary assistants in vital skills, such as confidence in approaching and handling horses, administering injections, teeth rasping, and hoof trimming.

It costs £70 to train a vet in India in life-changing skills like these. Donate today to give more animals access to expert care.

Education: Helping to give the right care

Our mobile veterinary clinics not only provide free veterinary care for animals, they also offer guidance and support for their owners. Everything from how to correctly fit a harness to how to clean a wound and avoid infection. These lessons are life-changing for working equines and help ensure they have the best possible future.

At many of our clinics, we meet owners who want to do the absolute best for their animal but without the right knowledge and resources, it's exceedingly difficult. By just lending a helping hand, we improve the lives of their working animals, and their livelihoods too.

The wrong shoes for Brihati

Brihati, a tourist-riding horse in southern India, was brought to us by his concerned owner. The poor horse was in noticeable discomfort, unable to stand or place pressure on his hooves. We examined the animal and found a nail piercing the sole of Brihati's sole as the result of badly fitted shoes, which had unfortunately been fitted by a cow farrier. By trimming Brihati's hooves and providing him with pain relief and daily hoof baths, we enabled the injury to heal. Thanks to the support of people like you, we ended Brihati's suffering. Not only that, but we ensured his owner knew he had done the right thing in seeking treatment. With some guidance on hoof care and wound management, Brihati's owner now has the power to protect her against preventable injury and illness.

Your support can ensure horses around the world receive expert veterinary care and owners learn the skills they need to keep them healthy and happy. We work in partnership with WTG e.V. to help horses like Brihati.

Supplies: Providing the essentials

There are amazing charities around the world providing care for equines, but often they are unable to get the essential materials they need. So, we send parcels of veterinary medication and supplies, to where it is needed most, helping more animals receive the treatment they need.

Your support can provide bandages, wound dressings, or life-saving medication for horses, donkeys, and other equines.

Many equines face harsh challenges, but together, we have the power to protect them from injury, pain, and disease.

Donate today to ensure our vets can be there for animals that need your help, providing expert care, kindness, and compassion.