Horses and donkeys play an essential role in supporting livelihoods around the world, particularly in transport, agriculture and small-scale trade. However problems and suffering linked to working equipment remain a widespread issue, many of which are preventable with access to appropriate resources.
At WVS, we see a consistent pattern across the communities we work in; poorly fitted or improvised harnesses are a common cause of chronic injury. Purpose-made equipment can be difficult and expensive to source, so owners often adapt what’s available, including equipment designed for cattle. Combined with limited awareness of equine anatomy, this means equipment is often not fitted or used safely.
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Nardo's Story
A 20-year-old cart horse, Nardo, was found alone and unable to walk. He had spent his life pulling carts to collect rubbish and was abandoned when his condition deteriorated. When we examined him, he had multiple open wounds associated with ill-fitting harnesses. He was also unable to eat due to an injury to his tongue.
Further examination revealed that part of Nardo’s tongue had detached as a result of prolonged use of a makeshift wire bit — a piece of equipment that sits in the gap between a horse’s front and back teeth, used to help guide and control the animal.
Poorly fitted or badly made bits can cause severe injuries over time. In Nardo’s case, the damage was so advanced that surgery was needed, and a portion of his tongue was removed to prevent further infection. Following surgery, he received ongoing veterinary care, including wound management, antibiotics and a feeding plan adapted to his condition. Nardo has since recovered and has found a home where we has everything he needs for a safe and happy future.
Access to appropriate equipment can significantly reduce the likelihood of these types of injuries. In Zambia, for example, the Zambezi Working Donkey Project (ZWPD), an organisation supported by WVS, provides purpose-made, padded harnesses for working donkeys. In many cases, owners rely on cattle yokes due to availability and cost, despite the increased risk of injury. Prolonged use can result in deep wounds and musculoskeletal issues, which are often advanced and potentially irreversible by the time they are identified. Padded harnesses help prevent painful hot spots and open wounds by cushioning sensitive areas, while also distributing weight more evenly to support better posture and reduce strain on weaker muscles and joints.
In Mozambique, some traditional methods of husbandry can cause pain and injury for donkeys. One example is piercing a donkey’s nose and threading a rope directly through it to act as a headcollar. While intended to improve handling, this method applies pressure to a highly sensitive area, causing great pain and leading to ongoing injuries.
By tackling harmful practices and providing access to safe, purpose-made equipment, WVS helps prevent injuries before they occur. In 2025 alone, we treated over 67,000 equines and large animals globally. Every animal that receives appropriate tack and harnesses becomes healthier and more dependable, supporting more secure livelihoods. As owners see the benefits of good care, they are empowered to make choices that protect both their animals and their future, creating lasting change for working equines and the communities that depend on them.
Lighten their load and help provide a safe harness for a horse or donkey in need.
Our vets intervene immediately to treat the injuries of horses like Nardo, but we need your help to fund purpose-made harnesses that will help protect them after they leave our care. DONATE