Britain’s double Olympic gold medallist Charlotte Dujardin is the new global ambassador for equine welfare charity the Brooke.
The role is the first official charity partnership for the 29-year-old British dressage champion.
“The Brooke is an incredible charity that is dedicated to improving the lives of working horses, donkeys and mules in some of the poorest communities,” said Charlotte on social media.
“I’m very proud to be associated with a cause that is committed to making a real difference to the lives of animals that are less fortunate than those we have here in the UK,” she added.
“We were so impressed with Charlotte’s enthusiasm for the Brooke and her willingness to help, despite how busy she is,” said Petra Ingram, the Brooke’s chief executive.
“Hopefully we can raise awareness of the issues these working animals face every day of their difficult lives.”
The Brooke operates in 11 countries around the world helping to improve the lives of working horses, donkeys and mules.
Other Brooke equestrian supporters include Richard Waygood, who is also a global ambassador, and Sir Peter O’Sullevan who is a patron. The charity’s president is the Duchess of Cornwall.
The Brooke was set up in Egypt 80 years ago when its founder Dorothy Brooke, rescued 5,000 former warhorses left behind after World War One.
Today the charity reaches 1.5m working equines in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.
Charlotte will be visiting various Brooke centres abroad in her new role and is hoping to run a fundraising half marathon for the charity.
The next campaign for the charity is “Brooke-a-Brac” being launched on 1 March.
The Brooke is asking people to sell unwanted items online or at a fair and donate the proceeds to the charity.
The funds raised “could make a huge difference,” said a Brooke spokesman to the charity’s work at the equine fairs in India. The charity’s vets provide emergency treatment to injured and sick horses and help educate owners. Over 5,000 horses a day are traded at some of the fairs.
For more information visit: www.thebrooke.org
