© Mary Evans Picture Library
The day will highlight the equine charity’s yearlong Every Horse Remembered campaign, which marks 100 years since the end of WW1 and honours the heroic struggle and contributions of working horses, donkeys and mules of then and now.
On 1 July, whether you wish to remember horses lost in the war or a special horse from your own past, Brooke would like you to hack out in honour of these animals and share your messages and pictures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #HackToRemember. You can also join Brooke’s official Facebook event page for the day by visiting www.facebook.com/thebrookecharity .
8 million working equines lost their lives during WW1, not only from fierce shellfire and gas attacks but also from the extreme conditions they had to endure. Unfortunately, these tough conditions are still a reality for many horses, donkeys and mules today, with over 100 million working in punishing environments such as brick kilns and coal mines. Brooke’s target for the year is to mark the millions of lives lost and the millions we still need to save by raising £1 million to help reach more vulnerable working horses, donkeys and mules, and the families who depend on them.
Hack to Remember Day coincides with Brooke’s My Hackathon challenge, which has attracted support from equestrians including Harry Meade, Charlotte Dujardin and Gemma Tattersall. Riders are challenged to hack 100 miles in 100 days and raise £100 to improve the lives of working horses, donkeys and mules. Brooke estimates that it costs just £4.50 to reach one animal through their work overseas, which means that with a fundraising target of £100, each rider will be helping a horse like theirs with every 4.5 miles they hack.
For more information on how to get involved, visit www.thebrooke.org.
