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Lexington, KY – May 14, 2015 – Olympic medalist Debbie McDonald is
brimming with natural talent and a passion for horses. As a child she made
her debut in the show jumping ring, but moved to the sport of dressage, where
she rose to the top as a World Cup Finals Champion and Olympic medalist
hrough her partnership with the brilliant mare, Brentina.
Now the international rider, known as the “First Lady of American Dressage,”
will use that same talent and passion on behalf of working equines as Brooke USA’s
newest Ambassador.
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| Debbie McDonald and Brentina |
Brooke USA supports the overseas work of the Brooke, the world’s
largest international equine welfare organization. Their mission is to
improve the welfare of working horses, donkeys and mules in the world’s
poorest communities.
Through direct veterinary intervention and scientific research, and
by working with owners, communities and governments, the Brooke
has been providing long-term, proven, sustainable solutions to many
of the welfare problems facing working animals for 81 years. Last year
alone the Brooke reached nearly 1.5 million equines, benefitting 6 million
people in countries where many people earn less than a dollar a day.
Captivated by the ability to bring permanent change to the lives of working animals and their owners in developing countries, McDonald didn’t hesitate to come alongside Brooke USA.
“When I saw Brooke USA’s photos, read the material and learned about their
mission, it didn’t take me five seconds to realize that when you don’t know what’s
going on you never realize how sad something can be,” McDonald expressed.
“I certainly would do anything in my power to help this amazing organization.”
When she was only 14 years old, McDonald saw the mistreatment of
horses firsthand. It was personal: it was her own pony, Flanigan. It seemed
like any other day going to the barn, but when she walked through the threshold
she was met by a man she did not know in his stall beating him. When she went
running for help, she met young trainer and future husband, Bob McDonald. With
his help, she moved her pony to his hunter/jumper facility, promising to never
compromise her pony’s mental or physical health.
Her passion for the treatment of horses is still apparent in her teaching and
her demeanor today. When she saw the comparison between the before and
after photos of the Brooke’s programs in 11 countries, tears came to her eyes,
and she knew she wanted to make a difference.
“I’m hoping that I can draw more awareness about Brooke USA and what they
are doing for the welfare of these animals,” McDonald explained. “These days I
travel a lot and continue to coach and teach clinics. I think that if it is done the
right way, I can open people’s eyes in the sport and show them the everyday trials
of these working animals-donkeys, mules and horses.”
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| Thousands of horses, donkeys and mules work in brick kilns across Central Asia. In India alone, 50,000 brick kilns produce 140 billion bricks annually. The Brooke works in several hundred kilns to improve the lives of the animals who toil in these harsh environments alongside their poor owners. |
Cindy Rullman, Fundraising Development Director for Brooke USA stated,
“It is certainly a privilege for us to welcome Debbie as one of our new
Ambassadors. When the sport horse world becomes aware that 100 million
equines are supporting 600 million of the world’s poorest people, and that
the Brooke already has proven solutions to the enormous welfare problems
they’re facing, we think they will jump in to help. Debbie can bring that awareness.”
McDonald joins an impressive lineup of Brooke USA Ambassadors that includes
the Brooke’s Global Ambassadors: double Olympic Gold Medalist Charlotte Dujardin,
internationally renowned “horse whisperer” Monty Roberts, and top sport horse
owner Margaret Duprey, among others.
McDonald concluded, “It just brings tears to your eyes when you see
the plight of these animals-heavy loads, injuries and lack of water or
food-some of them are just a rack of bones. We can make a difference.
Sometimes it’s something as simple as teaching owners about hoof care,
vaccinations and proper feeding. You learn that this is happening and it is
astonishing. My God, I didn’t even know that existed still.”
Brooke USA, headquartered at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington,
exists to support the overseas work of the Brooke in 11 countries across
Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Central America.
For more information about Brooke USA, visit their website: www.BrookeUSA.org.
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