By Ruth-Anne Eisler | rae@raewrites.ca
Are you flying off for a warm Cuban getaway? Know someone who is? It’s the perfect opportunity to help Cuban equines in need.
Cuba, a country of nearly 12 million citizens, is also home to an estimated 900,000 equines. These horses, donkeys and mules are all working animals and the primary source of transportation in the country. Daily, their owners are dependent on them.
Photo Credit: B. Bobsien
Unfortunately, outside of the main tourist locales, these hard-working equines frequently suffer from any – or perhaps all – of a variety of ailments and health concerns: malnutrition, parasitism, inadequate farriery, and ill-fitting tack and harness. Any one of these issues would render a working horse’s day-to-day life a misery.
You can help! Clean out your tack room, then fill an old or second-hand suitcase. Did you know some airlines, such as WestJet, allow travelers to take along one extra (free) piece of luggage when the contents are for humanitarian aid? Your gently used tack qualifies.
Check out Cuba’s Horses for more information and to see their wish list of especially needed supplies. Once in Cuba, you can drop off your gifts (this term is preferred over “donations”) in Havana, or simply offer them to any Cubans you see with horses – a common sight.
Drop-off can be arranged through Cuba’s Horses: contact cubashorses@gmail.com.
If you have questions about other equine-related items, or are willing to take veterinary medical supplies, please contact Dr. Bettina Bobsien at bettinadvm@gmail.com.
Know that you’ve contributed to a healthier life for Cuba’s horses, and enjoy your tropical vacation.