Dear Global Strays Partner,

The main highway in Managua, Nicaragua is lined with countless horses pulling heavy carts, for up to 16 hours a day. Covered in injuries, collapsing from exhaustion, working horses are a source of livelihood for Nicragauans and they work until they die from chronic ailments, exhaustion, or both. 

Do you agree, Global Strays Partner, that this is no life for a horse?  

The majority of these working horses have never received veterinary care and, those who do, often receive improper care. This unfortunate reality has led to a deep distrust among horse owners. Coupled with an extreme lack of financial resources, horses and their owners have nowhere to turn…Until now. 

Global Strays is re-starting our Working Horse Program in 2024, which was paused last year due to a lack of funding. But we need your help!! Partnering with Dr. Lester Tapia, renowned veterinarian in Nicaragua, we’ll provide hundreds of horses with proper veterinary care for the first time in their lives, free of charge to the horse owners. 

A $30 donation will provide 1 horse with the following services: 

• Physical exam

• Dewormer

• Hoof trimming (farrier services) 

• Dental care

• Wound care

• Medications

• Educational resources for horse owners (e.g., proper placement of harnesses to prevent injury)

And that’s not all - since all donations are being matched, $30 turns into $60 and will help 2 horses. But you have to hurry because time is running out. This once a year match ends on December 31st at midnight. 

Just to give you an idea of what we’re seeing, Global Strays Partner, a few days ago, Global Strays staff went into Mercado El Mayoreo in Managua to invite horse owners to our free vet clinics. There, we witnessed the worst case of horse mistreatment, like this horse, Palomo, pictured here.

Staff member, Elisa, tells us:

“The situation for horses in Nicaragua is dire, with little to no access to quality food or veterinary care. Particularly concerning is the practice of renting horses for extended periods, during which they often endure even more neglect and mistreatment. I hope our veterinary clinics can provide relief for these horses, and that owners become more aware of how to properly care for them.”

Another horse, pictured above, was previously given improper treatment by unsupervised veterinary students who incorrectly administered an injection, which formed a painful abscess. Though reluctant to see another veterinarian, his owner agreed to attend our Global Strays clinic where his horse will receive proper care from Dr. Tapia and his experienced team. 

For horses like these, Global Strays is their lifeline. But we can't do it alone. Every single donation made today will provide the much needed relief to these suffering horses.

Warmly,

Liz
P.S. Watch this video about our Working Horse Clinics