The mares of Neb Sarai

Fairly new to my job at the Brooke, I soon heard of people and horses galloping down the roads of Delhi with carts laden with vegetables. I was slightly incredulous, especially when the stories emanate from Neb Sarai Village, one of the city’s wealthier suburbs. So I set out to find out more.

The community that owns the horses originated from the Agra region of Uttar Pradesh, but have settled in Neb Sarai for generations. The community owns mares, which they breed, selling the new born foals at equine fairs for as much as 5000 to 6000 INR or about US$110

Using this money, they then takes their existing horses out to the wholesale vegetable market in Okhla. They follow a tough routine. Getting up at 2:30am to get to the market and then hauling their heavy carts for 60 to 70 km a day around the wealthy colonies in South Delhi.

Among the vegetable vendors, 24-year-old Sanjay Singh stands out as he is very young compared to the others. His mare, called Phoolwati has given 30 years of service to Sanjay’s father Amar Singh. As Amar too, is in his old age, Sanjay has taken over the task of selling vegetables.

In a day they make little more than 400 to 500 INR or not much over US$9. I discovered how life changed for them after the Brooke began working in the area.

“Phoolwati has been serving us for a long time and it would have been impossible had Brooke not made us aware of equine welfare. We now protect her from the heat by resting in the shade and giving her plenty of water. We are thankful to Brooke for their sustained efforts,” says Sanjay.

Before the Brooke

Brooke India started working with the community in 2006 after investigations revealed issues of poor welfare. Though grazing is one of the most natural things for equines, these mares were denied pasture, being fed instead on what remained of the unsold vegetables. Dehydration due to excessive exposure to sun was also a problem.

On non-work days, they weren't fed and often let loose to fend for themselves, while wounds from repeated falls, due to pulling heavy loads, were a common sight.

To prevent them from toppling the cart when on a slope, small blocks of wood were nailed to their cracked and broken hooves. Underneath the wood fungus and blood clots grew. Every step they took was agony. Constant pulling of already overused muscles left them unable to lift their hind legs properly while walking.

New life

But in the summer of 2006 Brooke India started operating in the area, leaving no stone unturned to ensure better equine welfare.

There has been a significant improvement in the way care and treatment is provided. Foot care and proper shoeing is a regular practice and animals are fed according to how much they tow and rest under shade.

Regular water is provided to prevent dehydration, proper saddle fitting and cart balancing are now routine and first aid kits are available in the village so that the owners can tend to small injuries and wounds themselves.

The Brooke continues to work in Neb Sarai to provide training, support and further education. In addition the Brooke has trained local health providers and farriers to provide local services to equine owners.

Through all its initiatives, the Brooke has made a real difference to the animals and, in doing so, helped owners who get more out of their healthier happy horses.

Rachna Rishi assistant ICO India