Leading women from the worlds of equines, sport, science and show business gathered today at Clarence House to celebrate the vital role women play in driving change in the developing world, improving equine welfare in particular.

American Friends of the Brooke invited several potential and existing supporters from the USA including Mrs Bernadette Cogdell, Miss Sinead Halpin, 2011 Pan Americas Cup winner Miss Rebecca Howard and Olympic hopeful Miss Alison Brock.

Hosted by Brooke president HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, attendees included UK television presenter Clare Balding, trainer Jenny Pitman, Brooke patron Sir Peter O'Sullevan and other key supporters.

“Women can play a powerful role in bringing about change and through its training The Brooke is equipping women in many rural communities, with the skills, confidence, and knowledge to make improvements for the future wellbeing of their animals and their families,” said the Brooke's chief executive Petra Ingram.

That includes working with inspirational women such as Dr Sabira Nazir. The first female vet at the Brooke in Lahore, Pakistan, who trains Lady Livestock Workers and helps owners understand how to care for their donkeys and horses.

“Lady Livestock Workers share the knowledge and skills they have learnt in Brooke training, helping to spread the message of improved equine animal welfare,” Dr Nazir says.

Read more stories of inspirational women the Brooke is working with, and an introduction to the event.