Gambia

The ILPH started a new project in 2004 in The Gambia, one of the smallest and poorest countries in Africa.

While there were no horses in the Gambia 50 years ago there are now nearly 70,000 horses and donkeys.

Horses are being brought from Senegal to replace oxen due to the fact that they are cheaper and much quicker until they become exhausted due to illness and injury.

Ian Kelly, ILPH International Training Manager, visited The Gambia last year. He reported: "Many horses were in appalling condition, with wounds caused by ill-fitting harnesses. Foot care, when it takes place, is done with a hatchet. The body scoring is very, very low."

"The Gambia is one of the few places in the world where working horse numbers are rapidly increasing and there is no indigenous knowledge of horse care. Problems can only get worse. They will shortly become irretrievable.

There is a real need and an opportunity to make a great impact on horse and human welfare. Good solid training and management will alleviate the suffering of these animals."