The welfare and history of horses, donkeys and mules are often neglected across the world.
As many as eight million horses died across the globe during World War I, and Britain alone lost over 484,000 horses – one horse for every two men.
Three-quarters of these perished in extreme conditions. One quarter died as a result of gunfire and gas, whereas others succumbed to exhaustion and disease.
In the present day, equine animals continue to help communities in all corners of the world, helping to put food on their table.
Yet the issue of exploitation and suffering still exists, with more than half suffering from exhaustion, malnutrition and dehydration as a result of excessive workload and neglect.
For that reason alone, one determined fundraiser wants to help change the future ‘tails’ for equines across the world.
John Yates, from Plaistow in West Sussex, is determined to go the extra mile to show just how hard horses and donkeys work.
Loaded with food, water, cooking equipment, John will start a 300-mile fundraising challenge from outside the Cheshire Military Museum this Saturday.
“I know someone who had been out, and this little horse had been connected to the cart for 18 months, night and day, and working all day.
“I know someone who had been out, and this little horse had been connected to the cart for 18 months, night and day, and working all day.
It’s wicked. It’s a hard life for them. We cannot comprehend how hard they work.”
John Yates, fundraiser for the 300 mile cart pulling challenge.
He will walk 15 miles a day with 50kg of weight in tow, taking on a route through Shrewsbury, Swindon and Winchester before arriving home safe and sound, three weeks later on Saturday, 19th October.
Eager to hit his £4,000 target, John said:
“It’s not just about raising money… it’s all about education. I want to raise awareness for all animals in need, and this year I am focusing on working horses and donkeys.”
“I like being on the road and meeting people, particularly when there is a cause behind it.
I did a cycle ride last year for another charity and people were chasing me up and down the road to find out what I was doing and why I was doing it.It was quite an eye opener as to the generosity of people, once they realise what is going on. It restores your faith in humanity.”
John Yates, fundraiser for the 300 mile cart pulling challenge.
John’s journey will take him through the sustrans route, passing through Shrewsbury, Worcester, Gloucester, Swindon, Salisbury and Winchester before returning home in West Sussex.
You can help John along the way by visiting his JustGiving page.