OAWT Oct/Nov Update - Caring for 100 Donkeys and Horses and Fixing Poor Fitting Saddles and Bridles
Thanks to your support, the Okavango Animal Welfare Trust (OAWT) team was able to deliver veterinary treatment and care to 100 donkeys and horses in the villages of Samochima and Xhauga, Botswana. Over two days, OAWT’s dedicated vets and farriers provided essential hoof trimming, treated injuries and guided farmers in caring for their animals' health and comfort.
Working in partnership with OAWT, our mission is to support working animals, who are relied upon daily to carry heavy loads and work long hours in often challenging conditions.
OAWT is committed to ensuring their welfare, providing them with the love, care and medical attention they need to stay healthy and comfortable throughout their working lives.
Case 1: One donkey presented with body wounds caused by a poorly fitting saddle. The wounds were cleaned with iodine, and the owner was provided with wound cream to ensure ongoing healing.
Case 2: Another donkey had mouth wounds caused by a tight bridle bit. The vet demonstrated how to adjust the bit and add softer materials for the donkey’s comfort, with the owner instructed on follow-up care.
Thanks to the resources provided by AAA from supporter donations, OAWT’s team was able to offer both treatments and practical guidance, helping farmers keep their donkeys healthy and pain-free. Dr. Ramokwema emphasised the importance of giving animals time off to heal and ensuring that saddles and bits fit properly to avoid recurring injuries.
Xhauga Clinic – Cattle Farming Area
On the second day, OAWT held a clinic in Xhauga, a cattle-farming village, where 57 horses (39 males and 18 females) were treated. This was OAWT's second visit to Xhauga and the strong turnout showed the impact of their outreach. The farrier worked to prevent lameness with thorough hoof trims, and Dr. Ramokwema attended several cases involving tack-related injuries.
Case 1: A male horse with an infected saddle wound was treated with antibiotics and wound cream, with instructions for continued care.
Case 2: Another horse had similar saddle-related wounds. The vet provided treatment and advised the owner to allow the horse time off for full recovery.
Case 3: A male horse with an infected wound caused by an ill fiting saddle. Treated with antibiotics and supplied with iodine and wound cream for ongoing cleaning and management of wounds.
Case 4: A male horse with overgrown hooves. The hooves were Trimmed and the farmer was advised to continue with management of hooves trimming.
Case 5: A male horse with overgrown hooves . The hooves were trimmed.
The Xhauga clinic once again addressed the challenges caused by ill-fitting tack and harness leading to infected wounds at the site of abrasion and neglected hoof care.
It was good to get such a large attendance at our second outreach clinic in the village.
The main messages that Dr Ramokwema, the vet, tried to get over to the farmers during the clinic were as follows:
Many of the animals had badly overgrown feet. He encouraged the owners to adopt foot trimming to improve soundness.
To stop work for animals with tack related wounds and to address the causes of these wounds.
Thank You our Supporters
OAWT extends its deepest gratitude to AAA supporters, whose donations made the outreach clinics possible. Their generosity has a direct, positive impact on the health and happiness of working animals in Botswana, bringing kindness to animals who might otherwise go without.
OAWT is able to continue our collective mission, helping animals in need across the region stay healthy and comfortable.
With continued support, OAWT will keep bringing life-changing care to Botswana’s working animals, making a meaningful difference one clinic at a time.