Egypt Equine Aid Inc

Egypt Equine Aid Inc (EEA) is an Australian-registered nonprofit charity organization established in July 2014, dedicated to improving the welfare of working horses and donkeys in Cairo, Egypt. The organization operates a free equine veterinary clinic that offers care and treatment to sick and injured horses and donkeys, alongside educating their owners on proper animal husbandry to alleviate suffering and promote pain-free lives for these animals[1][2][5].

History and Founding

The charity was inspired by the experience of Australian founders Jill and Warren Barton, who visited Egypt in 2013 and were profoundly affected by the poor conditions of horses near the pyramids. Motivated by this encounter, they sold their family home in Australia to fund the project. Jill Barton relocated to Egypt to manage the initiative and establish EEA in 2014[1].

Initially, the organization rented a farm about 20 minutes from the pyramids, hired a veterinarian, and began rescuing animals despite minimal infrastructure and limited equipment. Early efforts focused heavily on building basic hospital facilities. Recognizing the lack of equine-specific knowledge among local veterinarians, EEA expanded its mission to include training fresh veterinary graduates, extending care into remote villages[1].

Programs and Impact

EEA provides essential veterinary services such as treatment, rescue, and rehabilitation of working equids. It runs the only farrier apprenticeship scheme in Egypt and operates the country’s first donkey-specific hospital. The organization also maintains a herd of rescued horses and donkeys that free-range on a separate property[1].

Educational outreach is a core component of EEA’s work. The organization engages local communities and schools to foster kindness and humane treatment of animals. It hosts school groups that participate in clinical activities and interact with the animals, promoting compassion among children and young adults. Additionally, EEA offers hands-on practical training for veterinary students, supplementing their predominantly classroom-based education[5].

In 2019, EEA reported rescuing over 2,500 horses and donkeys, underlining its substantial contribution to animal welfare and community health in Cairo[4].

Vision and Future

EEA aims to secure its future by acquiring its own land to enhance stability and growth. Leadership succession plans include UK veterinarian Phoebe Dugdale preparing to take over operational management[1].

Recognition

As an Australian charity, Egypt Equine Aid is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), under ABN 22515102117[3].

Egypt Equine Aid represents a significant humanitarian effort bridging Australian resources and expertise with the urgent needs of working equids in Egypt, fostering welfare, education, and sustainable community support.

[1] https://egyptequineaid.org/about/about-eea/ [2] https://egyptequineaid.org [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/6624d94f-3aaf-e811-a95e-000d3ad24c60 [4] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/6624d94f-3aaf-e811-a95e-000d3ad24c60/documents/19e7b03d-0cba-eb11-8237-000d3a6a6589 [5] https://www.givenow.com.au/egyptequineaid