24/08/2026
Many places across the UK have experienced dry weather this summer, which in turn has impacted the amount of water seen in rivers, streams and reservoirs. Although there’s been little rainfall and the grass turned yellow, we’ve been fortunate to still turn on the tap and get clean water to drink, cook and clean with 🚰🫗
However, for many communities around the world, horses, donkeys and mules are the only way water can be collected and bought into the home. When drought reduces the water available to collect, both people and animals must go without.
The water transported by working horses, donkeys and mules is used by families for drinking, cooking, maintaining basic hygiene standards, irrigating crops, and providing water for other livestock. It helps to protect water security, crop yields, animal production, and the overall health and wellbeing of the community.
For women and girls in particular, working animals are a lifeline in helping to transport water across vast distances, especially when local sources dry up.
This it’s not just the amount of water available that is at risk, but also the animals who help the poorest and most vulnerable communities around the world access this vital resource💧
The UN recognises the role working horses, donkeys and mules play in agriculture and disaster resilience, however these animals also need to be recognised for the role they play in water security and resilience, especially when the supply of this vital resource becomes increasingly inconsistent.
📷Bill Bradshaw Photo & Video
