Many of us will be expecting gifts of chocolate or coffee this Christmas, but as much as we enjoy giving and receiving these tasty offerings, most are unaware of the hidden rolehorses and mules playin getting these treats from farm to shelf.A new YouGov poll commissioned by international working animal charityBrookehas revealed a gap between consumer intention and industrytransparency sparking fresh calls to ensure the UKscoffeeand cocoa imports do not come at cost to animal welfare.While77%of GB adults saytheyreaware of where theircoffeecomes from, and74%say the same for chocolate, fewer than6 in 10 (59%)know that animals are routinely used to transportcoffeecherries and cacao pods in producing countries.Awareness drops even lower among 1824s (55%), despite the demographic being among the fastest-growing consumers of barista-madecoffee.However, concern is high among the public, with 82%saying animal welfare standards are important when buyingcoffeeor chocolate, 85%prioritising fair wages for farmers and 65%paying more forcoffeeand/or chocolate products guaranteeing good animal welfare during transport.More than55%would support an equine-welfare stamp on theircoffeeor chocolate.Women (71%) and younger adults (25-34 years, 72%) are the most willing to pay more for animal-friendly certification.The role of equinesHorses and mulesare essential tocoffeeand cacao production in many countries, includingNicaragua, one of the worlds top 15coffee-producing nations and the largest cacao producer in Central America. In remote areas where transport is unaffordable or impractical, working equinesremainthe only way to move produce from mountainous farms to central collection points.However, long hours, steep terrain, heavyloadsand limited access to veterinary care mean the animals are often at risk of injury,exhaustionand preventable disease.Withouthorsesand mules, much of thecoffeeand cacao exported globally simplycouldntreach markets, said Brookes Global Head of Policy and Advocacy, Anna Marry.These animals are the invisible workforce behind products Brits enjoy every day. The good news is that with training, veterinaryaccessand simple changes in handling, working equines can live healthier lives and farmers can increase productivity.Brooke is helping to improve this in Nicaragua right now, and we ask consumers to support animal-friendly brands and retailers as best they can.Brooke has partnered with Nicaraguan farming communities to improve harnessing, load management, veterinaryaccessand sustainable business skills.Farmer Jos and his son Lester are among those who have been helped the Brooke. Jos and Lester transformed the welfare of their horse ElRojitoafter Brookes training, shifting from heavy, traditional practices to gentle, trust-based care supported by regular vet treatment. This Christmas Brooke is calling on retailers and manufacturers to:Acknowledge the role of working animalsin their supply chains.Adopt and promote best-practice animal welfare, including humane load limits and access to trained animal health workers.Provide clearer labellingso consumers can consciously choose welfare-guaranteed products.It is urging consumers to:Look forethical oranimal welfare certificationson chocolate andcoffeeproduct labels.Support brands actively investing in animal welfare in their supply chain.Back Brookes work, which equips farming communities with the skills and tools needed to protect working equines.Ask retailershow they ensure animal-friendly transport ofcoffeeand cacao.Considerpurchasingorganicproducts, why typically include higher animal welfare standardsRelated contentJingle bell trot: The age-old link between horses and the sound of ChristmasOpen the Your Horse Christmas Advent Calendar!Charity calls for urgent help due to equine abandonment crisis9 critical things to get right when youre taking care of a horseThe post Brooke reveals horses hidden role in journey of Christmas treats appeared first on Your Horse.