Author: Katie Gilmour

Researchers in the UK have introduced a straightforward questionnaire to help horse owners identify and monitor signs of osteoarthritis pain in their horses. The development aims to enable earlier and more effective treatment to enhance quality of life and improve athletic function. Led by researchers at the Royal Veterinary College and University of Edingburgh, the questionnaire is modelled on the Brief Pain Inventory used to evaluate pain severity and its impact on functioning. The team consisted of Dr. Janny de Grauw, Senior Lecturer at The Royal Veterinary College in the…

In a move that could set an interesting precedent, the FEI have announced that in the case of Chaman Ginn, ridden by Juan Benitez Gallardo to success at the CCI4*-S in Quillota, who tested positive for O-Desmethylvenlafaxine, that there were other causes at play and Gallardo was not negligent in his handling of the horse. It transpires that the banned substance entered the horse’s system by eating contaminated hay after a member of staff urinated in his stall while on medication. While the rider will not incur fines or a…

With equestrian sports very much in the spotlight as welfare claims are pitted against top trainers, news of the BEF’s Charter for the Horse is welcomed. The federation, its 19 member bodies and associated industry leaders have all committed to endorse the highest standards of equine welfare, wellbeing and ethics under a new ‘Charter for the Horse’, launched today.  The Charter for the Horse is to be adopted across the equestrian industry in every facet. Under the six headings of empathy, care, respect, consideration, ethics and learning, the Charter outlines…

In celebration of their centenary, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has launched its 2024 photo competition to highlight the work that animal health and welfare providers are carrying out around the world. The competition has been running for six years, and this year’s theme is ‘Animal health and welfare: looking to the past, embracing the future’. The competition seeks to champion the World Organisation for Animal Health’s major mission: Improving animal health and welfare, ‘A good life for animals’ and ‘Health and Happiness’. The World Organisation for Animal…

The National Steeplechase Association has given prestigious approval to an innovative new horseshoe, designed with horse welfare at its very heart. Equishox is a composite rubber-coated aluminium horseshoe designed especially for racehorses that provides shock absorption and reduces the impact on horses’ legs. The innovative shoes are said to reduce the risk of slipping and encourage horses to stride “with newfound confidence.” “We are honoured to have received the endorsement of the National Steeplechase Association,” said former jockey and co-founder Robert ‘Choc” Thornton. “This recognition is a testament to the…

The National Equine Forum (NEF) takes place on 7th March 2024 and a very limited number of face-to-face or live stream tickets are still available, and you can get your voice heard. The event takes place in London and is available on a livestream. The programme and full speaker details are available to view now on the NEF website. Q&A opportunities have been built in at the end of all the main sessions to give the audience and the livestream viewers a chance to engage with the discussions. The BEVA…

Rob Burrow, the rugby league legend, has become a patron of a horse racing initiative which raises money for motor neurone disease (MND) charities. A club has been formed in the name of the ex-Leeds Rhinos star in association with The Good Racing Company, which fundraises by selling memberships to the Rob Burrow Racing Club. Burrow, who was diagnosed with MND in 2019, was also presented with two cheques, each worth £7,777 in tribute to the number seven Burrow wore in his playing days. Standing at just 5 feet 5…

The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) is encouraging equestrians to track their rides in a bid to understand more about how illnesses travel and infect horses. The research project, which is being run in partnership with the Equine Register, encourages horse owners to track where they take their horses using a Digital Stable app. The recorded data then creates a record that will allow scientists to gain valuable insight. Experts are hoping this initiative helps uncover the transmission and spread of infectious diseases by analysing patterns of data. After signing, owners…

Four riders and their horses will be wearing the Union flag of Great Britain at the CSIO4* Nations Cup in Sharjah, UAE, at the Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club between 25 and 28 January 2024. Di Lampard’s team consists of Skye Higgin, Joe Stockdale, Donald Whitaker and Jack Whitaker. Skye Higgin is based in France and will travel with Bernadette Lejeune’s 11-year-old mare, Djordania du Tillard. Northampton based Joe Stockdale will compete either Joy Conklin and Laura Stockdale’s 13-year-old mare Equine America Cacharel, or Barbara Hester and Laura Stockdale’s 10-year-old…

The researchers used key indicators, such as heart rate and eye temperature when horses were at rest and when they were performing cognitive tasks. 20 horses took part in the study, during which researchers offered two targets. If the horse selected the correct target, they were rewarded with food. Once the horses had learned the task, it was reversed so that the other target was rewarded. The team found that horses with a lower arousal at rest and during the challenge fared better, and had an increased temperature in the…

With the Healthiest Body awards in their fifth year, The Horse’s Trust is aiming to encourage show horse and pony owners, riders and producers to think about body scores and the health and welfare benefits of keeping horses at a healthy weight. The awards, which give rosettes to those showing a horse or pony with a healthy body condition score (BCS), will be at a range of popular shows over the Spring and Summer, including Royal Windsor, Great Yorkshire Show, Hickstead and lower level local shows. The judging is separate…