The British Horse Society welcomes members of the Sikh Community at Romford-based Eastminster School of Riding
From left to right: Beverley Simms, Specialist Trustee for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at The British Horse Society; a young participant from the Sikh community; Deborah Scott-Garrett, Proprietor at Eastminster; and Jasmeet Singh, a member of the Nihang Singh community.
Image supplied by Duncan Lamont/The British Horse Society
The British Horse Society (BHS) were honoured to welcome members of the Sikh Community to a participation day at Eastminster School of Riding, in the heart of Romford, to increase accessibility to the equine industry.
Funded by Sport England’s Together Fund, through British Equestrian (BEF), this was an important initiative to ensure all individuals have equal opportunities across equestrianism. The day included rider taster sessions, with over 90 participants taking part, as well as educational activities around caring for horses and how to keep a horse safe on our roads.
This event comes as the BHS announces the launch of a new campaign called ‘Keep Britain Riding’, to safeguard the long-term prospects of the equestrian industry and nurture the special horse/human bond for generations to come.
Shared on: 02/06/2023
BHS launches Keep Britain Riding campaign as equestrianism comes under threat
© 2019 Nico Morgan. All Rights Reserved
The British Horse Society (BHS) has today launched a new campaign called ‘Keep Britain Riding’ to safeguard the long-term prospects of the equestrian industry, and to protect and nurture the special horse/human bond for future generations.
This comes after a major threat emerged following a nationwide survey by the BHS, which revealed that over 250 riding schools have closed since 2018, as well as the discovery that proprietors are either retiring and/or unable to recruit enough qualified coaches and yard staff to run their centres.
As a result of these closures, more than 1.5 million riding lessons have now been lost per year. That is 1.5 million fewer opportunities for children and adults to build that indescribable bond with horses; a bond that so many people would be lost without.
Shared on: 18/05/2023
The British Horse Society partners with Nottingham Trent University
The British Horse Society (BHS) are pleased to have partnered with Nottingham Trent University (NTU) to invest in the future equestrian workforce, working collaboratively to provide young people with the tools and skills they need to thrive in a welfare role.
Through a new, dedicated BHS Welfare Education Coordinator work experience module, students enrolled at NTU have the opportunity to gain the knowledge and experience needed to support the prevention of diseases across the equine industry, and to ultimately optimise the welfare of horses in our care.
Since launching the module, the BHS’s horse care & welfare and communication teams have already worked closely with a number of students to develop an effective strategy that aims to drive education around equine respiratory health. This is a particularly important topic to address, with 14% of horses in the UK suffering from severe Equine Asthma.
NTU students, with the support of the BHS, have developed an informative video exploring the topic of Equine Asthma. From creating the concept through to producing and promoting the content, the students are striving to raise awareness of the signs and causes of respiratory diseases, as well as the treatments available and prevention.
Shared on: 16/05/2023
BETA’s Summer of Safety - June - Sept 2023 – Raising awareness of rider & horse safety
This is the third year of the highly successful campaign that was designed to help inspire, educate and encourage people to embrace safety in all areas of their equestrian life, to help keep themselves and their horses safer. This year, the Summer of Safety already has a huge amount of support behind it.
The summer long campaign will include in person events, lives and online content from riders, manufacturers, equestrian bodies, BETA’s CMO Dr Diane Fisher, and more.
In addition, the Summer of Safety will be heavily supported by BETA members in the form of competitions across the association’s social media platforms, educational information, and the ability to get involved in other ways too.
Follow us on:
YouTube @British Equestrian Trade Association
BETA members supporting the BSOS23
Retail members supporting BETA Summer of Safety – coming soon…….
Trade and Associate members supporting BETA Summer of Safety – coming soon…..
What’s your story?
Have you ever had a riding accident that could have been a lot worse if you hadn’t been wearing safety garments?
The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) has launched a new way of collecting and recording information relating to accidents and injuries. The Rider Accident & Equipment Reporting Form, which is available to anyone experiencing an accident and injury around horses, is part of the association’s continued drive to help make equestrian sport safer.
The form is also easy fill in and allows BETA to collect additional information surrounding accidents to help inform design and protection development of safety equipment moving forward.
Link to the form: https://bit.ly/3xo6P3V
If you would like to take part in the 2023 Summer of Safety please email info@beta-uk.org to receive further information.
Shared on: 12/05/2023
Blue Cross urges struggling horse owners to ask for help sooner rather than later
National Pet Charity Blue Cross is urging horse owners to ask for help sooner rather than later if feel they may need to give up their horse. Two horses recently taken in by the charity show the stark contrast between giving up a horse in good time and asking for help too late, when the situation has turned into a welfare problem.
“We really hope that by sharing Comet and Billy’s stories we can encourage people to contact us earlier if they need help with their horse,” said Annabelle Taylor, Rehoming Coordinator at Blue Cross. “A lot of people leave it far too late and the horse ends up suffering as a result. Subsequently rehabilitation can be difficult and upsetting and usually takes much longer.”
Comet’s owner’s husband was suffering from dementia, and she knew that as the disease progressed and her husband began to need more care, she would struggle to give Comet the time he required. She wanted to secure Comet’s future before things got too difficult so contacted Blue Cross for help. Comet arrived at the charity in good condition, with a new set of shoes and all his tack. He was clearly very well loved and was quickly found a perfect new home.
Billy’s owners had struggled with his ‘aggressive’ behaviour. He had been shut in his stable for 11 months and hadn’t had his feet trimmed for more than five years. Eventually Billy’s owners contacted Blue Cross. As a result of his incarceration Billy’s welfare was severely compromised and his feet needed urgent attention from a remedial farrier. The social isolation had caused his mental health to deteriorate to a point where his rehabilitation will be a very slow process.
Blue Cross statistics suggest that increasing numbers of horse carers are struggling financially to keep their horses. So far this year the charity has received 137 requests from people asking for the charity to take in or help rehome their horse or pony and 31% of these cited personal or financial circumstances as the reason.
In 2022 there were 326 intake and rehoming requests, with 23% stating personal or financial circumstances as the reason. In comparison for the full year of 2021 just 43 (around 15%) of a total of 277 intake and rehoming requests specified financial reasons.
“We urge you to get in touch if you are struggling, rather than let problems escalate,” said Annabelle. “Please, please, please approach us while horses are still healthy rather than risk them becoming welfare compromised. We are here to listen and help, not to judge.”
Blue Cross rehomes horses from its centres in Burford, Oxfordshire and Rolleston, Staffordshire as well as through its Home Direct scheme.
Home Direct has proved to be highly effective, with 98 horses helped since it was launched back in 2015. Every horse is assessed thoroughly by a member of the Blue Cross horse unit team and then advertised on the charity’s website. Once a potential new owner has been found Blue Cross will arrange and oversee initial visits. If it’s a good match, the horse will then be rehomed directly from the old home to the new one. All the home visits and checks will be completed as if the horse was from a Blue Cross centre.
Blue Cross also offers their Home Direct service to other equine welfare charities that don’t specialise in rehoming. Any horse can be considered for Home Direct, as long as they pass a health check and are not on any long-term medication.
If you need support, advice or guidance about giving up your horse please email helpmyhorse@bluecross.org.uk
For details of Blue Cross horses looking for homes please visit https://www.bluecross.org.uk/rehome/horse.
Shared on: 12/05/2023
Yard’s tragic story of strangles outbreak
Horse owners at a well-established, family-friendly livery yard in Derbyshire have teamed up with Redwings to share their experience of a strangles outbreak. They hope to help others avoid paying the financial, emotional and personal costs of a ‘truly devastating’ disease.
When three horses developed snotty noses in June 2022, High Moor Livery immediately stopped all horse movements and called their vet. It took more than seven months for the last pony to test clear so they could finally put the outbreak behind them. And they’re already taking steps to ensure that’s where it stays.
In total, 27 of the 62 horses living at High Moor last summer tested positive for strangles, several were seriously ill and tragically four of those horses lost their lives, including Teddy (pictured above with his teenage owner Evie).
Also lost was young Welsh mare Fifi. “I had to tell my three-year-old that her first pony had died” recalls Alisha after they watched Fifi battling the infection for weeks before becoming so thin, sick and weak she could barely stand, and Alisha and vet Alex agreed there was nothing more they could do. “She had loads of character” says Alisha, “She fought so hard for so long, but there was nothing left. It broke my heart.”
Watch the liveries of High Moor share their story here…
Another pony, Martha, developed the severe immune-related condition purpura haemorraghica, most seen as a complication associated with strangles infection. The severity of her symptoms led to skin peeling away from her lower legs requiring intensive treatment and nursing care.
Kate is the owner of two horses at High Moor. “When we first had the diagnosis one owner who had seen strangles before told me we’d be locked down for months” she says. “I thought she was exaggerating. She wasn’t.
“We used the traffic light system and everyone was temperature checking twice daily for months. It was the best way to try and stop the disease spreading. Any horse with a fever was immediately moved into the red zone so they didn’t pass the bacteria to an uninfected horse. We got through a lot of thermometers!”
Read more on this news here
Shared on: 21/04/2023
Celebrating equine participation at the BHS National Riding School Championships
Some members of Summerfield Stables who took part in The British Horse Society, BHS National Riding Schools Championships which were held at Onley Ground near Rugby in Warwickshire in the UK on the 5th April 2023
Last Wednesday (5 April), The British Horse Society were honoured to be joined by riding schools from across the country at their annual National Riding School Championships.
The one of a kind competition offers riders who don’t have their own horse the chance to compete at a national championship. The event saw equestrians, of all ages, who ride at BHS Approved Centres compete across the disciplines, including show jumping and stable management.
With more than 70 participants qualifying, the day is a significant celebration of the UK’s riding schools and the great value they bring to people in the local communities.
For those who don’t have direct access to horses, riding centres help to ensure everyone is able to benefit from equestrian education, horse care and welfare, practical riding tuition and more importantly, an inclusive and welcoming environment.
As the lifeblood of equestrian participation, these riding facilities are an essential part of the future of equestrianism.
Sophia Khass, who came away with a first place rosette, said: “I haven’t competed for a good many years, but I’ve really enjoyed being here today in such a friendly, accommodating and inclusive competition.”
While competitor, Kay Wilson commented: “This is a national championship and it’s nice that people from all over the country are here and we all get the chance to compete even though we don’t have our own horse.”
Oonagh Meyer, Head of Approvals at the BHS said: “We want to say congratulations to everyone that competed at the championships. It really was a fantastic day and it was great to see all those, who otherwise wouldn’t have the chance to compete, show off the brilliant skills they have learned at their respective riding schools.
Days like these really highlight the valuable work riding centres across the UK do to support all those who have a passion for horses, as well as how truly wonderful the horse/human bond is.”
To learn more about how you can get involved with our Approved Riding Centres, or how you can support these equine facilities to ensure they’re able to continue to provide people passionate about horses with the best experience possible, visit: www.bhs.org.uk/go-riding
Shared on: 12/04/2023
The British Horse Society welcome HRH The Princess Royal at a Community Ridings School
Last week, The British Horse Society were thrilled to welcome HRH The Princess Royal at a Community Ridings School in the heart of Birmingham to see how it is benefiting young people in the local area.
Shared on: 06/04/2023
The British Horse Society condemns UK Government’s decision to backtrack on deadline
The backtrack on the deadline to save vital off-road routes will leave horse riders at increasing risk on England’s roads.
The British Horse Society (BHS) is extremely disappointed to learn that the UK Government has broken its commitment to abolishing the 2026 deadline for saving vital off-road routes. This decision will mean such routes across England will be lost forever, resulting in even more restrictions when it comes to accessing the countryside.
For horse riders, who currently have access to just 22% of the rights of way network, this decision will be particularly damaging. In 2022 alone, 69 horses were killed on Britain’s roads and 139 riders injured, therefore the protection of safe off-road routes is critical to make sure equestrians remain safe.
Mark Weston, Director of Access at The British Horse Society says: “Recent years have illustrated just how vital more off-road access is for the safety, health and wellbeing of horse riders, as well as walkers and cyclists. These bridleways and byways should be protected for future generations to enjoy and treasure. Unfortunately, this U-turn from the government could cause the opposite effect and will put access to safe riding routes at great risk.
Through our Project 2026 campaign, we have worked closely with our volunteers, members and supporters to save 2,800 bridleways and byways. Without their crucial work, these historic rights of way could have been wiped off the Definitive Map. But there’s plenty more routes that are still in danger.
We will continue to work with our brilliant network of over 400 access volunteers to research and record these routes. However, it must be recognised that there is already a backlog of applications waiting to be processed and the necessary steps need to be put in place quickly to make it possible for paths to be researched, applied for, and processed within this tight deadline. The outcome of this announcement means that many of our favourite off-road routes will be gone forever.”
For more information about the BHS 2026 campaign, visit bhs.org.uk/2026
Shared on: 23/03/2023
The BHS and The Pony Club team up to deliver greater access to equine careers
The British Horse Society (BHS) are thrilled to have teamed up with The Pony Club to support and endorse the advancement of equine learning, and skills, with a new educational route.
Under revised entry guidance, participants who hold a Pony Club C+ Test can now apply for a direct entry route into the BHS Stage 2 qualifications.
Whatever your aspirations; caring for horses, riding professionally, or coaching the next generation, this path will provide another route of progression and knowledge to help young people kick start their equine career.
Working collectively to widen the opportunities available and to deliver greater access to the equestrian field is essential. This comes at a time when the industry’s riding schools and livery yards, who underpin the equine industry, are continuing to face challenging times and need skilled employees to support their business.
The BHS Career Transition Fund is available to help those individuals who choose to take this educational route. The fund is aimed at those who want to progress to their BHS Stage 2 and Stage 3 qualifications. Candidates can apply for the fund through a simple online form and could receive a voucher valued up to £200 for Stage 2 and £250 for Stage 3.
Tracy Casstles, Director of Education at The British Horse Society says: “We are really pleased to be working closely with The Pony Club to deliver an exciting route for equestrians. Creating a robust workforce is more important than ever, and we’re proud to be working together to attract even more people into an equine career.
We recognise that there is not always one way of doing things and certainly not one approach to take in equestrianism. We hope that by introducing a new pathway to the industry, even more people will be able to receive the qualifications, skills and knowledge they need to go for that dream role.”
Marcus Capel, CEO of The Pony Club says: “I am delighted that the highly regarded Pony Club pathway of tests continues to offer a potential career route for our Members. Working together with the BHS, we are proud that our accessible C+ test has been added to the list of tests accepted for direct entry into the BHS stage assessments. This significant step forward will widen the opportunities available to our Members and strengthens the relationship between the two organisations.”
Ex Pony Club member, Alex van Randwyck says: “I enjoyed being part of The Pony Club and working through their qualification pathway, achieving the A Test in 2019. The Direct Entry link with the BHS has allowed me to continue working towards professional qualifications, achieving the Stage 4 Management in 2022 and currently working toward the BHS Performance Centre Manager. It has been a very user-friendly process. I hope that raising awareness of this opportunity will encourage others to continue to expand their equine knowledge through qualifications.”
As well as The Pony Club C+ Test, the BHS accept a range of Pony Club Tests for direct entry, which includes Pony Club B, B+, AH and A Test. Terms and conditions will apply, so please visit www.bhs.org.uk/direct-entry to learn more about the BHS direct entry routes available.
If you’d like to find out more about the Pony Club qualifications, visit www.pcuk.org
You can discover more about the BHS Career Pathways, and how they can support you through every stage of your development, by visiting: www.bhs.org.uk/pathways
Shared on: 20/03/2023
Starship Technologies is working with The British Horse Society
Starship Technologies, the world’s leading provider of autonomous delivery services, has today announced it’s working with The British Horse Society to ensure safe interactions between delivery robots and horses across the UK.
Together, Starship and The British Horse Society are working to establish the standards of correct robot behaviour around horses. This includes stopping and waiting for a rider to pass before a robot continues on its journey.
Starship is now collecting insights from horse riders who have interacted with their robots via The British Horse Society’s ‘Horse i’ app. These encounters, both positive and negative, are then collated along with multiple points of other data to help develop safe robot behaviour. Additionally, Starship is offering familiarisation sessions to riders and their horses based in Cambourne, to better acquaint horses with their robots.
Starship’s autonomous delivery robots have travelled millions of miles and completed more than 4 million commercial deliveries. In the UK, where robots deliver groceries from the likes of Tesco and Co-op, the robots are a common sight across Cambridge, Cambourne, Milton Keynes, Northampton, Bedford and Leeds, with the launch of more locations expected in the coming months. Around the world, the robots make 140,000 road crossings every day, equivalent to three road crossings per second. Starship’s robots operate at L4 autonomy, completing numerous deliveries in a row and crossing streets 100% autonomously.
Lindsay Roberts, Director of Autonomous Driving at Starship said: “Working with The British Horse Society will help our robots to happily coexist with any horses they encounter. Our robots learn with every journey, and the insights we gather will allow us to establish positive robot behaviour around horses – not only in the UK, but also in the US and other locations around the world where we operate. Working seamlessly in the communities we serve is a top priority at Starship, so we invite riders in our Cambourne service area to get in touch with us to book a familiarisation session with a robot.”
Alan Hiscox, Director of Safety at The British Horse Society said: “We are pleased to be working closely with Starship Technologies to ensure the roll-out of all delivery robots is done with equine safety in mind. Our priority is the safety of both horse and rider, and we welcome this opportunity to educate robot behaviour so that they act suitably around horses.
“Whether positive or negative, we encourage all equestrians to report any robot-related encounters using the Horse i app. The more incidents that are reported, the more the BHS can do to improve horse riders’ safety around delivery robots.
Shared on: 07/03/2023
Redwings is Charity Film Award finalist for second year!
The Charity Film Awards finalists have been announced and Redwings has made the shortlist with an animation focussing on some of the horses, ponies and donkeys rescued over the years.
Narrated by Norfolk-born actor and writer Stephen Fry, the film tells the story of Esther the donkey, resident ‘Black Beauty’ Maya, Sampson the Shetland, poor abandoned Wiggins the donkey and Gulliver – a malnourished foal when he arrived.
Lynn Cutress, Chief Executive of Redwings, said: “We’re really thrilled that this animation, which was created for a fundraising campaign for Christmas 2021, has been voted through to the finals of the prestigious Charity Film Awards.
“Last year our animation about Boo – a blind Clydesdale who lived with us here at Redwings for many years – won the silver award in the People’s Choice category, which was also narrated by Mr Fry and made by our friends at Norwich-based company We Are Immersive.
“We love working with local people as much as possible and are so proud of the wonderful relationship we’ve built up with both Mr Fry and Immersive.
“The finalists were chosen by the public so it’s a huge honour and we’re so very grateful to everyone who voted for us.”
Mr Fry recorded a video in support of Redwings last month. In it, Mr Fry said: “It’s become something of a tradition for me to support Redwings every year and I’ve always been incredibly happy to do that because it’s a wonderful charity doing incredible work.”
Lucy Spaull, Production Director of We Are Immersive, said: “It’s such a pleasure working with the team at Redwings and helping to raise awareness about the incredible work that they do. We’re excited to have made it into the final round of the Charity Film Awards for a second year running and we’re grateful for everyone’s votes and support.”
Almost 40,000 votes were cast by the public in the first round, and it’s now down to a panel of expert judges to select winners from each category.
The 2023 awards will take place in central London on 21 March 2023.
Nicolas Loufrani, CEO of Smiley Movement, said: “Nothing captures hearts and minds like film. These amazing films from wonderful causes absolutely demonstrate the importance of film for charitable campaigning.
“It’s vital we support all causes – big or small. A huge congratulations to all the Finalists, who should be delighted with the public support for their films through the campaign. We’re incredibly proud that Smiley Movement’s investment in the Charity Film Awards has already generated millions of additional views on these films.”
Shared on: 09/02/2023
New for EquineShow247, the Community News Page!
The Community News page is a great place for you to share your news with the EquineShow247 community. Is your content too product specific to share on the blog? Not right to go on your Virtual Space as it’s just a small update? Well, this is the place for your business news to go!
Shared on: 17/01/2023
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