Ü People Welfare & Development
Ü Health & Safety Executive
Ü Roads, Byways and Rights of Way
Ü Legal updates and cases
 Give your groom a unique gift this Christmas...
With Christmas just around the corner the British Grooms Association (BGA) is asking
employers to consider treating their staff to a gift that will last them all year long... a membership to their professional
association.
For just £17.50, in addition to being part of an association that supports and
understands the importance of grooms to the industry, members also receive exclusive discounts on a number of things including
personal accident insurance with SEIB, a £10 Derby House discount voucher and the quarterly magazine – British Grooms
which is jam packed with useful tips, advice and stories.
The BGA has been supported by countless top riders who have seen the direct benefits
of their grooms becoming members. British Dressage Olympic rider Richard Davison said “All trades should have their
own professional association in order to raise standards and keep forward thinking and modern. Thank goodness the important
status of grooms is finally beginning to be recognised and the creation of a Grooms Association is central to this.”
Lucy Katan, Executive Director of the BGA said, “We are aware of how employers
are suffering from severe staffing recruitment and retention problems. We desperately want to help the employers by promoting
the job as a groom and so to encourage more young people to consider the career route. It is also crucial for us to offer
support and help to the employer in the areas of staff motivation and retention. We
need our employers to continue to support the association in order for us to continue to provide this much needed help and
so by joining their staff up for Christmas is a great way!”
To join your staff is easy – either call 0845 331 6039 or visit www.britishgrooms.org.uk
UK: Is the credit crunch affecting horse welfare?
Despite the many stories in the media (see below) there is no evidence to suggest that the credit crunch is leading to
large scale horse abandoment or major welfare issues in the UK. There is no doubt, as with every other industry, that most sectors
of the horse industry have seen a downturn in activity. However with uncertainty about the economic future, it appears
that most caring owners are looking at what they can do to reduce costs without compromising their horse's welfare.
Find out about some money saving tips from Redwings Horse Sanctuary.
UK: Horse-owners facing tough choices
The economic downturn is hitting Britain's paddocks. Charities say they are getting more calls than ever from owners
who can no longer afford to keep their horses. The Horse Trust says it has received 640 requests to retire animals in the
past month - four times the usual amount.
See also Horses 'victims of credit crunch'
(BBC News – 7 November 2008)
Buckinghamshire
- UK: Speen Horse Trust charity struggles to cope, and animals may have to be put down »
“The Bucks Free Press is calling
for readers' help to stop horses being put down because of the credit crunch.
Last week we reported the Horse Trust
charity in Speen had been inundated by calls from horse owners who were no longer able to afford to keep their animals.
Since that report appeared, the charity
has had several calls from people offering to re-home some of the horses.”
(Bucks Free Press - 5 November 2008)
Massachusetts
– USA: Horses victimized by economy »
Horses
are the latest victims of the economy's downward trot. The Massachusetts Society
for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has had an influx of horses surrendered to their facility at Nevins Farm. The horses are coming from owners who can no longer afford the expensive animals, said Heather Robertson,
community outreach coordinator at the facility. "They're telling us outright
that they literally cannot afford to care for the animal anymore, or their home has been foreclosed on," she said.
(Eagle
Tribune - 30 November 2008)
Northumberland - UK: Man jailed after horse left starving in field »
A MAN who left a horse
starving in a field for up to three weeks has been jailed. Liam Taylor, 27, was
already on bail for animal cruelty when an RSPCA officer found Sunshine lying in a field covered with a rug.
Vets tried for three-and-a-half hours to revive the Chestnut mare, but the horse was put down on humane
grounds.
(Northumberland
Gazette - 21 November 2008)
Spain:
British woman banned from owning animals in the UK has stables in Cádiz »
A
British woman, Suzanne Jenkins, who has been ordered by a court in Gloucestershire
in the U.K. not to own any animals for two years after causing ‘unnecessary suffering’, is currently running a
stables with 35 horses in Medina Sedonia in Cádiz. The Guardia Civil inspected the stables at Medina Sedonia in July and found horses in a dreadful state being kept in
dirty facilities but without a technical report from the Junta they cannot act.
(Typically Spanish - 16 November 2008)
Related Report from Horse & Hound »
King's Lynn - UK: Dead horse upset for rail passenger »
A distressed rail passenger has spoken of her anger after seeing a dead horse left to rot in
a field beside the train tracks.
(Lynn News - 24 December 2008)
UK:
Work horses are vital in alleviating poverty
The Brooke charity aims to tackle the profile of
working horses, ponies and donkeys in developing countries by highlighting their role
(Horse & Hound Online - 2 November 2008)
UK: Defra launches consultation on animal welfare codes
of practice
Environment Secretary Hilary Benn has launched a consultation
on new codes of practices for cats, dogs and horses, that will offer practical advice on animal ownership.
The codes of practice, which will be published on the Defra
website and in leaflets, will help animal owners to better understand their duties under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Launching the consultation, Hilary Benn said: "The Animal Welfare
Act 2006 has been the most important piece of animal legislation for nearly a century. Animals are now afforded greater protection
than ever before. These three new codes of practice will outline the responsibilities of owners under the Act and give practical
advice on how to fulfil them. This means no one will be able to claim ignorance as an excuse for mistreating any animal."
The main purpose of the codes is to provide practical guidance
on animal owners' responsibilities under the Animal Welfare Act. If a person fails to comply with a code of practice
they will not be liable to proceedings of any kind, but failure to comply with several provisions may be used in evidence
to support a prosecution for animal cruelty.
Information in the codes will include practical advice on how
to:
· Create a suitable environment
for your animal to live in;
· Provide a healthy diet;
· Spot signs of stress;
· Protect your animal
from pain, suffering, injury and disease.
Animal owners will also be able to use the codes to find
external sources of information on looking after cats, dogs or horses.
Since its introduction in 2007, the Animal Welfare Act has
helped organisations bring successful prosecutions to people mistreating animals. Under the Animal Welfare Act, anyone convicted
of cruelty to an animal could face a prison sentence or a fine up to £20,000.
Consultation on
the new codes starts on 4 November 2008 and ends on 31 December 2008.
The consultation
documents can be found at the following locations:
Code of Practice
for the Welfare of Equines
http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/welfare-equines-cop/index.htm
Code of Practice
for the Welfare of Dogs
http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/welfare-dogs-cop/index.htm
Code of Practice
for the Welfare of Cats
http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/welfare-cats-cop/index.htm
The Animal Welfare Act was introduced in April 2007. The Act created a duty on anyone responsible for an animal to take all reasonable steps to ensure
that the needs and welfare of the animal are met.
(NDS –
4 November 2008)
UK: Christmas donation from The Queen pushes
Strangles appeal closer to target
Her Majesty The Queen has made a personal donation to The British Horse Society
and The Animal Health Trust's Strangles Appeal for the second year running. Her Majesty sent a cheque to the BHS, of which
she has been Patron for more than 60 years, to help the charities fight the terrible disease that attacks horses.
The generous gift, from the Privy Purse Charitable Trust, couldn’t be
better timed, as the campaign makes a final push to reach its £250,000 target.
The Queen has taken a personal interest in the ‘Breaking the Strangles
hold’ campaign, a joint initiative between The British Horse Society and the Animal Health Trust, and keeps a close
eye on efforts to combat the disease. Significant progress has been made this year with the introduction of a blood test to
screen for the disease prior to competitions, sales or movement. The test identifies horses that have recently been exposed
to the disease, enabling the number and seriousness of outbreaks to be reduced.
There is still a long way to go, however, and the rest of the money is needed
to help create and produce a vaccine to eradicate Strangles for good.
BHS Chairman Patrick Print said: "We are very grateful to our Patron The Queen
for her most generous gift, which will help fund research to find a fully effective vaccine against Strangles. I have no doubt
Her Majesty's example will encourage other horse lovers to give to this worthy cause."
Anyone can donate to the Strangles Appeal by posting a cheque to Strangles
Appeal, Animal Health Trust, FREEPOST CB360, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 7BR or phoning the AHT to make
a donation by credit card or direct debit on 08700 502830.
Virginia
- USA: State Veterinarian quarantines farms due to Contagious Equine Metritis
Animal
health officials have identified 20 U.S. states that may have mares exposed to Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM). Virginia
has quarantined two farms because of exposure to a CEM positive stallion. Click here for more information.
(Virginia Department of Agriculture
and Consumer Services - 23 December 2008)
USA:
Two more Kentucky horses test positive for CEM »
Two more stallions, both non-Thoroughbreds, have tested positive for contagious
equine metritis (CEM) in Central Kentucky, and Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer has asked United Stakes Agriculture Secretary Ed
Schafer to declare a state of agricultural emergency. The request is a proactive
measure to ensure that sufficient resources, including federal funds, are available to manage the disease outbreak, Farmer
said.
(Thoroughbred
Times - 20 December 2008)
UK: The Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) job is to protect people against risks to health or safety arising
out of work activities. They do this through research, information and advice,
promoting training, new or revised regulations and codes of practice, inspection, investigation and enforcement.
HSE launches webpages dedicated to health and safety in Wales
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a section of its website
dedicated entirely aimed at providing support and advice to individuals and businesses in Wales on maintaining high standards
of health and safety in workplaces.
Launching the site, HSE Director for Wales Terry Rose said: "We already work
closely with the Welsh Assembly Government, as well as local authorities and a range of other partners in promoting good health
and safety in the workplace in Wales.
"There are clearly many areas of common interest including agriculture, healthcare
and education, and with a different government situation in Wales, it makes sense to adopt a different approach to providing
public information online too."
"This site will allow us to better target online advice and guidance on those
parts of HSE's national strategy that are of particular importance to Wales.
"HSE already provides Welsh language facilities through its public information
call centre, HSE Infoline. The new site is in response to public demand and will allow us to improve our Welsh language provision,
and we are working closely with the Welsh Language Board to ensure this is achieved."
The HSE Wales website gives details of news items, events and advice on protecting against risks to health and safety arising from work activities.
It will be developed further in the coming months.
(HSE) Farmers urged to store feed safely after Northamptonshire farm
death
The HSE is urging farmers and the animal feed industry to reassess risks associated
with feed storage following the death of a young Northamptonshire farmer.
The farmer was killed when a tipping trailer, used for storing animal feed,
overbalanced and crushed him. The sleepers that were used to support the trailer were rotten and collapsed under the weight
of the feed.
Recording a verdict of accidental death, the Northamptonshire Coroner said:
"Farmers should look objectively at the practices that they have adopted over many years. Just because they have been doing
something in a certain way for a long time does not mean it is safe. In other words they should carry out a risk assessment."
HSE Principal Inspector Samantha Peace said: "It is essential that farmers
take on board this advice and take action where necessary. It is important to recognise the dangers of makeshift equipment.
"Purpose made storage bins should be used for storage of animal feed but if
trailers have to be used then they should remain attached to a tractor if the trailer body is raised."
When unhitched trailers are used, HSE advises the following precautions:
· The trailer
should not rely on the hydraulics for continuous support. Suitable props or ram scotches must be used.
· The wheels
need to be chocked as trailer parking brakes are often unreliable and on a twin axle trailer may only brake one axle which
will be ineffective if weight transfers to the rear.
· Stability
- the means to prevent the trailer tipping over backwards should be equally effective as being hitched to a tractor - e.g.
by securing the draw-bar to the ground or providing a counter balance, at the hitching point, equivalent to the weight of
the tractor normally used on that trailer.
· Whatever
the method of storage, it should be inspected regularly for signs of deterioration which could affect the structural integrity.
Any defects must be rectified immediately.
HSE have asked the feed industry to bring this incident to the attention of
farms where they deliver into similar facilities. Using trailers as feed bins creates a real safety risk that needs to be
sensibly managed to prevent harm to farmers, their families and their businesses.
(18/11/2008)
HSE Myth of the month – November 2008
Myth: Children need to be wrapped in cotton
wool to keep them safe
The reality
Health
and safety law is often used as an excuse to stop children taking part in exciting activities, but well-managed risk is good
for them. It engages their imagination, helps them learn and even teaches them to manage risks for themselves in the future.
They won’t understand about risk if they’re wrapped in cotton wool.
Risk
itself won’t damage children, but ill-managed and overprotective actions could!
Go to the HSE’s
Myth of the month homepage
Get free leaflets from the HSE - Clear and simple advice on a range of health and safety issues
UK: The “Safety with Horses” course just got better...
The award-winning "Safety with Horses" course is acknowledged for
setting the standard of safety training across the horse industry. But the course
which can be completed at home and your own stables just got better...
If you join during the current campaign, not only do you stand to make your yard
a safer place for people and horses while achieving a nationally accredited award, but you'll also receive a free ticket to
a top equestrian event, meeting one of our top riders.
By successfully completing the Equi Study “Safety with Horses” home/stable
study course and you will receive a free ticket to one of four top equestrian events including Olympia, Badminton, Burghley
and Horse of the Year Show. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet a leading rider, learn about top level competition
and ask questions about show jumping or eventing.
There are seven start dates during the year so you can choose both your favourite
event and the best time to complete your course.
Anyone who is 16 years and over who has access to horses and equine facilities
can take part. You’ll also need a competent person (Level 3 – e.g. AI)) who can observe you undertaking some basic
but key practical activities with horses. Everyone will be able to access their own Equi Study Tutor to help them complete
their course. Click here for more information on the “Safety with Horses” campaign.
Find out what the Health and Safety Executive say about the course
Riding Safely thoroughly recommends
this course
UK: Petition
hopes to create new bridleways
In a bid to improve off-road accessibility and safety for horse riders, an
online petition to the Prime Minister is calling for funding and legislation to create new public bridleways.
The petition has been launched by Sue Jeggo, former British Horse Society (BHS)
Access Officer for Cambridge (1996 – 2006) and recipient of the BHS’s prestigious 2002 Sefton Award for outstanding
work in the field of riding and road safety.
Sue explained to Riding Safely “The Government has abandoned its 'lost
highways' project; volunteers simply don’t have the resources to research and claim lost bridleways, so what we need
are new linking bridleways to rejoin what’s already there, and in a way that's more compatible with modern land use,
rather than the old bridleways in straight lines that were used for trade and travel. It needs funding and government support.”
The petition reads “We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to
provide funding and use legislation for creation of new public bridleways.
Horse Riders have access to less than 25% of the current public rights of way
network, and face danger when using today’s busy roads.
To ensure appropriate funding is in place and legislation (Highway Act 1980
S26) to be used by local authorities for new bridleways to be shown on definitive maps and ordnance survey maps.
To ensure the Highway Agency develops a national programme of re-instating
severed crossing points by creating new dedicated bridle bridges or underpasses as safe crossing points for motorways or trunk
roads.
To ensure Local authorities and parish councils develop local joined up community
riding circuits of 5-15 miles to rebuild the national bridle route network.”
So far 2,556 people have signed the petition.
Sue adds “The petition is going steadily, but we need more names, as the more that sign up, the better chance
we have of being taken seriously.”
The petition is open until 28 May 2009 and can be found at: http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/publicbridleways/
Verndale – Minnesota – USA:
42 Horses perish in barn fire »
42 horses were killed in a barn blaze
- foul play is not suspected.
(Postbullentin.com – 22 December 2008)
Surrey – England – UK: Horses killed in 'suspicious' stable blaze »
Six foals and two adult horses have died following a 'suspicious' fire at an outbuilding in Green Lane, Chertsey. Seven animals were killed in the blaze, which broke out just after 6pm, and one had
to be put down at the scene by an RSPCA vet after receiving serious injuries. It is not yet known how the fire started, and
police are treating the blaze as suspicious.
(The Surrey
Herald – 8 December 2008)
Houston - Texas - USA: Stable Fire Kills 9 Horses, Ruled Arson »
Nine of the 11 horses kept at the Special Pals Riding Stable died after being trapped
in a fire investigators have ruled was arson.
(MyFox Houston – 20 December 2008)
USA: Eight horses trapped, killed in Windham fire »
A fire at a Windham farm killed eight horses trapped in a barn. The barn fire
broke out at about 4:30 a.m. A young woman who lived at the farm burned her hand when she tried to open the stable door
to rescue the horses, but was unable to get in because of the heat and flames, said Windham Fire Chief Charles Hammond. She
told fire officials that it appeared the horses were unconscious. The Fire Chief added that the damage is so extensive that
it may never be known how the barn fire started.
(Portland Press Herald - 10 December 2008)
UK: Disaster averted at racehorse charity after fire breaks out
Fast action by staff at Greatwood, a charity that cares for ex-racehorses, averted disaster when a fire broke out. It is thought that the fire was started by a faulty lightbulb, which exploded with
sparks setting fire to the bedding.
(Horse & Hound Online - 6 November 2008)
Radnage - Buckinghamshire - UK:
Car jump-start sparks barn fire »
Around 180 tonnes of hay were destroyed and farming machinery damaged after
an open-sided barn caught fire after a spark from a jump lead to start a car hit a nearby hay bale on New Year’s Eve.
(Bucks Free Press – 2 January 2009)
Wales
- UK: Grass fire 'started deliberately' »
A grass fire on 49 acres (20 hectares) of a mountain
in Carmarthenshire was started deliberately, say fire chiefs. Crews were called to the Black
Mountain near Ammanford on Monday evening, but the fire was allowed to burn because it was too dangerous for firefighters.
But Mid and West Wales Fire Service was called out again on Tuesday morning over concerns 15 horses located nearby are being
put under threat.
(BBC News Online
– 30 December 2008)
Yorkshire - UK: Farm shop grotto wrecked by blaze »
A fire which tore through part of a farm shop near York saw the daring rescue of a trapped reindeer
by the store’s owner. The Christmas grotto at the farm shop was gutted in the blaze, which emergency services believe
was the result of an electrical fault.
(The Press - 2nd December 2008)
Wiltshire
– UK: Fake horse brought in to train firefighters »
A
life sized mannequin horse and other specialised equipment has been brought in at a cost of £14,000 to help firefighters train
in animal rescue. The fake horse, which is 15 hands high, has been funded by
the Wiltshire branches of the RSPCA to allow Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service to practise the specialist techniques used
to save animals that have got into trouble.
(This
is Wiltshire.co.uk - 28 November 2008)
Nottinghamshire - UK: Fire crews rescue horse from stream »
A horse had to be rescued by 12
firemen after it became stuck in a stream at Sutton-in-Ashfield. It is expected to make a full recovery.
(this is nottingham.co.uk - 20 December 2008)
Oxfordshire
– UK: Horse play leads to equine rescue »
A horse had to be rescued by firefighters from a ditch in Stratton Audley on Saturday.
The horse was said to be making a full recovery.
(Oxford
Mail - 30 November 2008)
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The Emergency Services Protocol
Guidelines to help the emergency services cope better with
equine incidents were launched in May 2007.
The guidelines aim to ensure that any horse involved in
an accident receives proper care as quickly as possible. They cover everything from how a 999 call should be dealt with to
advice on identifying horses and coping with a large animal in an incident.
An Emergency
Services Protocol Fund has also been set up by the BHS and BEVA, to help minimise delays for injured horses receiving veterinary
care when their owners cannot be traced. The fund will also pay for rescue training and specialist lifting and rescue equipment
for the emergency services.
To donate to the fund, contact BEVA (tel: 01638 723555).
Read more from Horse & Hound Online
Download the Emergency Services Protocol leaflet.
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Stoke-on-Trent
– UK: Horse killed when rear ramp on trailer opened while in transit »
Police would like to speak to anyone who
has suffered a faulty trailer incident after a horse was killed when the ramp of the trailer in which she was travelling fell
down.
(Horse & Hound Online - 19 November 2008)
Readers of the Horse & Hound Forum were quick to respond and the Police
Officer heading the investigation “posted” seeking help:
“Hi all,
I know that this is quite unconventional, but I am the
police officer heading this investigation.
We really need to ensure that this does not happen again to anyone else. I also
have horses and fully understand the feelings and concerns that arise when incidents like this happen.
I am urgently trying
to find other people that have experienced issues with the rear ramp of trailers falling, especially when a collision has
occured as a result.
For obvious reasons, I cannot disclose the make of this trailer until we are further in our investigation.
I
have already spoken with some people that have posted here but really need to see if we have others out there.
If so, it
is vital that you contact me please on 0300 1234455 and ask for myself, PC 827 Kate Hardt from Rugeley police station. Thanks in advance for your help.”
Read all the posts on this subject »
No one likes an accident. Those featured in this section come from media sources and often lack
the detail of the circumstances that may have contributed to the tragic outcomes. Even so, by being aware of the types of
accidents that have happened in the past may help to prevent or lead to action to prevent similar accidents occurring in the
future.
UK: Derbyshire rider who died in fall is named »
An inquest has heard how 43-year-old Loretta Jane Topliss of Swadlincote, Derbyshire, died
on Saturday 15 November as a result of falling from her horse after it was spooked while she was riding on
the road.
(Horse & Hound Online - 20 November 2008)
New York – USA: Woman dies after spooked
horse bolts
Experienced rider Margie Smith has circulated an email detailing the accident
which killed her friend, Patty O’Neal, on 1 November in New York’s Mendon Ponds Park. On the trip
to the park one of the horses in the trailers became distressed, spooking some of the others. To try to settle
hers down, Ms O’Neal mounted him, hoping to ‘ride off’ his fears. She wasn’t wearing a
riding hat. At the same time the original distressed horse, now being ridden, bucked and took off, unseating his
rider and causing the saddle to slip and hang beneath him. In the fracas, Ms O’Neal’s head was smashed
against a low branch, causing her to fall to the ground resulting in extensive injuries from which she couldn’t possibly
recover.
(Riding Safely – 7 November 2008)
Denmark: 14 year old girl dies after fall from horse
TV2 Denmark reports that a 14-year-old girl died on Sunday 3 November after
falling from a horse and landing on her head. The girl was out riding near her home in Assens, on the Danish island
of Fyn. She was still conscious when the ambulance took her to Odense University Hospital, but sadly doctors couldn't
save her and she died of internal bleeding. According to police, she wasn't wearing a riding hat when the accident happened.
(TV2 Denmark - 3 November 2008)
Telford – England – UK: Woman injured loading horse
A woman from north Shropshire was airlifted to hospital on Saturday (8 November) after she was injured loading
a horse. It is believed she was loading a horse into a horsebox when the animal panicked and backed out of the horsebox, falling
on her. The woman was airlifted to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital but had not suffered serious injuries, and was discharged
with bad bruising.
(Shropshire Star – 10 November
2008)
UK: Huntsman in horrific accident
A hunt follower was horrifically injured when he fell from his horse - and was impaled on the horn of his hunting
whip. Tom Pitman, 38, was riding with the Beaufort Hunt when his horse Winston smashed through a gate and threw him off. He landed on the handle of his whip, which punched a two-and-a-half inch hole into
his back below his shoulder blade. Hunt secretary Nigel Maidment dialled 999 and Tom was airlifted to Frenchay Hospital in
Bristol, where he was kept in overnight and discharged the following day.
(Gazette & Herald – 10 November 2008)
Diss - England – UK: Woman airlifted to hospital after being kicked during clipping
A woman was airlifted to hospital with serious chest injuries on Wednesday after being kicked by a horse.
The 38-year-old was clipping a horse at Hill Farm in Bressingham when it kicked her "square
in the chest".
She suffered broken ribs
and a possible fractured sternum and was taken to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital because of its cardio-thorasics
capabilities.
(Diss Express – 5 November 2008)
Auckland - New Zealand: Horse falls on top jockey »
One
of the country's leading female jockeys is thankful to be alive tonight after she was pinned beneath a half-tonne horse in
a freak accident.
Trudy Thornton was
riding at Ellerslie Racecourse when - seconds into the race - her horse suddenly collapsed and died before it even hit the
ground.
(3 News NZ - 30 November 2008)
Austrailia:
Hugh Jackman's near death experience »
"Hugh Jackman
dodged death during a horse-riding stunt on the set of new movie Australia, thanks to the stuffy rules set by the film's safety officer. Jackman
was left red-faced when the officer, on-set on the insistence of the film's insurers, forced him to wear a helmet and padding
for a training exercise with a bucking horse.
But the precaution saved him from a certain death, when the horse violently
threw him on the ground."
(Contactmusic.com - 27 November 2008)
Melton Mowbray – Leicestershire – UK: Warning after horse is killed in horror crash »
Riders who were involved in a horrific accident that killed a horse are calling on drivers to
be wary on country roads.
(Melton Today
- 24 December 2008)
Nottingham - England - UK: Horse woman's death 'accidental'
An inquest jury has returned a verdict of accidental death in the case of a
Nottinghamshire woman who was kicked in the head by a horse. Lucie Simpson, 20, from Carlton, died in May at the West Bridgford
Equestrian Centre, after helping a vet with a mare and its foal. Nottingham Coroner's Court heard the vet had tried to resuscitate
her but she died from bleeding on the brain.
(BBC News Online – 14 November 2008)
UK: 
Lantra’s latest issue of Connect is the magazine for everyone with an
interest in the environmental and land-based industries. Its inclusion of a special four-page feature all about Lantra’s
summer Skills for Our Nation campaign makes it the biggest issue to date. Its 48 pages are packed full of information, news
of events and inspiring case studies. Equine and Farriery information can be found on pages 32 to 35.
Access the publication »
UK: Equistudy - ‘Good yards Safe yards’
‘Good yards Safe yards’ is a new mini-magazine from Equistudy with
tips from top professionals designed to help everyone get the most out of their time spent with horses - safely.
Download the latest edition » 
UK: The Bulletin
The Bulletin is a hidden gem for anyone interested in equestrian access
issues. Produced by the Access Department of the British Horse Society it provides updates on equestrian access issues through
a free monthly email newsletter. For more information and to see a sample of
the newsletter visit the BHS Access off - road riding page.
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In what is believed to be the first of its kind, an internet-based survey has
been launched to measure the extent and consequences of horse-related injury across the USA, Britain and Australia. The survey
was developed by Dr Patricia Evans at Utah State University, and has been adapted for wider international use with help from
Ken Law, editor of the UK-based website Riding Safely and Denzil O'Brien, who has recently completed a 5-year surveillance
program on risks in eventing. It is being co-hosted by the Equestrian Federation of Australia.
The survey is aimed at anyone who has suffered a horse-related injury and asks
questions across a broad range of equestrian activities and disciplines. Some questions have a distinct USA or UK focus and
should be answered accordingly. The survey should only take a few minutes to complete. “This is possibly the first time
that such a survey has been undertaken across such a wide range of potential respondents, and we believe that it will
provide valuable information on the extent and cost of horse-related injury in our sector.” said Denzil O’Brien.
“We are hoping to obtain richer information than that previously gained through hospitals.”
The survey and data analysis are being undertaken through Utah State University.
Under US law it can only be completed by people aged 18 or over. Anyone taking part will not be asked for identifying information
- data gathered will be used statistically not descriptively.
“We’ve had such surveys in the past but these have normally been
limited to individual countries” said Ken Law “running the survey simultaneously across three countries and gaining
comparable data may prove of enormous benefit in improving safety internationally – I urge everyone to take part”.
Click here to take part in the survey that runs until 28 February 2009.
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Ü UK: The Barefoot Trimmers National Occupational Standards Consultation
Lantra, the Sector Skills Council for the environmental
and land-based industries, is holding an initial consultation meeting on Wednesday 4 February 2009 regarding the development
of National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Equine Barefoot Trimming.
Currently there are no National Occupational Standards
for this area of work and their development was a key recommendation from Lantra's Paraprofessionals research report: titled
'An investigative study of Barefoot Trimmers and Equine Dental Technicians'.
Lantra's industry partnership manager for the equine industry
and Professions Allied to Veterinary Science, Lisa Jarvis said: "National Occupational
Standards describe the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to do a particular task or job. One of the uses for these
standards is using them as building blocks for qualifications, so ensuring that these are right and meet businesses' needs
are vital to the industry's future and equine welfare." Lisa adds: "If you want to play a part in developing these standards, then join Lantra on Wednesday 4 February, at
an initial consultation meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to establish industry requirements for National Occupational
Standards to ensure that they are fit for purpose."
If you would like to participate in the initial NOS development
meeting, please contact Lantra on 0845 707 8007 or email connect@lantra.co.uk
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Ü UK: (DEFRA) Consultation launched on changes to horse identification
legislation
Defra has launched a consultation
to revise the existing equine identification legislation. The consultation period runs from 10th November 2008 to 10 February
2009.
The main requirement for the new Horse Identification legislation is the compulsory
microchipping of foals born after 1 July 2009. This requirement will not be retrospective for older horses.
Under the current legislation, all equidae are required to have identification.
The new regulation aims to improve this current method of identification by linking each ID issued to an electronic microchip
implanted into the animal. Linking the microchip and ID, which are both recorded as a unique life number on a national database,
will reduce risks to human health by stopping certain animals entering the food chain, help disease surveillance, and aid
recovery of lost or stolen horses.
The purpose of the consultation is to seek views on draft Regulations intended
to apply Commission Regulation (EC) No 504/2008 in England. The consultation document is confined to the application of a
number of derogations provided for in the Regulation, along with new offences created and penalties for non compliance.
The consultation can be found at http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/equine-id/index.htm
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Ü UK: New Forest National Park Plan Consultation Draft - update
The draft National Park Plan sets out the long-term vision and objectives for
the National Park, together with the policies and actions for the next 5 years and beyond. It combines two important statutory
documents in a single integrated plan. These are the National Park Management Plan and the Local Development Framework Core
Strategy including Development Control policies. It is hoped that this will make the overall approach proposed for the National
Park clearer for interested organisations and individuals.
The formal consultation on the draft National Park Plan and draft Recreation
Management Strategy closed on Friday 14 November.
The Authority received around 9,000 responses to the draft Park Plan and the
draft Recreation Management Strategy. The figure is made up of 900 completed response forms, letters or e-mails from individuals
and organisations, of which initial analysis suggests that 65% have raised objections to the recreational horse-keeping policy;
900 standard letters or variations of the letter from NFDOG; and approximately 7,200 signatures on a petition by the Forest
Uprising Group.
Find out more »
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New Zealand: Fireworks spook horse to its death
Fireworks set off next to the Te Atatu Pony Club spooked a horse named Kracker, causing it to bolt and badly wound
itself. The horse was injured so severely that it had to be put down, leaving
its 14-year-old owner devastated.
(TVNZ - 29 October 2008)
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| Click to see more pictures |
BETA International, which celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2009,
is the world’s foremost equestrian and country trade exhibition. Admission is strictly trade only.
Researchers from BBC2’s Dragons’ Den show will be attending the
trade exhibition seeking potential equestrian entrepreneurs with ingenious products and market-ready business plans.
Dragons’ Den has previously attended BETA International. But for the
first time this year, the production team plans to conduct on-camera auditions with filming taking place during the exhibition.
Pictured above is the sand sculpture completed by Andrew Baynes; the result of three days performance art that took centre stage at last year's show.
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Ü UK: Find out how apprenticeships can benefit
your business with LANTRA - 23 to 27 February 2009
Lantra is pleased to host a number of free events in support
of Apprenticeship Week in England (23 - 27 February 2009) to raise awareness of apprenticeships in the environmental and land-based
industries and highlight how they can benefit your business.
These inspiring and interactive events will include a range
of informative presentations from apprentices, training providers and employers currently engaged in a range of exciting apprenticeship
programmes.
National Director for England, Madge Moore, said: "Apprenticeships
have a central role to play helping firms maintain and improve business productivity during the economic downturn and these
events will give businesses the opportunity to find out how."
Come and join us at one of the following events:
Monday 23 February, 10.30am - 2.00pm,
Myerscough College - includes free entrance to the golf simulator
Tuesday 24 February, 6.00pm - 9.00pm,
Corporate Training Centre at Elm Bank, Coventry - includes a floristry masterclass
Wednesday 25 February, 12.30pm, Wolverhampton
Racecourse - includes free entrance into the races
Thursday 26 February, 10.30am - 2.00pm,
British Racing School, Newmarket - includes access to a training provider marketplace
Friday 27 February, 10.30am - 2.00pm,
Duchy College, Cornwall.
For more information or to book your place visit www.lantra.co.uk/apprenticeships
email events@lantra.co.uk or call 0845 707 8007.
Deadline for registrations is Wednesday 18th February 2009.
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Ü South West - UK: Equestrian
development in the Mendip Hills AONB meetings - 2&3 March 2009
On Monday 2nd March at Westbury-sub-Mendip Village Hall, and on Tuesday
3rd March at Bleadon Youth Club Hall 7.00 to 9.15 pm, meetings will be held to highlight the importance of good practice in
equestrian activities.
Organised by the Mendip Hills AONB Service, AONB Planning Liaison Officer Jonathan Richards said
‘In recent years there has been a significant increase of farm land in and around the AONB being used for equestrian
activity. We recognise the pleasure that horse keeping and riding can bring and the benefits that equestrian development may
have to local economies. We want to promote good pasture management to reduce the impact on wildlife habitats and ensure that
new equestrian buildings fit into the landscape.’
The meetings will have presentations from an expert in equestrian
matters and landscape protection who has been pioneering regional guidance in SE England, and the Somerset Farming & Wildlife
Advisory Group who advise on pasture management. It is also hoped that Avon & Somerset Police will be attending to promote
the ‘Horsewatch’ scheme. There will be opportunity to ask questions and discuss relevant issues.
The meetings
are aimed at equestrian businesses, landowners and people keeping horses in the AONB, as well as local elected councillors
who comment on proposals for equestrian development.
You will find the suggested programme by clicking on Equestrian Workshops Programme
Whilst there is no charge for attending, please book a place by contacting Mendip Hills AONB Service
on 01761 462338 or email mendiphills@somerset.gov.uk
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Ü Ireland: Cross-country course design seminar - 8 March 2009
The Association of Irish Riding Clubs in conjunction with Eventing Ireland
and the Equestrian Skillnet are holding a seminar on cross-country course design.
It will take place at Gurteen College, Co. Tipperary on Sunday 8th March 2009,
running from 10.30 to 15.30 and costs €20.
This seminar will give participants an insight into designing and creating
cross-country courses and fences to allow horses and riders to train and compete to a high standard.
It will also facilitate riders moving up the levels and give them the skills
to competently negotiate the challenges that lie before across country.
A strong emphasis will be placed on safety and issues concerning the safety
of designing fences.
The sessions will be led by Tony Ennis
(A.I.R.C.) & John Swanton (Eventing Ireland).
Tony Ennis, chairman of A.I.R.C., has designed the cross-country course at
Gurteen College and it has since been modified by Ian Stark (British Olympic Eventer).
John Swanton, former chairman of Eventing Ireland, has stewarded at many international
horse trials in Ireland. John has assisted with the design and building of some
courses including his own at Ashmount.
To book a place, contact Cathy Cooper on 045 - 854 514 or email ccooper@horsesportireland.ie
This event is subsidised by the Equestrian Skillnet
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Ü UK: National Equine Forum - 31
March 2009
The National Equine Forum is a high profile annual event that is held at the
Royal Society in London. The audience includes invited leaders of the various disciplines and interests in the horse world,
and is normally attended by Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal and the Minister for the Horse Industry. There are a small
number of tickets available on a first come first served basis for paying guests at a cost of £100 for the day’s event,
including a buffet lunch. The Forum provides an outstanding opportunity for networking with the leaders of the horse industry,
and represents exceptional value for money for those wishing to engage in continuing professional development.
The 2009 Forum will be held from 0930 to 1600 on Tuesday 31 March. It is a
not-for-profit event that investigates topics of current interest and concern in a non-partisan and non-commercial fashion,
with plenty of time for questions. Topics selected are always relevant and frequently controversial. Expressions of support
in debate at the Forum can often lead to initiatives going forward, as for example with the formation of the British Grooms
Association.
The 2009 Forum will include the following topics:
· Feed, including papers on the impact of biofuels
and world food demand, the advantages and disadvantages of additives, and the risks of accidental doping from cross-contamination
· Whether the equestrian world is hobby, sport, recreation
or industry
· Progress in setting up the British Grooms Association
· The implications of recent Government policies
on developments in work based learning
· A coordinated presentation by the Worshipful Companies
of Saddlers, Loriners and Farriers
· Olympic and Paralympic Games, looking back to performances
in 2008, and forward to the selection of locations in 2012
· Undergraduate thesis of the year
· Topical spot, this year looking at vaccines and
the BEVA laminitis study
If you would like to apply for a ticket, please contact the Hon Secretary,
Mrs Tracy Lepkowska, at Warwickshire College, Moreton Morrell, Warwick, CV35 9BL email TLEPKOWSKA@WARKSCOL.AC.UK
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Ü "In sicknes and
in health"
The ‘In sickness and in health’ fundraising campaign is designed
to support the BHS’s work of preventing the suffering of thousands of horses and ponies, which it does by providing
expert advice across a broad range of equine topics.
Read more »
Ü Breaking
the Strangles hold
In February 2007, the Animal Health Trust (AHT) and British Horse Society (BHS)
launched a nationwide Strangles Campaign, which has two aims. The first is to raise awareness of this dreadful equine plague,
and the second is to gain support for the research programme.
For this, the target is to raise £250,000 to fund research into the next stages
of the development of improved means of diagnosis and prevention – ultimately to eradicate this terrible disease.
The campaign was launched by the President of the AHT, HRH The Princess Royal,
at the Royal Society of Medicine in London. It continues to make great progress, with the total raised so far standing at
£159,000.
For more information about Strangles and the campaign visit www.strangles.org
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Riding Hats/Helmets
Ü Riding hats and helmets are just different terms used to describe the same thing -
protective headwear.
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07596 618787
Go to the HSE’s 
