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Consensus reached on jumping surfaces
Experts meeting in Lausanne
Experts met in Lausanne to discuss a standard for surfaces in equine jumping.

Global experts meet to discuss creation of a standard

A standard will be created for arena surfaces at equine jumping events, based on discussions held at a recent meeting in Switzerland.

A group of 36 equine, veterinary and footing specialists from three continents met in the city of Lausanne for the two-day forum.

Their discussions will provide the framework for a surfaces standard, which is "a major step forward", said Professor Lars Roepstorff from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences.

The meeting took place just over a year after the publication of the Equine Surfaces White Paper, which remains the world's most extensive study of the impact of arena surfaces on equine orthopaedic health.

Delegates looked at six years' worth of research funded by the FEI - the international governing body for equestrian sports.

Included in this was research that found the performance of arena surfaces is dependent on five parameters - impact firmness, cushioning, responsiveness, grip and uniformity.

Use of the correct materials and design of surfaces, alongside proper installation and suitable maintenance, were found to be a requirement for ensuring the performance of surfaces.

Delegates agreed that these three components should evolve into standards to protect horses and riders and inform manufacturers and event organisers.

"Everyone attending the forum has practical experience of events from all over the world, and everyone voiced the need by equestrian sport to demonstrate commitment to consistent footings at major events," said Dr Mick Peterson, executive director of the Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory.

"It is critical that we retain our momentum so that we can provide consistent surfaces for all of the major events in the next year."

Image © Greg Takatch/FEI

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.