Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 20th February 2017
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

British protocol to maximise horse welfare
The British protocol is to tailor it specifically to the country’s climate and terrain.
Governing bodies to develop UK endurance strategy
 
Plans are in place to develop a British protocol to maximise horse welfare in all international endurance rides held in Great Britain.

Endurance GB (EGB) and the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) are working together to create a long-term strategy, whilst acknowledging the major challenges facing the discipline of endurance.

The British protocol will, among other things, aim to set parameters around optimum speed, heart rate and recovery times.

Steps have already been taken to improve horse welfare in endurance events internationally, by the FEI for example, but the aim with the British protocol is to tailor it specifically to the country’s climate and terrain.

It will be established by a working group led by BEF board director, Dr Tim Watson, and comprised of key stakeholders including veterinary surgeons, the National Federation, event organisers and technical delegates.

Set to be implemented as a pilot study at British events this year, the protocol will be refined after the season, based on experience gained from the events. It is hoped it will be in place for the first FEI rides of 2017, beginning at King’s Forest on 14-16 April.

Clare Salmon, BEF chief executive, commented: “Horse welfare is an ongoing priority for the BEF and EGB and by initiating this new British protocol, we hope this will ensure a safe sport in which the wellbeing of the horses is paramount. The aim of the protocol is to implement modifications that will ultimately reform the sport by changing the mind-set of trainers and riders competing in this country.”

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise £100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.