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Pilot project helps disabled horse riders
Accessibility Mark aims to increase opportunities

A unique pilot project called Accessibility Mark is to launch this year, aiming to increase opportunities for disabled people wanting to get involved in horse riding.

The project is in response to the high demand for providing horse riding for disabled people in England, with many more people interested in riding than are currently able to do so.

Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) are behind the initiative, having collaborated with the British Equestrian Federation (BEF).

By encouraging mainstream riding centres to achieve the accreditation and become an approved centre for the scheme, riders will have more options for getting involved.

Ed Bracher, chief executive of RDA, said: "We are really excited about the launch of the Accessibility Mark.  It will enable more people to have access to riding and to high quality support and coaching.

"Equestrianism in the UK leads the world in terms of providing access to the sport as both a competitive activity and as a simple form of exercise and therapy; this new product will ensure that this continues and that we are able involve more and more people."

Research conducted in 2013 by RDA has shown clear benefits for people with a range of disabilities. For example, 80 per cent of their riders to be surveyed improved physically, 90 per cent became more confident and 82 per cent showed improved communication skills.

Sophie Wells, paralympic gold and silver medallist, said: "I never think of myself as having a disability; I think this is the same for a lot of people and the feeling of being labelled can be off putting when taking part in new things. 

"Accessibility Mark means that anyone can go into any riding centre and get involved in horse riding without making them feel different."

The British Horse Society (BHS), the Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS) and the Pony Club (TPC) have offered their support to the project and are looking to provide Accessiblity Mark in their own schools and centres.

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.