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Hoof and Macmillan team up for Blenheim Horse Trials
Offering cancer patients free lessons to boost confidence

Hoof, the British Equestrian Federation’s Olympic and Paralympic legacy project, and cancer charity Macmillan have teamed up for the Fidelity Blenheim International Horse trials.

Macmillan, the chosen charity for the horse trials, and Hoof showcased Henry, the mechanical horse, who provided the perfect opportunity for prospective and lapsed riders to regain confidence in the saddle, offering free rides and rosettes for everyone.

Courtesy of the association between the two organisations, Lesley Newport, a 55-year-old horse rider and lung cancer patient celebrated a milestone in her treatment with a trip to the horse trials.

Two years ago, Lesley received her lung cancer diagnosis and a prognosis of six months to live. She was determined to maximise and prolong her life and was encouraged to exercise and maintain her fitness.

She discovered the Take Back the Reins programme and began horse riding at her local centre, Newton Hall Equitation Centre in Ipswich.

Take Back The Reins, a Sport England funded initiative, was developed by Hoof and equestrian centres across England to provide a structured set of fun riding lessons for new or lapsed riders to give them confidence in the saddle.

Commenting on the programme, Lesley said: "When someone says to you that you are going to die you wake up every day thinking is it today, and I think the mere fact of going to the stables, seeing the horses and creating a new group of friends that I have a shared interest with, coupled with the support from Macmillan is such an inspiration to get better."

Sara Rawnsley, Macmillan fundraising manager for Oxfordshire, said: "Lesley has so much energy and refuses to let cancer be the end of doing things she loves. Hearing how much riding has helped her through her cancer journey should inspire us all to find the time to do the things we love."

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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  

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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.