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Equine vet runs for ‘Free Spirit’ memorial
Image (C) Steve Russell
An artists' impression of the sculpture that will be displayed at the National Arboretum.

Memorial pays tribute to the millions of horses that served in World War One

An equine vet is running four half-marathons this summer to raise money for the Free Spirit Horse Memorial Appeal.

Oliver King of Pool House Equine Clinic in Staffordshire hopes to raise £2,000 for the charity, which is paying tribute to the millions of horses that served in World War One.

Free Spirit are striving to fundraise £250,000 for a stunning, life sized bronze horse statue that will be displayed at the National Arboretum, the UK’s year-round centre of Remembrance.

Organisers say the statue, designed by artist Georgie Welch, will be unveiled in 2018 to coincide with the centenary anniversary marking the end of World War One.

Commenting on his Just Giving fundraising page, Oliver said: 'The ‘Free Spirit’ horse memorial is the only memorial the National Arboretum has granted to an animal in its own right.

‘As an equine veterinarian horse welfare is a passion of mine and I whole heartedly support the charity’s ethos’ that the integral role horses served in World War 1 deserved greater and wider acknowledgement.

‘Everyday I meet clients and their horses and witness the unique relationship that they share with their four legged family member. In this regard, I hope my efforts to support ‘Free Spirit’ will also help more people have the opportunity to be able to experience such an emotional connection with this truly beautiful animal.’

Oliver's challenge begins this weekend at the Lichfield Half Marathon on Sunday, 1 May. He'll then pound the pavements of Market Harborough (11 June), Tenby (10 June), and will finish on the Isle of Mull (7 August).

‘There is no particular significance to their locations, but it seems fitting to try and spread the ‘Free Spirit’ word across the UK,’ Oliver adds.

Over eight million horses, mules and donkeys lost their lives during World War One alongside their respective armies.  Horses were pivotal to the success of the army, as without them they would not have been able to pull guns, stores or equipment. 

Free Spirit are also trying to raise funds from vets to inscribe plaques on a horse shoe that will surround the sculpture. For more information about the campaign and to make a donation visit www.freespiritmemorial.co.uk.

Image (C) Steve Russell

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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...
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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.