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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.”

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS members invited to question Council candidates

RCVS members have been invited to submit questions to candidates for this year's RCVS Council election.

With 15 candidates standing for three available positions, vets have been invited to submit a question of their choosing before voting starts. These questions will be collated, with each candidate answering one question of their choice.

It is recommended that members read the candidates' biographies and statements before submitting questions. One question per member can be submitted to vetvote26@rcvs.org.uk before Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

The RCVS Council election is due to start in March.

With only two candidates for two positions on the VN Council, there will be no VN Council elections this year. Meghan Conroy RVN and Lauren Hargrave RVN will begin their three year terms at RCVS' AGM in July.