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Support for horse welfare during COVID-19
"The coronavirus pandemic has caused immense difficulties for many areas across the equestrian industry."
Initiative to help alleviate financial strain on BHS riding schools.

A Hardship Fund to support the welfare of horses and ponies during the COVID-19 pandemic has been launched by the British Horse Society (BHS).

The Fund is specifically aimed to help BHS-approved riding schools who have been financially impacted by the outbreak and is designed to support any costs that go towards the health and wellbeing of equines under their care.

Each school has been allocated a payment of £750, made possible by contributions from BHS National, Regional and County Committees. The BHS has also been able to access several of their restricted funds, held aside for welfare specific purposes.

“The coronavirus pandemic has caused immense difficulties for many areas across the equestrian industry and riding schools have been hit particularly hard,” said James Hick, chief executive officer at The British Horse Society. “As their income stopped on March 23rd but the need to look after the wellbeing of horses continues at a high cost.

“The welfare of horses is at the heart of everything the BHS does, and we are working incredibly hard to help support our Approved Ridings Schools through these unsettling times. We hope that this Hardship Fund will help alleviate some of the financial strain riding schools are currently facing, whilst also serving to protect the health and wellbeing of the horses and ponies under their care.”

In addition to the Hardship Fund, the BHS has pledged to waiver all approved centre membership fees for the next 12 months and will be launching a donations appeal in the coming weeks to help provide further support.

The BHS has contacted its approved riding schools with details on how to apply for the funding. Schools that have not yet received communication are encouraged to contact the BHS Approvals team approvals@bhs.org.uk or call 024768 40500. 

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
Germany livestock import ban lifted

The UK government has amended its ban on the import of livestock, meat and dairy products from Germany.

Defra said the decision follows 'rigorous technical assessment' of the measures applied and the current situation. "If the situation changes, we will not hesitate to take necessary action in response to the FMD outbreaks in the European Union to protect our domestic biosecurity," it said.

The ban was implemented in January following an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) near Berlin. Personal imports of meat, milk and dairy products will remain in place at a country level.