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Views sought on first-time horse ownership
Redwings are keen to learn more about people's experiences of owning a horse or pony for the first time.
Redwings charity launches survey to learn why, when and how individuals take the plunge.

Horse owners past and present are being urged to take part in a survey gathering experiences of taking on a horse or pony for the first time.

Becoming a first-time horse or pony owner is a landmark occasion, and Redwings Horse Sanctuary are keen to learn why, when and how individuals make the switch from riding lessons or helping out with friends’ horses to shouldering the responsibility of their own.

Launched on World Mental health Day (10 October), the survey also considers the considerable impact horses can have on a person's physical and mental health.

Explaining the project, Andie McPherson, Redwings’ campaigns manager, said: “We have a lot to learn about the thought processes and preparations involved when someone takes on their first horse. 
 
 “We know that horses can have a hugely positive impact in people’s lives, but there’s a concern that not getting the right horse for you, or not having support as a new owner, could increase risks to the wellbeing of both horse and human.
 
 “We’re keen to find out more so we can help support people at this exciting, but sometimes daunting, stage of their equestrian journey.”

The questionnaire, entitled ‘My First Horse’, will remain open until 18 November. Participants who complete the survey can also choose to enter a grand prize draw to win a bundle of equine goodies. 

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise 100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.