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Survey finds UK's senior horses in good condition
Regarding exercise, 62.8 per cent of horses were still in ridden work, but 72.9 of these were in light work, or slowing down.
Older equines predominantly healthy and active, respondents say.

In a survey on senior horses, it was revealed that 78 per cent of seniors in the UK were considered to be in good condition.

Highlighting a great sense of care for senior horses in the UK, SPILLERS undertook the survey to understand more about senior horse care and nutrition.

More than 12,000 horse owners completed the survey, and of these, 32.7 per cent had horses aged 25 years old or more. The results showed that 65.5 per cent of senior horse owners considered their horse to be classed as senior at 20 years old or higher. 

Of the owners and carers surveyed, most reported that their horse was predominantly healthy and active, with 78 per cent in good condition, 10 per cent classified as overweight and 12 per cent classified as underweight.

In total, 25.8 per cent of seniors in the survey has no known clinical or health-related issues. Signs of stiffness or arthritis were reported in 44 per cent of the horses, while 15.2 per cent had Pars Pituitary Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID), and 15.2 per cent experienced dental issues.

Claire Dyett, from SPILLERS, commented on the results: Congratulations to all the owners and carers of senior horses as well as the equine industry as a whole for playing their part in helping our treasured senior horses and ponies grow old gracefully.

“It’s a real achievement that our seniors are ageing later and staying healthy and active in their older years. While almost a third are recorded as having PPID or dental issues, this is perhaps to be expected because horses are living longer.” 

The survey also revealed UK owners' loyalty to their senior horses, with 58 per cent having owned their senior for over 11 years. Of those surveyed, 99.3 per cent of owners said that they intended to keep their horse for the rest of its life. 

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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.