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New horse, saddle and rider study

Riders called on to help research into saddle slip

The Animal Health Trust (AHT) is conducting new research into the relationship between horse, saddle and rider to help improve the health and welfare of ridden horses.

In particular, equine vets at the trust are aiming to improve understanding of why the saddle may persistently slip to one side in some horses.

"Saddle slip is a problem seen in all sorts of horses and ponies and can contribute to back pain and thus impaired performance," says Line Greve, PhD student and co-author of the study.


"Research suggests that 25 per cent of British dressage horses have a history of back-related problems and subsequent reduced performance."
An anonymous online questionnaire has been launched and the AHT is appealing for riders to participate.


The questions cover saddle types, fitting, use and maintenance, as well as previous back-related problems, rider experience and training.


Mr Greve added: "Our preliminary studies involve just over 700 riders but for a more accurate picture we would like to bump this figure up to 1000 plus."


Results are expected to be presented at the Saddle Research Trust Conference in 2014.


Click here to complete the questionnaire.

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.