Redwings Horse Sanctuary has today (30 March) announced the closure of two of its visitor centres, Redwings Mountains in Forfar, Angus, and Redwings Oxhill in Warwickshire, following a staff consultation.Thirty three staff have been made redundant, 12 at Mountains and 21 at Oxhill, and the centres are closed to visitors with immediate effect. Redwings remaining visitor centres in Norfolk and Essex are operating as normal.All the resident horses, ponies and donkeys will be relocated to Redwings sites in Norfolk, and this includes the charitys Adoption Stars. Anyone who supports Redwings by sponsoring a horse or donkey at one of these centres will receive further information about this in due course.This is an incredibly sad day for the charity, said Chief Executive Lynn Cutress. All the affected staff have been offered wellbeing support and help to find alternative employment wherever possible. I would like to personally thank them all most sincerely for their hard work and dedication to Redwings.Neither of these centres took in rescue cases directly and so the closure of these sites does not affect our ability to rescue horses from anywhere in the country, as we have always done. Redwings will continue to help horses in need, wherever and whenever we can. However, closing the centres will save vital and significant operating costs long-term, allowing us to secure the future of the 1000+ rescued horses in our Sanctuary care who rely on us every day.Businesses and charities across the country are struggling severely Redwings is certainly not alone. Costs have risen exponentially over the last few years, and we have needed to use our savings, known as reserves, for the past four years to fill the gap between our income and expenditure, which is something we knew was not sustainable in the long term. We have been in a period of financial review for nearly two years, including seeking specialist external advice, and although we always hoped it would not be necessary to make such major changes, with the economic climate as it is and fluctuating almost daily, our Board of Trustees simply had no choice.Although these closures will make a significant difference, we continue to need your support, and anything you can give at this time would be greatly appreciated. We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has already donated or offered their support at this incredibly painful time. We have been overwhelmed by your kind messages and donations and are so very grateful.Redwings Oxhill has been operating as a visitor centre for almost twenty years and Redwings Mountains became part of the Redwings family following a merger in 2015. Due to the age, nature and location of these two centres, they are the charitys most expensive and challenging to run. Redwings is one of the largest equine welfare charities in the UK with more than 1,000 rescued horses, ponies and donkeys in its Sanctuary care and over 700 more living out in Guardian homes. The charity began in Norfolk, where it has its head office, several large sanctuary sites and two visitor centres, with one more near Harlow in Essex.To support Redwings continued work, click here.Lead image credit: Redwings Horse SanctuaryRelated contentTrio of tiny rescue donkeys join Redwings herdTen thoroughbreds find sanctuary, including one of thinnest seen by RedwingsRedwings launches animal welfare pledge in honour of Black BeautyIt breaks my heart that they are forced to go through this: Redwings shares video of veteran rescue ponies terrified by fireworksThe post An incredibly painful time: Redwings announces closure of two visitor centres appeared first on Your Horse.

Welcome to the debut episode of Feeding Horseswith hostStephanie Ruff.In this episode, Dr. Kelly Vineyard of EquiVine PhD Nutrition shares expert insights on spring horse nutrition, pasture management, and common concerns like metabolic health and pasture toxicity. Learn practical tips to ensure your horses health and well-being as the seasons change.At the end of the podcast comes the new segment called Viral Ideas, Real Horses. Have you ever seen a horse nutrition tip online and thought, That sounds interestingbut is it true? Well, youre not alone. In Viral Ideas, Real Horses, we break down trending nutrition topics and look at how they hold up for real horses in real barns.Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not replace professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The hosts and guests might discuss general nutrition concepts, research, and personal experiences. These discussions should not be interpreted as specific recommendations for individual horses.The creators of this podcast make no guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the information discussed. They assume no responsibility for actions taken based on the content of this podcast. They also encourage listeners to seek professional guidance before making changes to their horses diet, supplements, or healthcare program.Meet the Nutritionist:Kelly Vineyard, MS, PhDDr. Kelly Vineyard is an Equine Nutritionist and founder of EquiVine PhD Nutrition, a consultancy committed to advancing science-based equine nutrition principles to enhance horse health and performance. With over 16 years of experience in the equine feed industry, Dr. Vineyard excels in translating cutting-edge nutrition research into practical solutions. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Animal and Dairy Sciences from Auburn University and her Master of Science and Doctorate in Animal Sciences, with a focus on Equine Nutrition, from the University of Florida. Her doctorate research focused on the effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on immune function in horses. A dedicated equestrian, Dr. Vineyard is also a United States Dressage Federation Bronze and Silver Medalist.

Zomedica Corp., a veterinary health company offering diagnostic and therapeutic solutions for equine and companion animals, announced a collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc., a global leader in the animal health industry, to enhance early detection along with treatment and monitoring of pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) in horses.The collaboration integrates the TRUFORMA system into Boehringer Ingelheims idPPID awareness and testing program, enabling veterinarians to perform rapid endocrine testing at the point of care using Zomedicas equine endogenous ACTH (eACTH) and equine insulin assays.This collaboration will now enable veterinarians to perform rapid endocrine testing at the point of care that fosters prompt diagnosis and treatment. The integration of Zomedicas TRUFORMA diagnostic platform into the Boehringer Ingelheim idPPID awareness and testing program brings advantages for veterinarians and horse owners, alike.Under the agreement, Zomedica will promote the idPPID program to veterinarians within its TRUFORMA and PulseVetcustomer networks, while Boehringer Ingelheim will expand its PPID testing program to include reimbursing participating veterinarians for diagnostic testing performed with Zomedicas TRUFORMA platform and reimbursement through laboratory testing at Cornell University.Participation in the program requires no-cost placement of TRUFORMA analyzers in equine veterinary practices along with the diagnostic cartridge kits reimbursed by Boehringer, expanding the installed base of Zomedicas platform and enabling the veterinarian to reorder both the initial cartridges and the remaining equine assays available from Zomedica, including Cortisol and Progesterone.PPID, previously known as equine Cushings disease, is the most common endocrine disorder in aging horses, affecting approximately 20-25% of horses over the age of 15. This prevalence has been documented in multiple epidemiological studies, including research published in theJournal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, which reported that roughly one-fifth of horses over 15 years of age show evidence of PPID based on endocrine testing (McFarlane et al.,Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2018).The program will utilize Zomedicas TRUFORMAequine endogenous ACTH (eACTH) assay, which recent comparative evaluation data has demonstrated to have the closest agreement to reference laboratory results when compared with other commercially available assays, supporting its reliability for diagnosing PPID and monitoring treatment response.Collaborating with Boehringer Ingelheim-one of the largest and most respected companies in global animal health-represents a major milestone for Zomedica, said Larry Heaton, Chief Executive Officer of Zomedica. Their leadership in equine medicine combined with our TRUFORMA diagnostic technology creates a powerful synergy and is another critical step in our strategy.Veterinarians play a critical role in recognizing and managing PPID, and weve seen the meaningful difference that early diagnosis, treatment and whole-horse management can make,said Dwana Neal, Executive Director, US Equine Business at Boehringer Ingelheim.By collaborating with Zomedica, were expanding access to innovative diagnostic solutions and empowering veterinarians to make faster, more confident decisions-ultimately supporting better outcomes for the horses in their care, and their owners.

11 min read Last updated: January 2026 Hay is scarce, days are short, and more UK horses are spending 1218 hours stabledmaking feeding, hydration and dust control feel like a daily juggle. Learn practical ways to keep fibre and water flowing and run a low-dust stablewith quick wins from slow nets, tepid water, and 1014day feed changesso your horse stays healthy and your budget lasts longer. Quick Summary Short on time? Here are the key takeaways. Area: FibreFirst Feeding What To Do: Base the diet on forage; keep it adlib and slow intake with smallhole or double nets. Buy consistent batches early and make any changes over 1014 days. Why It Matters: Forage fuels warmth and gut health, reducing colic risk during shortages. Common Mistake: Cutting forage quantity sharply or swapping types overnight. Area: Winter Hydration What To Do: Check and refresh water morning and evening, break ice, and warm to tepid. Soak forage or feed sloppier mashes to raise intake. Why It Matters: Horses still need 2070 litres daily and drink less if water is very cold. Common Mistake: Leaving buckets to freeze or offering very cold water. Area: Reduce Stable Dust What To Do: Use lowdust, absorbent bedding, remove wet patches daily, and prepare forage outside. Keep top doors open where safe and dont block vents. Why It Matters: Reduces respiratory irritation for horses and people when stabling time rises. Common Mistake: Shaking out hay in the stable or storing forage overhead. Area: Clip & Rug Smart What To Do: Clip working horses, use an exercise sheet in wet or very cold weather, and choose wellfitting waterproof turnouts. Match stable rug weight to temperature, condition and clip, reassessing daily. Why It Matters: Prevents chills and rubs while avoiding overrugging. Common Mistake: Using one heavy rug regardless of weather or clip. Area: Mud & Hoof Care What To Do: Maintain daily turnout or exercise and rotate fields, using hardstanding at gateways. Check and dry legs and feet daily; use barrier cream or wellfitted turnout boots for prone horses. Why It Matters: Movement supports gut and behaviour, and early checks prevent mud fever and abscesses. Common Mistake: Leaving wet mud on overnight or turning out in dirty boots. Area: Change Gradually What To Do: Phase any diet or routine changes over 1014 days and keep some daily movement. Score condition monthly and weightape every two weeks. Why It Matters: Protects gut microbes, reduces colic risk, and flags weight trends early. Common Mistake: Making abrupt forage swaps or big stabling hour changes in one go. Area: Rider Winter Safety What To Do: Wear hivis on every hack, keep your phone charged, and use waterproof, grippy boots. Agree an emergency plan with your yard and vet. Why It Matters: Improves visibility and response when daylight and weather are poor. Common Mistake: Hacking in low light without hivis or leaving without contact details. Area: Cut Forage Waste What To Do: Feed from nets or corner feeders, lay rubber mats in hay areas, and sweep up daily. Site feeders on firm ground to prevent trampling and contamination. Why It Matters: Saves bales and keeps forage clean, stretching tight supplies safely. Common Mistake: Dropping loose hay on muddy floors or overstocking one feeding spot. In This Guide What UK horse owners are facing this winter How to feed through the UK hay crisis How to keep your horse drinking 2070L/day in winter How to cut stable dust and protect respiratory health When to clip and what rugs to use in UK winter How to manage mud, hooves and turnout safely How to adjust routines without risking colic What UK riders should do to stay safe and efficient this winter Short days, mud, and tightening forage supplies are testing UK yards this winter. With hay yields hit hard by 2025s dry spring and more horses stabled for longer, a smart, welfare-first plan is essential.Key takeaway: Prioritise fibre and hydration, keep changes gradual, and use low-dust management in the stable then fine-tune rugs, turnout and hoof care to ride out the UK hay crisis safely.What UK horse owners are facing this winterUK hay yields plummeted after an exceptionally dry MarchMay 2025, pushing up forage prices and forcing early use of winter reserves. At the same time, 60.7% of horses spent 1218 hours a day stabled over winter 2025/26, increasing respiratory risks.According to Your Horses March 2026 update, reduced rainfall through spring 2025 coupled with poor autumn growth meant many owners dipped into winter forage months early and are now facing high prices as winter ends. Dr Katie Williams, Technical Manager at Dengie Horse Feeds, summarised the pressure at the 2026 National Equine Forum:In March, April and May [2025], we were experiencing significantly reduced levels of moisture, rainfall... Yields plummeted, meaning that when producers came to harvest, there was not much to go for... people are really starting to struggle, having to pay a huge amount for forage.In parallel, the Bedmax Equine Health & Bedding Survey 2026 found over half of owners reported equine health problems, with respiratory issues topping concerns; 45.51% had horses with health problems needing treatment or stopping riding, and one in three owners reported their own respiratory symptoms linked to stables. With more time indoors and hay harder to source, winter 2025/26 demands careful, evidence-led management.How to feed through the UK hay crisisBase the diet on forage (chewing up to 18 hours a day) and stretch supplies safely using slow feeding, smart turnout, and early purchasing. Forage is your horses internal heating system, so dont compromise fibre even when hay is tight.The British Horse Society (BHS) stresses the thermogenic value of fibre:Forage acts as an in-built heating system and keeps horses warm by creating heat as it breaks down the fibre in their digestive system.Practical steps to ride out shortages:Plan fibre first: Keep ad-lib forage for good doers by slowing intake rather than cutting quantity. Use double-netting or small-hole nets to extend eating time and reduce waste.Buy early where possible: As Your Horse reports, prices rise as winter ends; secure consistent batches to avoid abrupt dietary changes.Section winter grazing: Fence off areas early and rotate to preserve swards, hand-graze when conditions allow, and always provide a forage source if grass is sparse.Keep changes gradual: Any shift in forage type or amount should be phased over 1014 days to reduce colic risk (BHS and SRUC).Support the gut: Where workloads or forage types vary, consider targeted digestive supplements to help maintain condition and consistency through winter management changes.Quick tip: Lay down rubber mats in hay areas, use tidy corner feeders, and sweep up daily reducing wastage can save a surprising number of bales across a yard.On a budget? Keep an eye on our rotating deals in The Secret Tack Room clearance for yard essentials.How to keep your horse drinking 2070L/day in winterCheck water at least twice daily, break ice, and add hot water to boost temperature; aim for roughly 10 litres per 100 kg body weight (2070 L/day for most horses). Soak forage or make feeds sloppy to raise fluid intake in cold snaps.The RSPCA warns water intake often drops in freezing weather even though horses still need 2070 litres a day; the SRUC adds that horses dislike very cold water and recommends warming it:Horses do not like to drink very cold water; add some hot water daily to water buckets to raise the temperature... Soak forage to increase water intake.Make it routine:Morning and evening checks: Remove ice, top up, and raise temperature safely with hot water (tepid, not hot).Encourage drinking: Floating a few apple slices, adding a pinch of salt, or feeding slightly sloppier mashes can help; confirm with your vet for horses on restricted diets.Stable-side solutions: Use insulated buckets or safe heaters where permitted; place buckets away from draughts to reduce icing.Quick tip: Keep a dedicated, food-safe kettle and a winter hydration kit by the yard tap so you dont skip warming water when its bitterly cold.How to cut stable dust and protect respiratory healthSwitch to low-dust, highly absorbent bedding and maximise ventilation to reduce respiratory problems in stabled horses. Daily, thorough mucking out and dry floors limit ammonia and spores that irritate airways.Respiratory problems were the top health concern in the 2026 Bedmax survey, with over half of owners reporting equine health issues and one in three owners affected themselves. With 60.7% of horses stabled 1218 hours a day, bedding choice matters more than ever. Surveyed owners prioritised absorbency, low dust, hygiene, and quality and 70% preferred supporting local retailers.What good practice looks like:Ventilation first: Keep upper doors open where safe, avoid blocking grills, and skip storing hay directly overhead in tight spaces.Low-dust management: Choose low-dust bedding and remove wet patches daily. Avoid shaking out hay in the stable; prepare forage outside.Stable routine: Muck out before bringing horses in and allow dust to settle. Sweep aisles to keep the whole block cleaner.At Just Horse Riders, we recommend pairing low-dust bedding with consistent yard hygiene and suitable grooming tools to reduce coat dust before rugging or riding. Where extra support is needed, carefully selected respiratory supplements can complement management.When to clip and what rugs to use in UK winterClip horses in regular work to prevent sweating and chills, then use an exercise sheet and appropriate turnout or stable rugs to protect from wet and cold. Avoid over-rugging unclipped horses, who often stay warm if well-fed and sheltered.The BHS advises clipping working horses to reduce sweat and post-ride chills, adding that an exercise sheet helps where the coat is removed over the back and hindquarters:If your horses coat is removed from their back and hindquarters, an exercise sheet may be beneficial in wet or very cold conditions.Rugging pointers for UK conditions:Outdoors: Choose waterproof, breathable turnout rugs sized correctly to prevent rubs and to allow free movement. Use shelter in fields to reduce windchill.Indoors: Match stable rug weight to temperature, condition score, and clip pattern. Well-ventilated stables reduce condensation under rugs; consider layering rather than one heavy rug to fine-tune warmth.After exercise: Use an exercise sheet in wet, windy, or very cold weather for clipped horses, especially when warming up, cooling down, or hacking.At Just Horse Riders, we recommend building a small, flexible rug wardrobe: a lightweight and a mediumweight stable rug, plus at least one reliable turnout rug for the British drizzle-to-downpour spectrum.Quick tip: Reassess daily. If ears are hot and your horse is sweaty at the shoulder or girth line indoors, step down a rug weight. If hes tucked up and cold behind the elbow, step up gradually.How to manage mud, hooves and turnout safelyMaintain daily turnout or exercise with shelter provided, rotate fields to prevent poaching, and check legs/hooves daily for mud fever and abscesses. Choose better-drained paddocks in wet spells and bring in if conditions become unsafe.Both the RSPCA and SRUC emphasise the importance of turnout and movement, even when reduced, to prevent boredom, stress, and colic. With UK meteorological winter bringing relentless damp, protect your fields by rotating and resting sections; use hardstanding around gates and feeders where possible to minimise mud build-up.Daily checks that pay off:Legs: Rinse or brush off heavy mud, dry thoroughly, and look for scabs or heat consistent with mud fever. Apply suitable barrier creams as advised by your vet or hoofcare professional.Feet: Pick out hooves at least once daily. Watch for a strong digital pulse, heat, or sudden lameness that could signal an abscess.Protection: Consider well-fitted turnout boots or bandages for horses prone to mud fever, ensuring theyre kept clean and dry between uses.For clean-up and skin care, a well-stocked grooming kit makes the job faster and more thorough in winter light.How to adjust routines without risking colicMake any management or dietary changes over 1014 days, keep some daily turnout or exercise, and track condition monthly with fortnightly weight checks. Allow modest winter weight loss in good doers but watch overweight horses for laminitis risks.The BHS and SRUC both recommend gradual change to protect gut health and reduce colic risk, especially when shifting from grass to hay or altering stabling hours. Combine this with simple monitoring habits:Body condition scoring: Check monthly using a consistent method; record crest fat and girth changes.Weight tracking: Use yard weighbridges where available or a weigh tape every two weeks.Workload: Keep regular low-impact exercise if turnout is limited to support motility and behaviour.Quick tip: Set calendar reminders for condition and weight checks. Small, regular notes help you spot trends before they become problems.Where diets become more static indoors, targeted supplements for digestive or joint support can help maintain condition and comfort through the colder months.What UK riders should do to stay safe and efficient this winterWear hi-vis for every hack in low light, keep your feet dry and supported with robust riding boots, and agree an emergency plan with your yard and vet. Consistent routines help you and your horse cope with short days and wet weather.With limited daylight and more roadwork between showers, make yourself visible and comfortable:See and be seen: Equip yourself with hi-vis gear and ensure your phone is charged before leaving the yard.Footing matters: Choose waterproof, grippy horse riding boots for stable chores and wet yard surfaces.Emergency-ready: Keep your vets number on the stable door, ensure your horse is registered, and discuss contingency plans for frozen pipes, power cuts, and transport.Given the Bedmax finding that one in three owners reported respiratory issues, your own health counts too. Good ventilation, low-dust bedding, and mucking out before horses come in will help protect you as well as them.FAQsHow much forage does my horse need in winter?Forage should form the basis of the diet, with horses spending up to 18 hours a day chewing; increase fibre when grass is scarce because it also helps keep them warm. The BHS highlights that fibre breakdown generates heat, acting like an in-built heating system essential in cold, damp UK weather.When should I clip my horse?Clip if your horse is in regular work to avoid heavy sweating and post-exercise chills. Per BHS guidance, if youve clipped the back and hindquarters, use an exercise sheet in wet or very cold conditions to protect those areas while riding.How do I prevent low water intake in freezing weather?Check and refresh water twice daily, break/remove ice, and add hot water to make it tepid. Aim for roughly 10 litres per 100 kg body weight (about 2070 L/day), and increase moisture by soaking forage or making feeds sloppier as advised by RSPCA and SRUC.Is full winter turnout still common in the UK?No more horses are spending longer stabled due to mud, field preservation, and management practicality. The 2026 Bedmax survey reported 60.7% of UK horses were stabled 1218 hours per day in winter 2025/26.What early signs of winter-related respiratory issues should I watch for?Look for persistent coughing, nasal discharge, flared nostrils or increased breathing effort at rest, and reduced performance. Reduce dust in the stable, improve ventilation, and consult your vet promptly if signs persist; respiratory problems were the top concern in the 2026 Bedmax survey.How can I manage hay shortages safely?Secure forage early, slow feeding with small-hole nets, and rotate/section winter grazing to protect pasture. The 2025/26 hay crisis followed extremely dry spring months and poor autumn growth, so planning and consistency are critical this year.What rugs do I actually need?For most yards, a reliable waterproof turnout rug plus one or two stable rugs lets you layer according to clip, condition, and temperature. Reassess daily and avoid over-rugging fibre intake and shelter contribute significantly to warmth.Ready to streamline your winter routine? Build a dust-smart stable, keep fibre and water flowing, and finetune rugs and turnout to suit your horse. For tried-and-tested gear that makes winter easier, explore our curated ranges, from turnout rugs to grooming essentials and check The Secret Tack Room for smart savings. Shop the Essentials Everything mentioned in this guide, ready to browse. Shop Turnout RugsShop Stable RugsShop SupplementsShop Grooming KitShop Boots & Bandages

The first of 6 legs of the 2026 DAFM Showjumping Studbook Series kicked off in Tipperary Equestrian on Saturday. This series is funded under National Breeding Services by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with a total prize fund of 90,000.Over 100 horses and rider combinations too part over the three age groups. Over 50% of the five-year-olds delivered a double clear round including Deirdre Doyle on Tangeliza (ISH).There were also a strong number of clears in the six-year-old section with twenty-six out of the thirty-nine competitors jumping a double clear. Among these clears was the Tholm Keane riding a homebred Kereen Miss Krafty (ISH)Best of the seven-year-olds on the day was the Marion Hughes owned HHS Lexington (ISH) ridden by Max Foley. The combination topped a field of thirty horses with the fastest of the sixteen double clears. Second place went to Coen Williams riding Parc Violeta (ISH) with Gemma Phelan and Lance Corporal taking third.Breeding:Tangeliza (ISH): 2021 mare by Tangelo Van De Zuuthoeve (BWP), out of Done Cruising (ISH), by Cruising (ISH)(TIH). Bred by Tom Doyle, County Wexford. (Image 1)Kereen Miss Krafty (ISH): 2020 mare by Lucky Luck (KWPN), out of Krafty Kate (ISH), by Diamond Serpent (ISH). Bred by Stephen Keane, county Waterford. (Image 2)HHS Lexington (ISH): 2019 gelding by Luidam (KWPN), out of HHS Chantilly Lace (ISH), by Cavalier Royale (HOLST). Bred by Anne Hughes, county Kilkenny. (Image 3)Parc Violeta (ISH): 2019 mare by Kannan (KWPN), out of Ulanda D (KWPN), by Emilion (KWPN). Bred by Paula Williams, county Clare.Lance Corporal (ISH): 2019 gelding by Corporal VDL (WESTF), out of LV-Firefly (AES), by Jai-Ho (AES). Bred by Louise Thompson, county FermanaghThe DAFM Studbook Series is funded by the DAFM under National Breeding Services.The post DAFM Studbook Series kicks off at Tipperary Equestrian appeared first on .

On March 26, a 15-year-old Paint mare in Genesee County, Michigan, tested positive for strangles. This is the third confirmed strangles case at the premises; the first case was confirmed in November, and the second was confirmed in January. The sick horse is quarantined.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About StranglesStranglesin horses is an infection caused byStreptococcus equisubspeciesequiand spread through direct contact with other equids or contaminated surfaces. Horses that arent showing clinical signs can harbor and spread the bacteria, and recovered horses remain contagious for at least six weeks, with the potential to cause outbreaks long-term.Infected horses can exhibit a variety of clinical signs:FeverSwollen and/or abscessed lymph nodesNasal dischargeCoughing or wheezingMuscle swellingDifficulty swallowingVeterinarians diagnose horses using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing with either a nasal swab, wash, or an abscess sample, and they treat most cases based on clinical signs, implementing antibiotics for severe cases. Overuse of antibiotics can prevent an infected horse from developing immunity. Most horses make a full recovery in three to four weeks.A vaccine is available but not always effective. Biosecurity measures of quarantining new horses at a facility and maintaining high standards of hygiene and disinfecting surfaces can helplower the risk of outbreakorcontain one when it occurs.

HSI are delighted to engage with the Irish Equine Centre (IEC) to host a practical workshop for the Environmental Hygiene Testing scheme. The Environmental Scheme is funded by National Breeding Services, with thanks to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and delivered by Horse Sport Ireland.When: Friday 17th of April, 10am- 2pmWhere: RACE Training AcademyTickets AVAILABLE HERECost to attend the event is 20, however, all attendees will be able to avail of fully funded testing from the IEC, under the scheme, worth approx. 630.The workshop will include the following:A short classroom discussion round the tests completed and why they are an important aspect of managing your breeding programme.A practical demonstration and walkthrough of how the testing is doneSupport on how to interpret testing results and the reportDiscussion of practical ways to implement report recommendations.Applications close on16th of April 2026.Those who do not attend the event but do wish to avail of the Environmental Testing scheme will have their test partially funded at 50%. Where attendees sign up and decide not to attend, refunds can be offered less the 5 admin fee. For more information on the scheme and to apply directly, CLICK HEREThe post Environmental Testing Scheme Workshop appeared first on .

Politician Lee Dillon is continuing his campaign to improve road safety for riders hacking a horse by presenting a public petition in the House of Commons, backed by MPs from across Parliament.The petition calls for stronger legal protections and improved driver awareness. It urges the Government to embed equestrian safety in driving tests and to strengthen driver education.The move builds on Mr Dillons wider campaign, which has already included a Westminster Hall debate and Early Day Motion, and the introduction of a Private Members Bill on horse and rider road safety.Presenting the petition, the MP for Newbury highlighted ongoing risks faced by riders due to dangerous driving and lack of awareness.This campaign is about persistence, and about continuing to push until we see real change, Mr Dillon said. I have already raised this issue in Parliament, but the reality is that too many riders are still being put at risk on our roads. I continue to hear from people across the country individual riders, campaigners, organisations, and communities all sharing their experiences. This is not going away, and it is certainly not confined to Newbury.The petition has been supported by MPs such as Helen Morgan, Helen Maguire, Tim Farron, Jack Rankin, Steve Darling, John Milne, and Liz Jarvis.Its encouraging to have support from colleagues across Parliament, added Mr Dillon. This is not a partypolitical issue, its about safety.We need clearer rules, better education, and stronger enforcement to prevent accidents before they happen.I will keep working with campaigners, residents, and colleagues to ensure this issue stays firmly on the agenda.Mr Dillon has confirmed he will continue pressing ministers for action as part of his ongoing campaign.Lead image: Your Horse Library/Lucy MerrellRelated contentThis is why wearing the colour red could play a part in safer hackingCould not wearing high vis leave horse riders liable in a road accident? Solicitor answersWhy rider posture is more important while hacking than you might thinkWhy schooling is fundamental to a confident relationship so you both enjoy hackingThe post We will keep pushing until we see change: MPs mission to improve road safety continues appeared first on Your Horse.