Research carried out by SEIB Insurance Brokers has revealed that gastric ulcers were the top cause of horse health insurance claims over the past five years.Gastric ulcers were directly responsible for 11% of all horse insurance claims and linked to a further 63% of colic and digestive disorder claims during that five-year period.This is according to the research which looked at data from SEIB Insurance Brokers horse insurance claims records from 2020-24.Not only are gastric ulcers a common problem, but they are also a costly issue with research showing that they were the second most expensive type of horse insurance claim. Almost half of claims for gastric ulcers (42%) cost over 3,000.Gastric ulcers (red and white areas) as seen on a gastroscope. Credit: SEIBPhysical injuriesSEIBs research showed that the second most common cause of horse insurance claims were injuries, such as visible wounds and fractures, which occurred in the stable or field. The next highest number of claims were caused by wounds and fractures that occurred when the horse was being ridden.Most expensive claimsThe average costs for claims caused by degenerative disease or development disorder of a horses forelimbs was also over 3,000, with 17% of claims incurring vet fees in excess of 5,000 making this the most expensive average claim.Many horse owners dont anticipate the high costs associated with treating common issues like degenerative diseases or gastric ulcers until theyre faced with a significant vet bill,said SEIBs equestrian claims manager, Donna Leavens.This research highlights the potential costs of some of the most common issues. We hope it helps horse owners make informed decisions about their insurance needs and encourages preventive measures to ensure their horses well-being.Main image Shutterstock; inset image provided by Paton & Lee Equine Veterinary Surgery/SEIB Related contentHow to identify and prevent colicGastric ulcers: why the time of day you ride and feed is so importantExpert guide to horse health insurance and vet fees coverHow to tell if a horse is lameThe post Gastric ulcers is the most common cause of horse insurance claims, says broker appeared first on Your Horse.

Riding a horse on the gallops is about so much more than simply going fast. It is easy to feel daunted by the open sandy tracks that riders so commonly associate exclusively with racehorses in training, but the benefits can be bountiful even if you stick to walk and trot in your first session. Therefore, whether your aim is to boost your horses cardiovascular fitness, improve your cross-country time, or work on forwardness, rhythm and overall confidence, all on a perfect surface, the gallops are most definitely the place to be doing all of that.Video: riding on the gallopsThe gallops arent just about riding at speed. Theres just as much, if not more, benefit to working consistently in a slower pace for an hour compared to galloping here and there for what totals only a few minutes out of a much shorter session, especially if we want to take a leaf out of the endurance riders books. In the video below, we show you how to have a really good, enjoyable session on the gallops with your horse so that you both head home feeling confident and happy:Confidence tipsStart slowly Build confidence gradually. It doesnt matter what the starting pace is, and it can even be walk for the first session. As you get used to the surroundings and the footing, you can gradually up the pace to trot, canter and gallop. Practise transitions Work on smooth transitions between halt, walk, trot and canter to help you establish control and make sure that your horse is listening throughout.Relax and breathe Dont forget to breathe. Try to keep your breathing consistent and controlled. You might find it helps if you try singing or humming.Bring someone for support Going to the gallops with a friend who will be a calming influence can be a great confidence booster. I suggest ensuring that your horses work well together on a hack first, though, and that they dont rile each other.Taking to the gallops with an earpiece will help to communicate with a second rider even when theyre kilometres away. Devices like HelmetConnect are a great solution.Take breaks Pause and walk if you feel overwhelmed. Rest can help to calm both horse and rider before attempting to go again.Perks of the gallopsA purpose-made gallop track is a great place for novices and nervous riders to improve their confidence. A lot of the time the track itself will be fenced, so it makes a great halfway house between an arena and an open field.Additionally, the surface is consistent all the way around, so there is no need to worry about boggy patches or rabbit holes, and there are no limitations on space as there will be when out hacking. We all know the feeling when were finally getting into our stride and its time to pull up again! This makes a gallops the ideal place to work on any braking issues, positional corrections, or keep young horses in straight lines to help them figure out their feet.If you decide to go remember to enjoy yourself having fun is important!Main image & video by Emerald Motion Media Your Horse magazine/CavagoRelated contentWhat monitoring their heart rate tells you when getting a horse fitSeven reasons to take your horse to the gallopsHow to do interval training with a horseTry this horse fitness plan from our expertsThe post Have fun and get fit: how to make the most of a session on the gallops *Video* appeared first on Your Horse.

Advertisement featureWhen a senior horse is diagnosed with Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) more commonly known as Cushings syndrome it can be worrying for owners. Rest assured, by making informed decisions and adapting their management, they can still thrive.Over 20% of horses aged above 15 years (and 25% of those over the age of 20) may have PPID, and it can affect all breeds. Although it may seem more common in ponies, this may just be because they tend to have longer lifespans.What is PPID?PPID is an endocrine (hormonal) disorder affecting the pituitary gland, a small organ found at the base of the brain which regulates, produces and stores hormones. In short, horses with PPID over produce some hormones, including adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). How this increase in hormones leads to the clinical signs of PPID is still not fully understood, but its clear PPID can have a significant impact on a horses overall health and appearance.Clinical signs of PPIDSeverity of signs will vary between individuals, and some equines may only show mild signs of Cushings. Common clinical signs of PPID are listed below:Excessive coat growth (Hypertrichosis)Coats being slow (or failing) to shedMuscle wastageWeight lossExcessive sweatingIncreased drinking and urinationLethargy and poor performanceBehavioural changesPot-bellied appearanceAbnormal fat distributionDelayed wound healing and increased infectionsIncreased susceptibility to parasitesDiagnosing PPIDDiagnosing PPID involves a veterinary examination of the clinical signs. A blood test will be carried out to measure the concentration of ACTH in the horses blood elevated levels indicate PPID. Test results maybe ambiguous, and your vet may suggest a more refined thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation test to confirm diagnosis.Managing a senior horse with PPIDEquines suffering with PPID may be under or overweight, retired with multiple age-related issues, or active in good condition. The following are key strategies for managing a horses symptoms and will help them to stay as healthy as possible.Regular vet checksRegular blood tests (for ACTH and insulin status) help track any progression of Cushings, allowing you to make necessary adjustments to your horses management. Body condition, muscle tone, and dental health should also be assessed regularly.Maintain a healthy weightCarefully monitoring body condition is essential. Use a body condition scoring system to help you assess your horses condition objectively just casting an eye over your horse isnt accurate. However, some horses and ponies may have large regional fat deposits, such as a cresty neck or fat pads over the loins, despite being thin overall. In these situations, body condition scoring systems need to be used with care. Regular weigh taping is a helpful tracker.Managing the laminitis riskIf horses or ponies are also insulin dysregulated, theyre at increased risk of developing laminitis. Maintaining a healthy body condition and limiting total starch and sugar intake are priorities. Exercise helps maintain muscle tone and may improve insulin sensitivity, which could help to reduce the laminitis risk. Tailor the intensity of exercise to the horses capability even light activity may be helpful.Feeding forageIdeally, forage should be the cornerstone of all horses diets. It helps healthy digestive function, encourages chewing and provides the bulk of calories (energy). If possible, provide unlimited access to forage. Book regular dental checks, as even mild teeth discomfort can prevent a horse from eating enough forage to maintain a healthy weight.Forage qualitySoaking hay helps reduce its water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) or sugar content. Results are variable, so best practise is to have your hay analysed (for WSC using the wet chemistry method) to assess its suitability. Forage replacers maybe required for those with severe insulin dysregulation or dental issues.Managing grassRestrict sugar intake by limiting access to grazing. Grazing muzzles, strip grazing and track systems may be useful. Avoid turning out on sunny frosty mornings or during grass flushes. Higher risk horses and ponies may even require grass-free turnout.Bucket feedsForage alone doesnt guarantee a fully balanced diet, especially once soaked. Bucket feeds should provide essential nutrients, without high levels of starch and sugar.Bear in the mind the following:Feed balancers are ideal for horses who maintain weight on forage alone, providing essential vitamins and minerals and protein, without excess calories.Fibre-based feeds, low in starch and sugar, are appropriate for PPID horses where more calories are required. Higher oil feeds can be used for underweight horses.Consider feeding more small meals throughout the day.If unsure, contact a nutritional advisor who can ensure your PPID horses diet provides everything they need.Monitor their temperatureSenior horses may have difficulty regulating their body temperature and this may be exacerbated in those with PPID, so you will need to change/remove their rugs more often. Thick coats could need clipping all year round. Those prone to heavy sweating may also require extra electrolytes in their diet, while vitamin C supplementation may benefit those prone to respiratory infections.Looking to the futurePlenty of senior PPID horses continue to live fun active lives. By adapting their management, diet and exercise, and staying vigilant, you can help your horse continue to thrive whether ridden or retired, despite the challenges they face. Compassionate care, combined with scientific understanding, is the key to supporting your horse.If you would like tailored advice for your horse or pony, please contact the SPILLERS Care-Line here. For further advice and information about how best to care for your super senior horse and to join the SPILLERS Super Seniors Clubclick here.Main image of Sandy, a senior horse with PPID. SpillersRelated contentProtect a senior horse from the added risks of obesityWeight monitoring: this is the new Body Condition Index for equinesHow to provide a balanced diet for your horse while watching their weight11 surprising facts you might not know about the grass your horse eatsThe post How to help a senior horse with Cushings disease live a happy, active life *Promotion* appeared first on Your Horse.

Di Arbuthnot, the chief executive of the Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) for over 20 years, was presented with the Sir Colin Spedding Award by HRH The Princess Royal at the National Equine Forum last week.Di received the award in recognition of her dedication to racehorse welfare. During her leadership of RoR, Di helped to create a range of equestrian events and competitions aimed at giving retired racehorses the chance of a second career. These initiatives have secured the future of thousands of ex-racehorses who previously faced an uncertain outlook once they stepped away from the track.I am thrilled to receive this prestigious award, and I would like to thank the National Equine Forum, said Di.It was a privilege, 25 years ago, to become part of a charity that has helped many thoroughbreds have another career.Looking at Thoroughbreds differentlyBringing awareness of their adaptability and their successes has helped change the way those both inside and outside of the industry look at the life of a Thoroughbred.It would not have been possible without the commitment and foresight of the chairmen and trustees of RoR, particularly in those early days, as well as the dedication and hard work of a small team; I am delighted to accept this award on their behalf.Sir Colin Spedding was the founding chairman of the NEF and chaired the event for 20 years until his death in 2012. He ensured that representatives of all areas of the equine sphere were made welcome to the Forum, and that topics of general interest and concern could be discussed openly and amicably.The award was introduced in 2013, in his memory. It is presented annually to an exceptional unsung hero or heroine of the equestrian world. Any individual or organisation from any equestrian field in the UK is eligible, as long as their outstanding qualities have not been formally acknowledged elsewhere prior to the closing date of nominations.Last years joint winners were the Great Yorkshire Shows Amanda Stoddart-West and RSPCA case officer Kirsty Withnall.Image Shai Dolev Photography.Further readingSwap birch for padded hurdles in interest of racehorse welfare, say researchersNew scheme will provide expert tuition to riders on former racehorsesNew mum rides to glory in SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse final at HOYSRiding on the gallops: expert advice to suit every type of horseUse this fitness plan to prepare your horse for the season aheadThe post Award for unsung hero who helped secure the future of thousands of ex-racehorses appeared first on Your Horse.

Do you know which worms are a threat to your horse and when?Successful horse worming is a three-step journey to keep them in tip-top health and condition. If every horse owner on the planet followed these steps correctly, the ongoing battle against increasing resistance to horse wormers would be won.The golden rule is that targeted worming (ie testing horses first) rather than regular dosing of wormer can help protect your horse and the environment.The three-step journey is:Correct care and field management to prevent a worm burden;Testing at the right intervals to see whether a horse needs treating for worms rather than blanket use of a wormer;Knowing what worm is a threat when during the year.Types of horse wormsCommon parasites found in horses include:Roundworms (Ascarids)TapewormsEncysted small redwormsBotsPinworms (Oxyuris)ThreadwormsLungwormsIt is important to note, though, that it is not best practise to routinely worm around the year for all the different types of horse worms.Over-worming is a major contributor to worm resistance. Because of this, owners should always test for the presence of worms using a faecal worm egg count before worming horses, warns vet Sue Taylor. This will help decide whether a horse needs worming as it shows the presence of most egg-laying adult worms, apart from bots, tapeworm and encysted small redworm.Sue explains that faecal worm egg counts should be done at least twice during the grazing season, usually between March and September. Once you have the results, you can then decide whether or not to worm.Your vet will normally recommend that horses with a high faecal worm egg count, regular elevated counts or those who are more susceptible (such as the very young or old) should be wormed, explains Sue. Faecal worm egg counts of above 250 eggs per gram of faeces are classed as high.Annual horse worming scheduleAccording to Sue, the following is a good schedule of testing for horse worms to follow:Autumn (September October)Carry out a saliva test for tapeworm. If positive and your vet recommends treatment, target tapeworm with a wormer containing praziquantel or an elevated dose of pyrantel.Winter (November February)Target encysted small redworm with a moxidectin product. This will also kill botfly larvae. Alternatively, use an elevated dose of fenbendazole (this will not target any botfly larvae).Spring (March April)Test again for tapeworm. Do a faecal worm egg count for roundworm and, if your horse needs treating for roundworm too, use a combination wormer. Speak to your vet for advice.Summer (May August)Carry out a faecal worm egg count for roundworm and target treatment if it is necessary with fenbendazole or pyrantel.The British Horse Societys Think Before You Worm campaign, in collaboration with the British Equine Veterinary Association, was launched at BEVA Congress. Itsaim is to educate horse owners, carers and yard managers on the importance of following an evidence-based, testing-led, deworming programme that has been developed in partnership with a vet similar to the one suggested above.Effective worm managementIn order to prevent a worm burden, the way you look after your horse and their pasture are key influencing factors. Here are nine top tips for ways to protect your horse against worms:1 Weigh your horseIf a faecal worm egg count or saliva test confirms you do need to administer horse wormer, then the amount of wormer you give depends on the weight of your horse.Use a weigh tape or weigh bridge to give an accurate weight of your horse before worming. It is vital you get this right, as under-worming may be ineffective and increases the risk of worms developing a resistance to the drug.2 Poo-pick fieldsRemove droppings from grazing regularly, ideally every day but at least twice a week. This is particularly important in fields that are small and/or have multiple horses grazing them.3 Avoid over-stocking grazingAvoid overstocking paddocks with large numbers of horses. Fewer horses in a larger area (ideally allow for around 2 acres per horse) is always better.4 Rotate pastureRotate pasture so it has time to rest and recover without being grazed.5 Introduce other animalsShare horse grazing with cattle and sheep if you can. This helps reduce worm infestation because the other animalsingest worm larvae, so will act as biological vacuum cleaners. Equine worms dont develop into adults in sheep and cattle, so they wont be harmed and it will drastically reduce contamination in your field.6 Be weather wiseIf you are going to chain harrow instead of poo pick, this should be done when the paddocks are dry and hot, because once exposed to the sun, the worms will shrivel up and die. If you do it in wet conditions, they are more likely to survive. Poo-picking is a better idea.7 Choose the correct wormerNot all wormers are effective against all types of worms, so if your horse does need worming, ensure the brand of wormer you choose contains the correct active ingredients for the worms you are treating. Its the chemical group that matters, rather than the brand name of the wormer.8 Dont mix age groupsGraze young horses separately from older horses. Young horses are more likely to have the highest parasite burdens and be responsible for the majority of pasture contamination.9 Check new arrivalsCarry out a faecal worm egg count on any new horses that arrive on your yard, and wait for the results before allowing the new horse to share or use any pasture that current horses also graze.Signs a horse has wormsThe symptoms of a parasite infection in horses can vary depending on the type of worm involved and the number of worms infecting the horse. Many parasite infections will have no symptoms when the parasite burden is low, but a high number of worms can cause symptoms and will seriously affect your horses health.Being on the lookout and treating issues early will hopefully prevent serious health problems developing.Some of the symptoms to keep an eye out for include:Unexplained weight lossAnaemiaDull demeanourPoor appetiteDiarrhoea or constipationColicStaring coat (hairappears dull and is standing up)Under-par performancePatches of hair loss or sore skinParasites in droppingsHorse rubbing their bottom continuallyRespiratory problems such as nasal discharge and a coughPoor growth in foalsIf you are concerned that your horse may have a worm burden, or if you have any questions about worming, speak to your vet. Proactive testing for worms and not administering a worming drug until a tests says it is necessary, is the overwhelming advice from vets, scientists and industry experts alike.All horses need sustainable parasite control based on worm egg counts and tests to identify parasite burdens before they get to a level to cause illness, says Claire Shand from Westgate Labs. This should be done while minimising chemical intervention via wormers to slow the development of wormer resistance.Not only is this better for our horses and often cheaper too, but it also benefits the environment. Worming chemicals are poisons and each time we dose our horses, metabolites from these are passed out into the dung and onto our pastures. These leach into the soil and get washed into watercourses, causing harm to microorganisms, insects, fish and aquatic organisms.Related contentWinter worms: three to test for nowResistance to horse wormer: action every owner must take now or horses will dieWorm egg counts explainedTraditional frequent worming is unnecessary, research showsThe post When to test for worms: essential horse worming schedule from a vet appeared first on Your Horse.

Fitness isnt just about improving a horses performance under saddle. Whether hacking, eventing, dressage or something else is your aim, being fit for the job has a multitude of health benefits as well, most notably for the horses heart.A horses heart rate is a crucial metric for assessing their overall health and it offers insights into their fitness, recovery and even potentially any health issues that they may be suffering from.At rest, a horses heart rate typically ranges from 28 to 44 beats per minute (bpm). It can increase significantly during exercise, reaching over 240 bpm during intense activity. A fit horse will show more efficient cardiovascular function with quicker recovery times, while prolonged or erratic heart rate recovery can indicate over-training, stress, or even health concerns like arrhythmias or respiratory issues. Monitoring heart rate with specific tools can guide tailored training programmes, helping horses and riders to reach their goals more strategically whileavoiding over-exertion.By keeping track of data, such as heart rate against speed or elevation, you can form a true picture of how effective your sessions are for getting a horse fit. For example:Did you ever get your horse into an anaerobic zone? What speed did they reach? How much time did they spend in each gait?These are all questions that are near impossible to answer without the use of a heart rate monitor.Anaerobic heart zoneWorking a horse enough so that they begin to enter the anaerobic zone is crucial for any rider wanting to see results in their cardio training.A horses heart rate will enter this zone when it reaches 80-90% of its maximum capacity, which is typically considered to happen when their heart rate goes above 180 bpm. However, it is during this time that the horses body is supplying energy primarily through anaerobic pathways, which breaks down sugars in the muscles. Working anaerobically can also help to build muscle mass and improve the horses oxygen consumption and tolerance for lactic acid build-up. However, working in this zone should be done carefully and thoughtfully as it can be stressful. The horse will be blowing hard and potentially sweating. This is when a heart rate tool comes in handy, as it can be used to keep track of their individual stats. Keeping trackKeeping a record of ridden sessions and their heart rate during these pieces of work is important for monitoring improvement and being able to accurately assess how fit a horse is.Learning to evaluate the reports and stats you get from a heart rate tool is a big part of this. My last bit of advice is that with any fitness session you must always ensure that your horse has a sufficient cool-down period by walking them on a long rein for at least 10-15 minutes. This should be sufficient time for them to stop blowing and heart / breathing rates to return to normal, but extend if your horse needs you to.Main image Your Horse Library/Sally NewcombRelated contentHow to use interval training when getting a horse fitRiding on the gallops: advice to suit all types of horseHow to ride a horse so they burn more caloriesTry this horse fitness plan from our expertsThe post What monitoring their heart rate tells you when getting a horse fit appeared first on Your Horse.

Equinesports massage and rehabilitation therapistAshleigh Williamsis looking to establish a dedicated equine rehabilitation centre and community interest company (CIC) which will offer therapeutic care for rescue horses and those whose owners may lack the resources for treatment.Ashleigh, who is based in Kent,wants to ensure specialised equine rehabilitation and therapy services are available to all those involved with horses after spotting a gap in the market.In recent years, I have observed a growing issue: many owners struggle to afford essential rehabilitation treatments for their horses, said Ashleigh.This has become more apparent since the pandemic and continues as the cost-of-living crisis deepens. I am conducting independent research to support this, and those I have spoken to so far agree there is an issue.Community benefitsA CIC is a non for profit company which aims to benefit the community rather than private stakeholders. Ashleighs CICwill offer a range of advanced treatments including hydrotherapy, salt and oxygen therapy, ultrasound therapy and spa baths, combi floor therapy as well as sports massage and rehabilitation therapy.Treatments at the centre will be available to both full-paying clients and those receiving funding which will allow rescue centres, sanctuaries and those owners in financial difficulty to access treatments at a subsidised rate. Profits from private treatments will be reinvested into the centre.The location of the centre is to be determined.I aim to establish the CIC business in the coming months, enabling me to treat more horses while we work towards creating the centre. Part of the CIC application process is compiling research and evidence to support the need for the CIC.To help Ashleigh with her research please click here for the questionnaire. To donate to Ashleighs crowdfunding campaign which has a target of 20,000, click here. Image Ashleigh Williams.Related contentSave the date for Your Horse Live!This is what a horses ear positions tell you about how theyre feelingHow to tell if a horse is happyHorse owners guide to equine health insurance and vet fees coverThe post Equine therapist aims to launch CIC to provide subsidised rehabilitation and therapy services appeared first on Your Horse.

The development of a digital equine identification and traceability scheme which it is hoped would help to combat illegal horse smuggling has been put on hold by the government due to financial constraints.Defra ministerBaronessHayman of Ullocktold theNational Equine Forum in London last week that the government recognises the importance of equine identification and traceability, but the pressure on public finances means the project has been paused. However, she added that conversations are continuing about how to improve equine ID and traceability within the current budget.I do recognise that a key concern in the industry is the improvement of equine identification and traceability, said the Baroness, who is Parliamentary Under Secretary of Stage (Minister for Biosecurity, Borders Animal Welfare).She also acknowledged that such a scheme would have an important role to play in equine health and welfare, as well as biosecurity and trade.The government wants to see a robust and streamlined system put in place in order to digitise equine identification and we are at one with the industry on that particular front, added the Baroness. But we have had to pause work in this area, even though we recognise that it is critical, while we tackle the very real challenges that were facing currently around public finances.My officials are continuing to engage with the British Horse Council to explore ways that equine ID and traceability can be improved within the resourcing constraints that we are facing at present, she continued.We had a very positive meeting with them, at which the creation of an industry/Defra co-design project was agreed to look at how we can explore moving forward in this area. Im really pleased that we have a good working relationship; this is a good example where industry and government can work together on a very important issue.Exotic diseases are an ongoing riskDuring the same session about The Equine Industry in a Changing World, which was chaired by World Horse Welfare chief executive Roly Owers, the forum also heard from Dr Richard Newton about how vital a digital equine ID and traceability scheme is for preventing and managing outbreaks of exotic diseases in the future.The UK urgently needs updated digital equine ID and traceability regulations, he said. Exotic and emerging notifiable diseases are an ongoing risk in the equine industry. We have legislation to deal with the majority of these and Defra and the APHA [Animal and Plant Health Agency] oversee the the management of these outbreaks.Have they got everything that they need in order to do the best job possible? No and that is because we [havent got] equine ID and traceability.Horses can be highly mobile, second only to humans, in transport around the globe. Unfortunately, that means they can spread diseases very quickly and very far, continued David. Equine influenza, which was an exotic alien disease to Australia back in 2007, got in, broke out of their quarantine station, and wreaked havoc for a number of months.Effective disease control does require prompt and accurate identification of affected and at-risk animals. That means the tracing of animals promptly that may be at risk from disease.If emerging diseases, vector borne diseases blue tongue, African horse sickness, West Nile virus if theyre going to come in [to the UK] we need to deal with those.Cross species transmission such as the discovery of bird flu antibodies in horses last year is also a risk, added Richard. We believe its low for the horse at the moment, but we have to be aware of it, he confirmed.Horse meat scandal David Mountford, Chair of the British Horse Council, called an digitised equine identification and traceability the foundation stone for the industry.I am really pleased to hear the minister say she understands that this is the way forward and that government buys into it fully, he said.I hope that we can get it over the line. It is going to enable the equine industry to grow and to flourish.David added that after the horse meat scandal in 2013 when foods advertised in the EU were found to have undeclared or improperly declared horse meat in them the British Horse Council was invited to a meeting by the Secretary of State to find a way to avoid it happening again.We told the Secretary of State that digital equine ID and traceability will work. He said its a great idea and then he left [office], said David.Over the last 12 years, weve met with every single minister and theyve all said its a no brainer digital equine traceability is the answer. Last year, draft legislation was put together. Then we had a change in government and a spending review, which has put things on pause.Equine the ideal pilotDavid also suggested that the equine industry would be the ideal pilot for such a scheme, which could then be rolled out across other sectors, such as agriculture.He said the Livestock Information Service has ear-marked 500 million for the roll-out of a digital scheme for the meat-producing sector.We are probably looking for less than 1%, maybe even less than half a percent, of that to take this forward, he explained.Were so much further ahead than the Livestock Information Service and [equine] could be the perfect pilot. Agricultural species could benefit from seeing how we get on with running an equine system.Livestock is a big industry [with a] quarter of a million employees. A quarter of a million people are employed by the equine industry in the UK. That is the same number [you get if] you add up the totals of everyone involved in the sheep, pig, dairy, and beef industries.So we are a big player. We should be playing for higher stakes.Illegal tradeMultiple high profile cases have highlighted the need for acentralised and fully digitalised ID and traceability system across the UK and EU.In February last year, the Dover 26 a transporter crammed full of horses being exported to Europe were discovered. Many of the 26 equines on board did not have the necessary paperwork to travel.More recently, Your Horse reported on the three-year-old ex-racehorse who suffered a fractured skull and severe wounds after being trampled by other horses in an overloaded lorry destined for slaughter.World Horse Welfare researchedthe backgrounds of a group of eight horses who came into their care after a transporter carrying 20 horses was stopped at Dover in December 2024and compiled a timeline of events to identify the gaps that illegal traders are exploiting.Last week, the charity called on the government to implement stronger legislation to disrupt horse smugglingas they believe a lack of accountability is being exploited by smugglers when the UK is used as a land bridge for moving horses between Ireland and the EU.Main image ShutterstockRelated contentHow to tell if a horse is happyUK bans live export of horses for slaughterPetition set up with the aim of updating the Dangerous Dogs Act to better protect horsesPublic attitudes towards horse sport on the right track but there is still more to doLearn to read your horses body language with this expert adviceThe post Critical digital equine ID and traceability scheme paused by the government due to costs appeared first on Your Horse.

Grand National winner Pineau De Re, Gold Cup winner Native River and four-time Cheltenham winner Paisley Park will headline theRetraining of Racehorses (RoR) Paradeon the opening day at the Cheltenham Festival tomorrow.Pineau De Re, Native River and Paisley Park will be joined in the parade ring on Tuesday 11 March by 11 other ex-racehorses who are all excelling in their second careers includingBalthazar King, Bristol De Mai and Coneygree.Since retiring from the racetrack in 2016, Pineau De Re hasexcelled in eventing, hunting, team chasing, dressage, and showing. He was runner-up for RoR Horse of the Year in 2022 and served as a baton bearer for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.Native RiverNative River has enjoyed much success in the show ring since he retired from racing in 2021 and last year the Irish bred Thoroughbred was crownedthe Tattersalls RoR Amateur Show Series Champion at Hickstead.Paisley Park makes his parade debutPaisley Park returns to Cheltenham just 12 months since he was retired after completing the Grade 1 Stayers Hurdle. The 13-year-old has spent time in the hunting field and is set to contest the Tattersalls RoR Show Series qualifierslater this year.Paisley ParkBalthazar King, who finished second behind Pineau De Re in the Grand National in 2014, suffered a crushing fall in the same race the following year, sustaining broken ribs and a punctured lung. He briefly returned to racing before being retired in 2016. The now 21-year-old has turned his hoof to showjumping.This parade showcases a variety of horses, many of whom excelled on the racecourse, while others have found success in their second careers, said David Catlow, managing director of RoR.Regardless of size, shape, or ability, all are thriving and enjoying active retirements.These parades offer racegoers a firsthand look at the many post-racing opportunities available.While they highlight the care and commitment to retired racehorses in Great Britain, they also emphasise the need for continued support, as outlined in the RoR Strategy 2024-2026, to ensure every former racehorse has the opportunity for a well-supported life beyond racing, whatever path they take.Full line up:Balthazar King ridden by Michael AndrewsBristol De Mai ridden by Clare LawesConeygree ridden by Sara BradstockElegant Escape ridden by Lily ClothierKemboy ridden by Rachel SharpMelon ridden by Sophie CandyMinella Rebellion ridden by Katie DashwoodNative River andJazmin HosgoodPaisley Park ridden by Gabby JonesPineau De Re ridden by Lizzie BruntPolydamos ridden by Katy LlewellynSaphir Du Rheu ridden by Charlotte AlexanderSharjah ridden by Abbie HawkinsWonga Swinger ridden by Tori ThomasImages Retraining of Racehorses. Further readingSwap birch for padded hurdles in interest of racehorse welfare, say researchersNew scheme will provide expert tuition to riders on former racehorsesNew mum rides to glory in SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse final at HOYSRiding on the gallops: expert advice to suit every type of horseUse this fitness plan to prepare your horse for the season aheadThe post Former superstar racehorses set to parade at Cheltenham appeared first on Your Horse.

Spring is a much-welcomed season for most, no more than for a horse owner after a long winter, but the increased risk of spring laminitis and its affects onhorse healthis a worry for most.Evolutionarily, spring grass growth would be a much-needed source of energy and nutrition after a long, hard winter had used up all the horses fat stores from the previous year.Horses have evolved to lose weight in the autumn/winter and gain it in the spring/summer, and so the idea of weight gain in the coming months is nothing but ordinary for the horse.However, we have created a management system which prevents this weight loss in the colder months.In fact, we have become experts at maintaining our horses weight, by way of rugging, feeding and stabling.Horses skip the natural process of winter weight loss and enter spring with the body condition of Santa Claus there is now no safety buffer against the impending weight gain from the spring grass. This is why so many horses succumb to spring laminitis.The metabolic red zoneIt is not the season itself that causes spring laminitis, nor is there anything special about the grass growing at this time. Its just that the horse had no margin for error in its fat stores before it entered the red zone, which tipped it into metabolic difficulty, namely insulin dysregulation and subsequent laminitis.There is a caveat to all this. Our grass paddocks are sadly not suitable for many of our horses and ponies.While bright green swards of lush grass are beautiful to look at, they are in fact far from what is acceptable nutritionally from our horses.Horses are designed to graze sparse, low-nutrition plains. Most horse grazing in the UK was once pasture for cattle who needed the energy and nutrition from their grazing, as they were producing high milk yields and supporting fast growth rates.Our horses are doing neither of these things, and are grazing grass which is equivalent to the diets of marathon runners or Sumo wrestlers.How to lower the risk of spring laminitisIf weight gain is not an option for your horse because he already has fat stores, then it is worth considering the following as part of your tailored management system:Restrict access to grass by strip-grazing, track-grazing, co-grazing, post-grazing and/or using a grazing muzzle.Take off all rugs yes ALL rugs as the effort of staying warm burns calories.Increase exercise. Get your horse on an increased plane of exercise, boosting the metabolic rate and improving the insulin sensitivity in advance of the increased calorie intake. Interval training is particularly useful for this.Feed a low-calories balancer only, no chaff or chopUse a small-hole haynet, double-net or other form of trickle feeder for forageThe important thing is acting now. There is no time to prevent laminits when it happens, and any horse carrying fat stores is a ticking time bomb. Some cope with excess fat better than others, but there is no way of knowing how far from the tipping point your horse is.Main image ShutterstockHave you heard about Your Horses #FitNotFat campaign? Equine obesity is an enormous welfare problem and were on a mission to provide owners and riders with the knowledge, skills and information you need to keep your horse in tip-top health. It could be life saving! Findout moreRelated contentWhat is laminitis in horses?Complete guide to interval training for horsesHow to help your horse lose weight before spring and why its good for themStrip grazing: does it really work?The post Its not the season itself that causes spring laminitis, warns vet appeared first on Your Horse.