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Horse Crazy Horse Club
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Equine & Event News
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Saturday 22nd December 2001 |
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KILLIWORGIE PRESENTS CHEQUE TO CLIC |
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On Saturday Killiworgie held their
Christmas parties. The first was held in the afternoon for the
children at the Saturday Afternoon Horse Club. All the children
enjoyed the party and it marked the end of the year for the club which
will start again on 5th January 2002. The second party was
held on Saturday evening at Carworgie Manor for everyone who attends
the stables. The evening also gave the opportunity to present a
cheque of £280 to CLIC which was raised by the sponsored ride.
Killiworgie held their Christmas
Gymkhana on Sunday. Although it was very cold, but dry, there was a
very good turnout. The gymkhana was followed by clear round jumping
as requested by the entrants.
Killiworgie
would like to apologise for the delay in opening their cross country
course, but due to the weather it has been unavoidable. The course
will be open as soon as possible. If you have any queries, please
phone Mrs C Carne on: (01637) 880570. |
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Friday 21st December 2001 |
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TWO
NEW BHS FELLOWS |
CHRIS BARTLE BECOMES HONORARY BHS
FELLOW |
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The
British Horse Society is pleased to award BHS Fellowships to Rob
Lovatt of Ingestre Stables in Staffordshire and William Blane from
Pax's Yard in Herefordshire.
They join the illustrious band of only
50 such instructors in the world to hold such a qualification. In
order to qualify they had to satisfy no less than nine top BHS
instructors - all Fellows themselves - who examined them over a wide
range of topics in an exam lasting three days. |
Chris Bartle from the Yorkshire Riding Centre has accepted an
invitation from the BHS and the Fellows to become the first Honorary
BHS Fellow. He is an outstanding horseman and trainer, runs an
excellent BHS Approved riding school and examination centre and will
be an excellent ambassador for the BHS.
Honorary BHS Fellowships are only awarded to outstanding trainers
with a proven record. Anyone proposed must hold the BHSI qualification
or the International equivalent (Level 3) and will normally be based
in Great Britain. Proposals can only be put forward by Fellows of the
BHS. The voting for an Honorary Fellow takes place at the Fellows AGM
in November. The award is to top trainers who must have the qualities
to be an ambassador for the BHS. The nominee may not necessarily have
been a top rider but must be known as a highly respected and well
known trainer. The awarding of Honorary Fellowships should enable the
BHS to maintain strong links with the disciplines and to recognise
trainers who are outstanding. |
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Tuesday 18th December 2001 |
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BILL TO AMEND THE ANIMAL HEALTH ACT
1981 |
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The British Horse Society has expressed concerns to DEFRA about the
wider implications of the Animal Health Bill currently going through
Parliament which amends the 1981 Act.
The proposals allow for significant new powers to be granted to
slaughter animals that are healthy and have not been in contact with,
or exposed to, a disease. The proposals further allow for forced entry
to premises to carry out this slaughter. This does not only apply to
FMD, but to any other disease that the Minister sees fit to include.
Some horse owners are worried that horses could be included in a
slaughter policy if the Ministry decided that they could contribute to
a spread of the disease, even though they are not carriers in the
biological sense.
Horses are not included in the standard definition of 'animals'
(only where the context requires are horses included within the
meaning) so the majority of the proposals do not apply. However the
BHS is particularly concerned in respect of the application of the
proposed legislation, areas of ambiguity and possible
misinterpretation by officials.
Whilst this Bill should not significantly affect horse owners,
there are much wider implications for the livestock industry in
general.
The main purpose of this Bill is to provide additional powers to
deal with FMD and transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) in
sheep. The Bill makes a number of amendments to the Animal Health Act
1981, and needs to read together with the guidance notes and the
original Act.
Within the existing 1981 Act powers already exist to extend the
definition of 'animals' to include any kind of mammal except man, and
just about any other kind of creature. The meaning of 'disease' is
also clearly defined, and this definition can, by order, be extended
to cover any other disease of animals.
In common with the Act, provisions under the new Bill to extend the
power to slaughter, in cases of specified diseases, do not and will
not apply to non-susceptible and non-clinical carrier species (that is
animals that can neither get nor transmit the specified disease in a
clinical sense).
BHS and BEVA (British Equine Veterinary Association) made a joint
statement to address the fears of horse owners should the Bill be
passed.
Kay Driver, BHS chief executive said "We do not in any way support
the introduction of this Bill, and as the eyes and ears for horse
welfare in this country, the BHS will continue to make such
representation as may be necessary in the interests horses and ponies
on any matters that may affect or jeopardise their welfare." |
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Monday 19th November 2001 |
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BHS AWARDS TO TOP EQUESTRIANS |
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On Thursday 15 November
2001 the Master of the Worshipful Company of Saddlers, Mr Michael
Laurie, presented nine awards to people or organisations who have made
a significant contribution to the equestrian world. The ceremony will
take place in the historic Saddlers Hall in the City of London (by
kind permission of the Worshipful Company of Saddlers).
The award winners are:
Left to right:
Back row: Alan Phillips, John
Sugden, Master of the Worshipful Company of Saddlers, Councillor Roy
Tudor (Oxfordshire CC) Front row: Kenneth Clawson, Pru Kennard, Lesley
Shellard, Sue Todd (Surrey CC), Anne Rillie, Colin Carritt
(Oxfordshire CC).
TRAINERS AWARD for the
person who has made an outstanding contribution to equestrian training
KENNETH CLAWSON
Kenneth Clawson started
his riding and training career in show jumping. He produced a number
of horses on the County and National Circuit, several of which
qualified for the Horse of the Year Show at Wembley. In the 70s and
80s Kenneth was responsible for training a developing talent in young
riders and ponies, including Nick Skelton on ponies.
On qualifying as a BHSI,
he turned his obvious talent as a trainer to eventing. Since then he
has coached many top international riders including Rodney Powell,
Karen Dixon and Mary King. In 1997 he became show jumping trainer to
the British Team and since then he has been instrumental in the
British Team's resurgence into European and Olympic medal success. He
is a valued trainer at all levels of both horse and rider and is much
sought after, not only for his competitive expertise, but in the
preparation of BHS Instructors and Fellows.
ACCESS AWARD for the BHS
member who has done most for equestrian access
Mrs PRU KENNARD
Even before Scotland had
an access officer, Pru Kennard was working in her area, keeping routes
open and fighting for new ones. Her special talent has been to
enthuse people to help her and she has managed to build up a small
team of access representatives for the Tayside area. In her work for
access she has walked miles and talked to many people - councillors,
landowners, riders, walkers, bikers, as well as the general public.
She has attended official and unofficial meetings, written thousands
of letters and read hundreds of reports. Last year, as a result of
years of work on her part, a new route at Murrayshall was opened. Pru
will be retiring in November after at least twenty years of access
work. She has been a great asset to the Scottish Committee and will
be greatly missed.
ACCESS AWARD for the local
authority most active in opening up equestrian routes
SURREY COUNTY COUNCIL
Surrey County Council is
actively supporting horse riders in the provision of safe off-road
routes linking existing bridleways. Their approach is imaginative to
the extent that they have also provided horse margins alongside busy
roads. Their rights of way team is an effective force providing good
research and back-up advice to BHS volunteers. In this they are
supported by their County Councillors who are prepared to acknowledge
the need to budget for the upkeep of Surrey's extensive bridleway
network. Receiving the award on behalf of Surrey County Council were
Sue Todd, Rights of Way Manager, and Steve Mitchell, Principal Rights
of Way Officer.
ACCESS AWARD Carriage
Driving Facility
MRS ANNE RILLIE
Anne Rillie is the
assistant rights of way representative for the British Driving Society
in Kent and also the BHS safety officer for the county. Several years
ago she became involved with the problem of how to close paths to
motorised vehicles in her home district of Aylesford, whilst at the
same time keeping them open for the use of horse drawn vehicles. In
close co-operation with the County Council, Anne masterminded the
design and installation of a special barrier which has become known as
the "Kent Carriage Gap". This is so designed as to permit the vast
majority of horse drawn vehicles to pass whilst preventing all three
and four wheeled motor vehicles from getting through. This ingenious
innovation has proved to be a very useful tool for local authorities
needing to install some sort of physical barrier to enforce Traffic
Regulation Orders. A number of variations on Anne's original design
are now in place around the country, and the existence of this barrier
has been of great assistance to rights of way volunteers trying to
resist the blanket closure of byways and roads to all vehicles. Here
is a plausible and cheap solution that offers drivers of horse drawn
vehicles - who have even less off road provision than riders - the
opportunity to enjoy their leisure activity.
Anne has written a number
of articles on the subject. These have been reprinted and widely
distributed to local authorities and government departments as well as
other user groups. Carriage drivers everywhere have reason to be
grateful for her diligence on their behalf.
THE LADY ELIZABETH KIRK
AWARD for the best voluntary dedication
SIR SIMON TOWNELEY
This citation was written
by the late Lady Mary Towneley before her death earlier this year.
Simon has not only given all the support that enabled me to research
and explore on the ground a wide network of bridleway and access
possibilities over more than 25 years, putting up with considerable
spasmodic neglect from me of my wifely duties, but he has himself
contributed generously to the establishment of a local bridleway
network. This is both by dedication and by concession. He led the
way and encouraged his fellow landowners to dedicate the whole of the
Cliviger Gorge Packhorse Circuit, a distance of just under 9 miles.
Part of this has now become part of the Pennine Bridleway National
Trail. This inner circle leads into many vital links to a much wider
field of bridleways covering the whole of the South Pennines. Until he
did this Cliviger was a black hole, without a single bridleway, and an
area of most dangerous roads carrying much heavy traffic over the
Pennines.
Simon has also been fully
supportive of the South Pennines Packhorse Trails Trust since it
started ten years ago, indeed before it even got off the ground, and
he has been influential in obtaining financial support. He has given
approximately 65 acres for the Forest of Burnley, a Millennium Project
undertaken by the Burnley Council. This, of course, also includes
footpaths for use by the public.
It might be worth
mentioning that he rescued our Riding for the Disabled Group some
years ago when we found ourselves in severe financial difficulties and
were going to have to close the group down. He made an anonymous
covenant for 4 years, which saw us over the difficulties. We have
now, as a result, been going for 25 years. He has also made some
special routes over his land for the RDA.
Mary Towneley speaks for
us all in the BHS in her acknowledgement of her husband's work. We
have the greatest pleasure in giving him this award. THE BODYNFOEL
AWARD for the person who has done most to promote the British Horse
Society.
DR JOHN SUGDEN
The Society is pleased and
proud to make this award to John Sugden, who over many years has
worked to ensure that the Society is properly presented to the outside
world: to local and central government, to our own volunteers and to
the wider world of access organisations. He has a deep insight into
the law surrounding matters of rights of way and access to the
countryside and open space, and has participated to the full in
producing the advisory literature issued by the Society.
In recent years, he took
the major part in constructing the training sessions held for BHS
volunteers and members of bridleway associations, a work of real
magnitude. He has now translated the knowledge and wisdom contained in
that work into a book that is to riders and carriage drivers what the
"Blue Book" is to ramblers - the definitive work on rights of way.
With typical generosity and dedication to the objectives of the
Society, John has taken nothing from the financial proceeds of his
book, which means that the access work of the BHS has benefited
considerably. There could be no better recipient of this Award for the
person who has done most to promote the Society than Dr John Sugden.
WELFARE AWARDS for
contribution to equine welfare
OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL
Following the circulation
of a review of the dangers of ragwort by the British Horse Society
Oxfordshire, a number of councillors immediately offered their support
to the BHS campaign to rid Oxfordshire of ragwort. Colin Carritt
arranged a seminar to which all interested parties were invited with
the objective of creating a county strategy for dealing with this
dangerous weed. The proposals arising from the seminar were put to the
Oxfordshire County Council as a resolution by Councillor Nils Bartleet
and adopted by a huge majority.
Colin Carritt was then
instrumental in forming the Oxfordshire Ragwort Action Group with
representatives of the Council, the District Councils, the National
Farmers Union, the Country Landowners Association, the Environment
Agency, the Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group and of course, the
British Horse Society.
A strategy was implemented
that involved the distribution by the County Council of hundreds of
ragwort leaflets to key areas, the encouragement of notification of
ragwort infestation by members of the public and the appointment by
Parish Councils of ragwort wardens. Information gathered was acted
upon by the BHS who, under the direction of Dinah Harris, BHS welfare
representative for Oxfordshire, provided parties of ragwort pullers to
clear the County's roadside verges. They were supported by the County
and District Councils, who arranged the collection and incineration of
hundreds of bags of ragwort, and the County Council, who identified
areas suitable for spraying and sent advisory warning letters to
persons on whose land ragwort was growing.
This is a splendid example
of a local authority responding in a most positive manner to control
this deadly weed and make their county a safer place for horses,
ponies and many other animals. The BHS congratulate Oxfordshire
County Council for their sterling work in joining in the root out
ragwort campaign in their county. Receiving the award on behalf of
Oxfordshire County Council were Councillor Terry Joslin and Colin
Carritt, Area Engineer, Oxfordshire County Council Environmental
Services.
ALAN PHILLIPS
Alan Phillips has been a
stalwart of the Essex BHS Committee for over six years and is totally
devoted to BHS Welfare, steadfastly continuing even when others on the
county committee have resigned. He purchased a cheap caravan which he
refurbished and takes to local shows, giving out welfare information
and publicising the work of the Society. He is very knowledgeable and
is known in the area for being calm and reassuring in difficult
circumstances. His reliability is without fault; he always responds
promptly to reports of welfare concerns, even if that means turning
out in the middle of the night or on Christmas Day.
Alan also runs a horse
ambulance and has helped on numerous occasions with road traffic
accidents, where he operates under veterinary authority to remove
injured animals from the scene to a place of safety.
To show his support for
the whole of the welfare network, Alan has come from Essex to the
Rescue Centre to lend a hand at Open Days, doing anything and
everything asked of him.
SAFETY AWARD for the
person who has done most to promote road safety
MISS LESLEY SHELLARD
Lesley Shellard's passion
for riding and road safety was fired by her own personal, tragic
experience in a riding accident on the road. At that time Lesley was
living in Berkshire and after the accident, she, along with a group of
dedicated riding and road safety trainers and examiners, got together
to ensure that a comprehensive training package was given to all those
who undertook training for their riding and road safety test. Having
proved the worth of this training, Lesley then took the package,
developed it into a programme that could be presented nationally, and
gave it to the British Horse Society.
Until that moment
trainers, although playing a vital part in the training programme, had
not been drawn into the safety team and the Society had no real
knowledge or control of the standard of training that was being given.
Lesley's programme addresses these issues and all safety trainers will
now be required to attend a BHS safety training course where they will
receive excellent material to support their work. Such has been the
standard of Lesley's work that the DTLR agreed to part fund its
publication in order that training could start at the earliest
opportunity, and 2002 will see the first trainers following our
prescribed path.
The
Society owes a deal of gratitude to Lesley for her dedication to
Riding & Road Safety and for her concern for the safety of others as
they ride out on today's busy roads. |
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BHS SEFTON AWARDS FOR SAFETY |
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On Thursday 15 November
2001 the Master of the Worshipful Company of Saddlers, Mr Michael
Laurie, presented the British Horse Society Sefton Awards to three
people who have made a significant contribution to equestrian
safety. The ceremony took place in the historic Saddlers Hall in the
City of London by kind permission of the Worshipful Company of
Saddlers.
The Sefton Awards are
named after the cavalry horse injured in the IRA bomb attack and are
presented each year for services to the cause of equestrian safety.
This is the eleventh year in which the awards are made. It takes the
form of an engraved glass paperweight, and will be presented to the
following people:
Mrs JENNY COCKITT (Abergavenny,
Monmouthshire)
When Jenny Cockitt moved
to Abergavenny she was already heavily involved in riding and road
safety, having served the BHS in that capacity in Essex. Such was her
reputation that she was instantly snapped up by the BHS in Wales. Her
diligent work in the Principality led to her current role as Riding
and Road Safety Representative on the Welsh National Committee and
recently as a presenter at National Safety Examiner Training days.
There are many ways to
describe Jenny. She is an instigator of novel approaches and a solver
of old problems. She is hardly ever at a loss for words and her highly
developed sense of humour leaves her well equipped to deal with the
wide range of people involved in the riding and road safety world.
Jenny can, and does, liaise with everyone - from the Chief Constable
down to difficult ponies.
Although she will always
see another's point of view, her high standards - so essential in
safety work - are never lowered, whether she is training, examining or
merely administrating. In all these things Jenny continues to keep
the well-being and safety of horse and rider in the forefront of
everything she does. In difficult times Jenny is supportive and does
not allow those around her to lose heart. Her vision and strong
commitment inspire all those who know her.
As well as her involvement
in safety, Jennie also runs a working farm with her husband John.
Despite the enormous demands that this makes on her time, she has
raised the profile of safety in Wales. She is always ready and
willing to represent the Society when asked whether it be at the Welsh
National Assembly or a Pony Club rally. She has proved over many
years that her commitment to ensuring safer riding for all has no
limit.
Mrs JANE GOODWIN (Penrith,
Cumbria)
Jane Goodwin has been a
member of the British Horse Society for over 40 years. In that time
she has actively and devotedly worked for the welfare of the horse and
rider.
She has been involved in
road safety since the BHS first took up the issue. In 1986 Jane was
appointed County Riding and Road Safety representative for Cumbria,
going on to become Regional Riding & Road Safety representative for
the North region in 1994. Jane has organised and run numerous
candidate and examiner training days.
Jane's work in road safety
has always been tackled with enthusiasm. She has the ability to bring
out the best in the trainers, examiners and candidates. She has done
much to encourage an excellent working relationship between the
British Horse Society and Cumbria County Council's Road Safety
Officers. Indeed, the Senior Officer for Cumbria has acknowledged his
pleasure at working with Jane and thanked her for encouraging his
interest in equestrian road safety.
Jane has recently retired
as the BHS Riding and Road Safety Representative on the Cumbria
Committee and from the National Regional Riding & Road Safety
Representatives Committee - she has rarely been absent from either.
Very much a no nonsense person, Jane's skills at ensuring that
everyone sticks to the point and that common sense prevails have made
her contributions on committees invaluable.
Jane is very deserving of
this award. |
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Bill To Amend The Animal Health Act 1981
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After consultations with
DEFRA, the BHS and BEVA are agreed that the provisions of this Bill
should not alarm horse (pony, donkey, ass and mule) owners.
Taken out of context and
read in isolation, the Bill to amend the Animal Act 1981, may well
give rise to misunderstandings and interpretations. However, it
should be read together with not only the guidance notes but also the
original Animal Health Act 1981.
The main purpose of this
Bill is to provide additional powers to deal with Foot and Mouth
Disease (FMD) and transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) in
sheep. The Bill also makes a number of amendments to the enforcement
provisions of the Animal Health Act 1981.
In the 1981 Act, the terms
'animals' and 'disease' are clearly defined, and unless the context
otherwise requires, 'animals' means cattle, sheep, goats, and also all
other ruminants and swine. Within the Act powers already exist to
extend the definition of 'animals' to include any kind of mammal
except man, and just about any other kind of creature. In the Act, the
meaning of 'disease' is also clearly defined, and this definition can,
by order, be extended to cover any other disease of animals.
In common with the Act,
provisions under the Bill to extend the power to slaughter, in cases
of specified diseases, does not and will not apply to non-susceptible
and non-clinical carrier species (that is animals that can neither get
nor transmit the specified disease in a clinical sense). Further, the
Bill makes new offence of 'deliberately infecting an animal with a
certain disease or intending to do so'. The specified diseases to
which this new offence relates are listed in Schedule 2A of the Bill.
Further, horse owners
should not be concerned about African Horse Sickness, listed in
Schedule 2A. Whilst the disease is endemic in tropical regions of
Africa, only a few cases have been reported outside Africa, such as
the Near and Middle East (1959-63), in Spain (1966, 1987-90) and in
Portugal (1989). This disease is not directly contagious; it can only
be passed from one horse to another by a biological vector such as
infected mosquitoes.
The UK and Europe already
have strict import (and export) controls vital to disease control and
surveillance. |
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Saturday 3rd
November 2001 |
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Bed & Breakfast For Horses |
Charity Challenge Rides To Peru And Iceland |
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The eighth edition of the
British Horse Society's Bed and Breakfast for Horses is published this
week. This invaluable little book lists over 400 places around the
country that offer accommodation for horses, and in many cases their
owners too. Detailed descriptions are included for each entry giving
the location and the facilities provided. Some offer horses for hire
and the services of a trail guide. Others list nearby attractions
such as swimming pools, fishing, tennis and golf, so non horsey people
are catered for too.
This directory opens up
exciting possibilities for equestrian tourism in the UK, particularly
when used in conjunction with the BHS " ... on Horseback" series
(listed below).* Each book gives details of circular and linear rides
in the area, with maps and information on points of interest along the
route. Although primarily aimed at the recreational rider, many of
the routes are equally suitable for off road cyclists or walkers.
Bed and Breakfast for Horses complements Ride-UK, the National
Bridleroute Network, that the BHS started work on last year. On the
website
www.ride-uk.org.uk some B&Bs will be listed
alongside the promoted routes. The aim is to create and document a
national network covering England and Wales (and later Scotland and
Ireland) which will list the strategic national routes (for example
the Ridgeway and the Pennine Bridleway), regional routes (Swan's Way
in Buckinghamshire, Icknield Way in the East of England) and promoted
circular rides.
Bed and Breakfast for
Horses is a very useful guide to accommodation for horse owners going
on holiday, competing away or just wanting a weekend break for
themselves and their horse. This initiative by the British Horse
Society offers enhanced possibilities for the extension of horse
tourism in this country, with riding holidays in Britain becoming
increasingly attractive, particularly to visitors from abroad.
Bed and Breakfast for Horses
is available from the BHS Bookshop (08701 201918) price £5.95 plus 90p
p&p, or buy online at
www.britishhorse.com |
The British Horse Society
is to run two more exciting riding challenges next year to raise funds
for the BHS Rescue Centre. For over a decade the BHS has been
actively rescuing and rehabilitating horses and ponies in cases of
neglect and cruelty. In 1997 the Society opened its first dedicated
national Rescue Centre. Based at Stonecroft yard at Oxhill in
Warwickshire, the Centre provides facilities where horses and ponies
can be nursed back to health under expert care and found new permanent
homes.
The Inca Challenge is not
for the faint hearted! Trekking through the Andes in Peru on mountain
ponies, following the Inca trail to heights of 4650 metres, will
require nerves of steel and a head for heights. Challengers will need
to be fit and capable of hiking up and down gradients at altitude,
often leading rather than riding your mount. Cargo mules and a
colourful group of Quechua speaking wranglers will transport equipment
and personal gear.
The ride takes place from
22 June to 5 July 2002. Challengers are required to fund raise a
minimum of £2,800 which must be banked with the BHS by the beginning
of April, plus a £350 non refundable registration fee payable at the
time of booking.
The Viking Challenge is a
trek through Iceland on Icelandic horses. Riding at the Tolt on a 13hh
horse, at a speed that could easily give a galloping horse a run for
its money, yet being so smooth one could sip a glass of wine, is
absolutely exhilarating. Negotiating glacial rivers, riding along the
sea shore and climbing mountainous trails make for a varied and action
packed event, requiring a good level of fitness from participants.
Challengers will be responsible for caring for the three or four
horses they will be riding each day.
The Viking ride takes
place 18-25 August 2002. Challengers must raise a minimum of £1800
before 10 June 2002, plus a £250 non refundable registration fee
payable at the time of booking.
Anyone interested in
taking up either of these challenges to raise money for the BHS Rescue
Centre, should contact Wendy in the BHS Welfare Dept on 08701 299992
for an information pack.
So far over £165,000 has
been raised: help us make it £300,000. |
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Star Attractions at BHS Southern Region Event |
BHS ALARMED BY ANIMAL HEALTH BILL |
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Ferdi Eilberg and the
Beaufort Polo Club will be the star attractions at the British Horse
Society's Southern Region's eighth Annual Event on Sunday 18 November
at Hurstbourne Equestrian Centre (formerly Catherston Stud) near
Whitchurch in Hampshire.
The day starts at 11.00am
with a demonstration by Ferdi Eilberg and his family sharing their
schooling secrets for success in dressage and show jumping. Following
a break for lunch, the Beaufort Polo Club will be giving their advice
for correct schooling of horse and rider to allow the combination to
perform with the skill and speed required for polo.
There will also be a BHS
trade stand, raffle and licensed restaurant to provide activities for
all the family through until 3.30pm.
Tickets must be purchased
in advance and cost £16.50 for non-BHS members, £13 for BHS members
and £8 for under 15's. For further information, or to purchase
tickets, please contact Sophie Dickinson on 01488 681499 or send a
cheque made payable to the BHS to Standen Manor, Hungerford, Berks
RG17 0RB. |
The British Horse Society has expressed grave reservations about the
Animal Health Bill currently going through Parliament.
The proposals allow for significant new powers to be granted to
slaughter animals that are healthy, have not been in contact with, or
exposed to, a disease. The proposals further allow for forced entry
to premises to carry out this slaughter. This does not only apply to
FMD, but to any other disease that the Minister sees fit to include.
Horses are not susceptible to FMD, nor are they carriers of the
disease in the biological sense. As the proposals stand they could be
included in a slaughter policy if the Ministry decided that they could
contribute to a spread of the disease. At the beginning of the FMD
outbreak Ministry vets were telling people that horses would have to
be put down on a farm infected with FMD, and it took the British Horse
Society two weeks to get the Ministry to put out a statement
contradicting this advice. If they got it wrong once, could they get
it wrong again?
"The proposals in this Bill are very worrying for every horse owner"
said Kay Driver, BHS chief executive. "It is the duty of the British
Horse Society to look after horses and ponies in this country, and we
support their owners in every way. We regularly make representation
at the highest level and shall now be working to ensure that no
proposals get through that will allow horses to be slaughtered
needlessly." |
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Tuesday 30th October 2001 |
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Fun At Killiworgie Riding Stables |
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Everyone at Killiworgie’s ‘Saturday Afternoon
Horse Club’ enjoyed their fancy dress Halloween party on Friday
evening. About 45 children and helpers attended the party which
included a disco and cold buffet and was held at the stables.
On Saturday 3rd November, Killiworgie
is holding a bonfire night with fireworks being held near to the
stables. Everyone is welcome on an ‘entry by fireworks’ basis and hot
food will be on sale.
There was an excellent turnout on Sunday’s
sponsored ride in aid of CLIC. The ride started at Killiworgie
Stables and made a round trip to Summercourt and with the good
weather, it made it a great day. Chris and Morley, owners of
Killiworie, would like to thank everyone who took part and also the
London Inn at Summercourt for allowing them to use their carpark as a
horse park for a lunch break.
A social evening with a disco and buffet is
going to be held at Carworgie Manor on Saturday 17th
November, where rosettes will be awarded to the riders. Entrance will
be free for those who took part & £5.00 for anyone else who would like
to attend.
For enquiries of any of the above, please
telephone, Mrs C Carne on (01637) 880570. |
|
|
Monday 29th October 2001 |
|
Evening with Tim Stockdale-Inter
Show Jumper |
South Essex To The Rescue |
|
The British Horse Society
Ireland has organised a lecture/demonstration with International Show
Jumper, Tim Stockdale on Monday, 19 November at Danescroft, Waterloo
Road, Lisburn. Starting at 7pm. Attendance at this evening will act as
a refresher course for the Register of British Horse Society
Instructors.
Tim Stockdale is a
well-known show jumper with an impressive record on both the UK and
European circuits.
By 1993 Tim was a member of
the Nation’s Cup Team, when they won first place in Hungary and he
continues to be a member of the Team. He has gained many personal
successes throughout Europe and the UK including The
Royal Windsor Horse Show, Hickstead Derby, Horse
of the Year Show and the Olympia International Show. He is known for
riding amongst others his well-known international horses Parcival and
Winston Bridget of Hickstead Derby renown.
Tim is currently ranked
number six in the British Show Jumping Association order of merit. And
in 2000 he was the reserve member of the British Olympic Team that
travelled to Sydney, Australia.
The evening will start at
7pm. Tickets should be booked in advance by contacting Susan Irwin,
British Horse Society Development Officer for Ireland on 02892683801,
07808141079 or e-mail:
BHSIRELAND@aol.com. Also
look at the web site:
www.bhsireland.co.uk. |
South Essex Insurance
Brokers have donated a newly built, custom made Oakley two horse lorry
to the British Horse Society Rescue Centre.
Transport is essential to
the work of the BHS in rescuing neglected or severely abused horses
and ponies. "We need to be able to go and pick up a rescue case at
short notice", said Kerstin Alford,
BHS head of welfare. "Having our own lorry means that
valuable time will not be lost in treating the pony. Often a few hours
can make the difference between life and death for these poor
creatures. We are delighted that South Essex is helping so
generously."
The lorry will also be used
for essential trips to the veterinary hospital, as well as for the
journey to the new home once the horse or pony has been nursed back to
health.
In addition to this
essential transport, the vehicle will serve as a promotional roadshow,
allowing the welfare team to attend shows and events to publicise the
vital work of the BHS, and to raise the very necessary funds.
The current star of the
rescue centre is Caspar, a tiny Shetland pony. Now fully recovered, he
regularly attends fund raising events, proudly pulling his little cart
and giving rides to delighted children. |
|
|
Friday 26th October 2001 |
|
Top Dressage Trainers
At BHS Convention |
|
The British Horse Society’s 2001 two day
Instructors’ Convention is to be held on 20 and 21 November at
Gleneagles Equestrian Centre, Auchterader in Perthshire. It is kindly
sponsored by Scottish Farmer/Scottish Horse, Super Solvitax and
Eqvalan, as well as the Scottish Equestrian Association.
The Convention features the world renowned
dressage trainer Christoph Hess and international dressage rider
Nicole Uphoff. The theme will be Training the Dressage Horse.
Christoph Hess, both an international
dressage/eventing trainer and judge, is Director of Training for the
German Equestrian Federation and also responsible for the German
National Centre at Warendorf. Nicole Uphoff is probably best known for
her highly successful partnership with Rembrandt as a member of the
German Olympic dressage team winning Olympic, World and European team
and individual gold medals.
Nicole and Christoph will work together
with a variety of riders and horses to demonstrate their methods of
training through practical demonstrations, as well as giving guidance
to riding dressage tests.
The convention is aimed primarily at BHS
Instructors, but would appeal to anyone who is interested in dressage
at whatever level. Every rider, however humble, can learn from the
experts. The day starts promptly at 9.45am and will finish with
questions at approximately 5pm. Attendance will count as a refresher
course for those on the Register of Instructors, as well as counting
for 10 hours for holders of the PTC (log books must be signed on the
day).
Tickets are strictly limited so early
booking is advised. £48 two days and £28 one day for Registered
Instructors, £58/£38 BHS/BRC/BD members, £77/£52 non members. To apply
for tickets send a cheque for the required amount to Charlotte Nelson,
Training Office, British Horse Society, Stoneleigh Deer Park,
Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 2XZ or ‘phone Charlotte on 01926 707820.
Tickets are not transferable.
On 19 November, the day before the
Convention, Nicole and Christoph will be holding individual teaching
sessions. All these are booked but spectators are welcome at £5 each.
Please contact Helene Mauchlen on
01764 656334. |
|
|
Friday 19th October 2001 |
|
BHS
Warns Of Dangers Of Fireworks |
|
The British Horse Society has issued a warning
about the dangers of fireworks close to horses. Anyone holding a
firework display should make sure that it is not being held anywhere near
fields containing horses or ponies.
Last year two horses died, and another was
seriously injured as a result of a private fireworks party. The horses in
question were out in a field adjacent to where a display was being held.
The fireworks could be heard half a mile away. The horses panicked. Two of
them collapsed and died due to stress and exhaustion; the third ran into a
telegraph pole and suffered horrendous injuries. The owner lived some
distance away, and by the time she had been told what was going on and had
reached the field, it was too late to save them.
It is essential that anyone holding a
firework display should inform their neighbours, and behave in a
considerate and responsible way. All horse owners should try to
see that their horses are brought in or moved if there is to be a
fireworks display nearby.
Kerstin Alford, BHS head of welfare, said:
"Anyone holding a firework display has a duty of care to the public, and
this should include their animals Firework displays should take place well
away from livestock, particularly horses. Many horses are easily alarmed
and could be terrified by the noise and explosions of light. There is also
a real danger that if frightened they will escape from their field and
perhaps cause an accident on the roads. |
|
BHS
Launches New Careers Booklet |
|
The British Horse Society has just published a
new booklet: BHS GUIDE TO CAREERS WITH HORSES. This useful 40 page booklet
is essential reading for anyone thinking of a career with horses, as well
as being an invaluable resource for career advisors in schools and
colleges, parents, training yards, riding schools and training
establishments. The BHS Guide to
Careers with Horses has useful information on the BHS exams system and
the BHS Apprenticeship Scheme, and gives help on where to start on a
career as a riding instructor, groom, stud assistant, carriage driving
groom, racing yard worker, saddler, farrier, veterinary nurse, mounted
police officer, mounted army recruit, equestrian tourism worker and
college lecturer. Useful addresses and contacts are also listed under each
section.
The book is clearly written and will prove an
invaluable start for anyone who is considering working with horses in
whatever capacity.
The booklet is available from the BHS Bookshop
price £3.50 plus 50p postage and packing (discounts available on bulk
orders). Order line 08701 201918 or 01926 707762 or order online from
www.britishhorse.com |
|
From The Judges Point Of View |
|
The British Riding Club’s Area 19 is holding an
evening entitled “From the judges point of view” with Zara Pawley, a
member of the British Riding Clubs panel of master judges ant Tall
Trees Arena, Davidstow, on Friday, November 30th , starting
at 7.30pm.
The evening will
take the form of a series of sessions for each of the different
“types” of animal seen in the show ring.
Miss Pawley will examine requirements for each of
the types and demonstrate what the judges will be looking for in their
classes.
Mounted “guinea pigs” will be required for each
section. Priority will be given to British Riding Club members, but
in the event of there being spare places, these may be taken by
non-members.
To enrol as a demonstrator, please contact Jane
Fisher on the number below as soon as possible. Places for each type
will be limited to a maximum of four horses. The types will be
hunters of all weights, cobs, riding horses, hacks, working hunter
ponies, show hunter ponies and show ponies. The horses and ponies presented as demonstrators
may be in their” winter woollies”
Tickets will be available on the night priced at
£1.50 for members and officials of the Pony Club and £3 for
non-members of either the Pony Club or the British Riding Clubs.
There will be no charge for members of affiliated riding clubs. Affiliated riding clubs may also invite anyone who
they feel may have an interest in the subject to be covered as guest
of Area 19.
For further details, information and seat
reservations, please contact Jane Fisher on (01872) 510780 or 07966
450490. |
|
|
Last Jumping Of The Year |
Non Hunting Meet |
|
Killiworgie Riding Stables would like to thank
everyone who has supported them in the jumping competitions this year
and look forward to seeing you all again next season. Sunday seen the
last Mini, Midi, Maxi for this year, but despite the late start this
year due to the foot and mouth, which has been tough on everyone,
Chris and Morley feel they have had an excellent turnout since, even
in poor weather conditions.
Killiworgie have started work on their All Weather
Hunter Trial Course this week and estimate that it will be ready by
the beginning of December. For any further information please
telephone Mrs C Carne on (01637) 880570. |
South Cornwall Hunt are holding a non-hunting
opening meet on Saturday, November 10th. This will start
with breakfast at the Victoria Inn, Roche, at 10am, followed by a
parade of the hounds at 11am.
All supporters are welcome and donations and
subscriptions will be gratefully received. To book a breakfast,
contact Steve Parkin on (01726) 824135 by Monday, November 5th.
Their hunt ball will be on Friday November 16th
at the Victoria Hotel, Newquay. Tickets are available from Steve
Parkin on (01726) 824135 or Lisa Pinney on (01566) 784611 |
|
|
Tuesday 9th October 2001 |
|
Saturday Afternoon Horse
Club |
|
Killiworgie Riding Stables held their first gymkhana for the Saturday
Afternoon Horse Club. The club has now been running for 10 weeks now and
the children, all aged between 5 and 12 years old, have been gaining
confidence on and around horses, most of which have never been around
horses before they started the club. Each week the children, as well as
learning general horse care, have been learning a new gymkhana game each
week and on Saturday showed their parents just how well and confidently
they are doing. The event was thoroughly enjoyed by the children and all
that watched.
The
children are now looking forward to their fancy dress Halloween party on
26th October and the bonfire night and fireworks on 3rd
November.
If
anyone would like to join the Saturday Afternoon Horse Club, please phone
(01637) 881690 , 07929 010008 or (01637) 880570.
Killiworgie’s
Sponsored Ride in aid of CLIC is fast approaching. It is being held on
Sunday 28th October and everyone is welcome. If you would like
to join in the fun, you can get a sponsor form by calling into the stables
or telephone Mrs C Carne on (01637) 880570. |
|
Wednesday 3rd October
2001 |
|
Trading for 50 years in
Newquay |
|
Janet Burt of Trenance Stables
is celebrating 50 years of trade in Newquay. Despite having to move
locations as Newquay developed, many people who learnt to ride at the
stables ar now bringing their children and grandchildren to Janet.
Sunday October 7th is the
date for their annual sponsored ride, which this year is splitting its
proceeds between the British Heart Foundation and the Sunrise Appeal.
It will start from Tregunnel car park in Newquay at 10.30am.
Janet is hoping that old
and new riders will take part to make this year's ride particularly
memorable. Following this, they will hold a social evening at the
Barrowfields Hotel, Newquay, on Saturday November 10th. This will
enable cheques of the money raised to be presented to the respective
charities and the commemoration of the 50 year celebrations. Its
hoped that many old friends and staff will attend the function, tickets
for which are available from the stables, costing £5 each, part of which
will be donated to the charities.
The stables have no
commenced their autumn lessons and they still have some vacancies.
They are also holding their annual horse sale on Saturday, October 20th,
starting at 1.30pm, with viewing from 10am until 12 noon.
Further details for all of
the above are available from Janet Burt on either (01637) 872699 or
(01637) 871529. |
|
Sunday 2nd September
2001 |
Local Garage Fights Back After Foot & Mouth
|
Newquay Area Bridleways Action Group |
|
At the end of 2000,
a local vehicle workshop decided to offer a Horse Box repair service
from their former premises at Moorswater, Liskeard. It was hoped that
this would compliment the existing repair and restoration service
offered for Classic, Vintage and Veteran vehicles, as well as more
modern cars.
Word of mouth brought the first customers, who were very happy
with the repairs – mostly welding work. Then February 2001 saw the
first outbreak of Foot & Mouth.
“It couldn’t have
happened at a worse time for us,” said Dave Payne, Senior Partner
in D&K MOTORS. “We were planning a move to bigger premises, so that
we could take on these larger vehicles. The customers were happy with
the work, but suddenly they found they were virtual prisoners in their
own homes; unable to move their horses and unwilling to travel out of
their own area.”
D&K MOTORS went ahead with the
move, although it was delayed by three months, and are now installed
in more spacious premises on the Moorswater Industrial Estate,
Liskeard. Regular customers have commented on how access to the
workshop is so much better, and new customers arrive everyday.
Meanwhile, the Horse Box repair
service is going from strength to strength. One recent customer from
Newquay said, “D&K MOTORS were a pleasure to deal with –
they collected our Horse Box, fitted a completely new floor and
arranged the return journey, all at a very reasonable price.”
D&K MOTORS
hope that no new Foot & Mouth outbreaks for over a month means Horse
Box owners will now feel able to travel to have their vehicles
repaired, ready for winter.
D&K MOTORS can be contacted on 01579
348880, quoting ref PRHB8/01, or through their web site
www.DKMOTORS.co.uk
|
"NAGBAGS" is the shortened
name for " Newquay Area Bridleways Action Group", they were formed in the
year 2000 by three mothers of horse-mad teenagers with limited local
riding. The NAGBAGS initially
came together to upgrade Footpath number 4 in Fraddon Village.
This was a path that has traditionally been used by horses and with
lots of advice and support from our local B.H.S. Bridleways officer,
Jane Combes, a modification order was applied for from the County
Council's Highways Department. If successful, this will
effectively upgrade the path to a bridleway and ensure that future
generations can carry on using it.
It has soon become
clear that there is a need for such modification orders on several
local paths. In addition to this people are needed to carry out
important work such as clearing bridleways, improving surfaces,
carrying out research about where people can ride safely off the
roads, and liaising with bodies such as Parish Councils and Imerys. This is the work that
NAGBAGS have taken on. Our area spans roughly from Ladock
through Grampound Road, upto St Mawgan and easterly to Demelza and
Roche. This is a large area and we really need enthusiastic
members in each area who will work with us.
The NAGBAGS will soon
be affiliated to the B.H.S. which means that when carrying out
clearance or taking part in fun rides through us, members will be
fully insured at these times. They will have the satisfaction of
being part of an organisation that is doing something positive to
improve riding facilities for us all, and most importantly,
safeguarding riding for our children and their children's children.
The cost to join
NAGBAGS is just £4.00 per year per family. You will receive a
newsletter twice a year to keep you informed as to our progress,
future plans and any socials that are happening.
For more information,
please contact Louise Michaelides on (01726) 860637 or kay Barrett on
(01208) 861041. |
|
|
Thursday 9th August 2001 |
|
Horses Died From Colic |
Annual Sponsored Ride |
|
|
The BHS has received disturbing
evidence that horses have died from severe colic after swallowing so
called "horse licks". The Molasses blocks are designed to be put
in a stable for horses to lick on an occasional basis. When
eaten in quantity the molasses may impact food in the gut and cause a
blockage.
The BHS is recommending that
owners should only use these products when they are placed in a
suitable container that cannot be opened by the horse. Ideally,
there should be only a small area of the block accessible, encouraging
the horse to lick, rather than bite or chew. Blocks should not
be left loose in the feed manger or on the floor of the stable.
Kerstin Alford, of the BHS Welfare Department,
said: "A horse that is fed a properly balanced diet, designed for
the type of animal and the work is doing should not need supplements.
However, horse licks are useful in providing amusement for the stabled
horse. As such it makes more sense to use them on an occasional
basis, rather than all the time. They should always be placed in
a suitable container. They are meant to be licked, not eaten,
but unfortunately horses cannot read the instructions. The
deaths of these horses is a tragedy for the owners concerned, and we
are desperately anxious that the message gets out to all horse owners
so that this type of appalling accident does not happen to anyone
else." |
Trenance
Stables will be holding their annual sponsored ride on Sunday, 7th
October. This years proceeds will be split between The Sunrise
Appeal and the British Heart Foundation.
Further
details are available from the stables on (01637) 871529.
Janet
Burt from Trenance Stables would like to thank the Royal Cornwall
Hospital (Treliske) for the excellent care she received there
recently. She would also like to thank her equine friends for
making her corner of the ward look like Chelsea Flower Show and her
staff and 15 year old granddaughter who are coping with the
trauma of August and Keeping the stables going for her.
Janet is
pleased to report that she is feeling much better and is hoping to be
back to full speed in the near future.
|
Saturday Afternoon Horse Club |
|
Killiworgie Riding Stables held its first Saturday Afternoon Horse
Club last week. About 50 excited children aged between 4 and
13 years old attended the club and were split into groups of age
and experience.
The
club will run all year round and children have the option of
attending on a weekly progression, or if they prefer, just now and
then.
Apart from learning general equine knowledge and how to care for
horses, a different gymkhana game will be taught each week, which
will also give some riding experience. The club also give
children who would like to own a horse in the future the chance to
learn about some of the responsibilities which are involved.
If
you are interested in finding out more or would like to reserve a
place for your child, telephone ( 01637) 881690 or 07929 010008.
The
club runs every Saturday from 1pm until 3pm. |
|
|
|
|
|
July 31st 2001 |
|
Newquay Riding Club, Open Show, 27th
July 2001 |
T.A.M.R. Security |
|
|
On what
was probably the hottest day of the year so far, Newquay Riding Club
held its Annual Open Show at Trenance Farm, St. Newlyn East, by kind
permission of Mr Peter Woodley.
A record
attendance provided some stiff competition in the various classes and
the Club is very grateful to Mr D Freeman (Show Jumping), Mr W.D.
Kellow (Ridden Classes), Mrs J Wilton (In Hand), Mr F Newland (Tack &
Turnout, Leading Rein, Novice & Best Combination) and Mrs Debbie
Williams (Working Hunter) for judging all these classes in the
sweltering heat.
Click on the photo above to see more.
Megan
Semmons with Kalavan Grand Knight took the Supreme Championship and
Michelle Couch with Mak was Reserve Champion.
The
Gymkanna Races were equally hotly contested with Tamsyn Davey (8yrs &
Under), Ben Freeman & Stacey Venna (12yrs & Under) Josie Sharp (Open)
obtaining most points in their sections.
The Club
would also like to thank Committee members and volunteers who, working
together as a team helped to make this a most enjoyable day.
CLICK
HERE FOR THE RESULTS OF THIS SHOW
|
At a time when security is
never far from our minds, a new company, T.A.M.R. may have come up
with an affordable answer to help all of us. The company offers
a comprehensive system which provides a laminated passport for each
item of property which has been marked uniquely with overt and covert
markings and fitted with the "Datatag" electronic chips, transponders
or the new data dot.
Each item's details are then held on the datatag
computer, which is manned 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year, and
whose information is available on-line to over 200 police stations
nationwide.
Precautions like these
could not only provide the owner of the property with peace of mind
but it also acts as a deterrent to would-be thieves.
What is the point of
risking being caught by taking something which can be traced so
readily, and which is difficult to get rid of once it has been stolen.
It is much easier for them to move on to something else which hasn't
been marked. Having your property marked can also lead to a
reduction in insurance premiums, which proves that the insurance
companies also think it is a good security measure.
Many equestrian items
can be marked from trailers to horseboxes, and 4x4s to saddles and
tack as well as other valuable items. In short, if its of value
to you mark it, passport it, keep it.
Anyone interested in
further details about what T.A.M.R. could do for you, telephone or fax
Brian Harris on 01726 882214 or his mobile number 017810 551575.
Brian operates
throughout Cornwall and would be happy to give advice for everyone's
needs. |
|
|
July 13th 2001 |
|
Emily Takes All Three
First Places In Dressage. |
Killiworgie Jumping 10th
July |
|
Porth Valley riding club held
an open dressage competition at Hendra Paul Farm on Sunday. Emily
Schofield dominated section B of the prelim two class as she took the
first three places with Rum Truffle, Edgar John Bee and Jacob Cream
Cracker respectively. She also claimed two seconds on
Dimensions Dot Com.
The First was behind Lucy Booth and Burley Moonlight
in section A of prelim two. The other was in prelim 10 which was won
by Helen Askey riding Twinks. Helen then went on to win the novice
24 test with Dalcotes Nikita and came second in the same class on Twinks.
The final class of the day saw Suzane Hunter and Saffron taking the
honours.. |
The sun stayed out all evening and brought a good
turnout for Killiworgie Riding Stables Mini, Midi & Maxi jumping
competition on Tuesday. Owners, Chris and Morley are holding Open Jumping
Competitions every Tuesday evening throughout the summer as well as other
events. For information on all events telephone: Mrs C Carne on: (01637).880570.
Click HERE
to see Tuesdays results
Also new to Killiworgie is a ‘Saturday Afternoon
Horse Club’ aimed at children aged between 5 and 12 years old who would
like to learn about horses in general. Children will be able to groom a
pony, prepare a feed, learn what to do and what not to do around horses
and after many more fun activities have a ride. For more information
telephone: (01637) 881690 or (01637) 880570. |
|
No Dogs Allowed |
|
Barguse Riding Stables will be
holding mini, Midi, Maxi jumping competitions for the next three Sundays
(July 15, 22 and 29). They will aslo be holding a summer show on
sunday August 26th. Please note there will be no dogs allowed on the
showground for any of these events.
Further details are available
from either Pat or Marcus on (01208) 831817 |
|
6th July 2001 |
|
THE PERFECT FILLY
FOAL
Penmellyn Veterinary Group was thrilled to
hear that Anastasia, a warm blood mare owned by Adam Ellery, produced a
perfect filly foal. The foal has illustrious parents as her farther
is Balouget De Rouet, who won the showjumping World Cup three times in
1998, 1999 and 2000 and came second in 2001. He is by Galoubet and
is the "best showjumper in the world at present." Her mother,
Anastasia, has distinguished blood lines and competed at BSJA events with
success and one of her offspring, Boadicea's Revenge, won at the Royal
Cornwall Show in 2000. Adam Ellery is hoping that the filly will
follow in her parents "hoof steps".
The remarkable story
behind the filly's conception started in 1999 when Adam Ellery asked
Penmellyn Veterinary Group if they could artificially inseminate Anastasia
with frozen semen. It is difficult to achieve pregnancy in horses
using frozen semen - one of the "rules" is that the mare must be between
three and twelve years of age to ensure good fertility. An added
complication was that the frozen semen is very expensive and the Penmellyn
Veterinary Group was only supplied with enough for two services.
All in all it was a
tall order for an older mare, and so followed some long, hard work for the
group and Adam. Anastasia needed corrective surgery for a small
problem and treatment for a womb infection and the first insemination led
to a pregnancy, but this followed by a miscarriage. The team decided
then to give further treatment for the womb infection and wait until the
spring of 2000.
Following a long and
anxious winter Anastasia threw more problems at the team. Mares are
supposed to stay in season for five days, but she was in for just one day
which caused the first opportunity for AI to be missed. Three weeks
later she was in season again, her progress was followed by six-hourly
ultrasound scans and she was inseminated with the last dose.
All the team could
then do was wait and hope. Reward for all the hard work came when
the pregnancy was confirmed by ultrasound scan. In 2001 Anastasia,
at 21years of age, had her perfect foal. |
|
24th May 2001
|
|
THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY
The National Pony Society of Cornwall will be
holding their Area 26 show on Saturday 23rd June at the Royal Cornwall
Showground, near Wadebridge. Due to the foot and mouth crisis all
exhibitors at the show will need to complete a certificate of compliance
and present it on entering the showground. The oganisers are also
requesting that dogs are left at home.
The show has qualifying rounds for the NPS/Picton
mountain and moorland novice ridden championship, the NPS mountain and
moorland ridden homeware championship, The NPS mountain and moorland
in-hand Kilmannan Stud championship, The NPS Spinningdale riding pony
in-hand championship, the NPS hunter pony breeding in-hand championship,
the BSPS Packard Bell Challenge and the BSPS championship show.
Entries close on Wednesday 20th June and no
telephone entries will be accepted. Schedules are available from Mrs
R Brown, Talland Barton Farm, Talland Bay, near Looe, PL13 2JA.
|
|
19th May 2001
|
|
HUMANE HORSE DEMONSTRATION
Marilyn Spicer will be giving a demonstration
of humane horse handling at Killiworgie Riding Stables, Killiworgie Mill,
Blackcross near St Columb by kind permission of Chris and Morley
Carne. It will take place on Sunday 27th, starting at 3.00pm.
Proceeds from the day will be donated to the Widewalls Animal Rescue
Centre at Camelford.
Widewall have many rescued horses at their
establishment and the owners work not-stop, but caring for the animals and
fund raising. Marilyn has decided to land them a helping hand in the
form of her demonstration. There will be no mechanical aids use,
only a basic rope halter and a rope, causing, not forcing, the horse to
respect and trust the handler.
Marilyn has been working with this system for
eight years now. She owns an Arabian mare who was knocked down by a
careless driver, and despite the trauma she suffered she eventually returned
to roadwork in control of her fears, proving that Marilyn's methods do
really work.
- There will be a limited number of tickets
priced at £5.00 each. They are available from
- Marilyn on: 01726 822372
|
|
10th May 2001
|
| CANCELLED
EVENTS
The Native Pony Association of
Cornwall has decided to cancel all its shows and events this
season due to the foot and mouth crisis.
It is hoping to organise some local
social events in the near future. |
|
BRIGHT
DAY FOR SHOW
When
the foot and mouth disease started, it has brought the agriculture
industry to a standstill throughout the country. All animal
movement was banned excluding horses all but the exception of
those that graze on the same land as farm animals. Because
of the pressure on farmers over foot and mouth, it’s not
surprising that they are not allowing equestrian events to take
place on their land in a bid to prevent the spread of the disease
to their animals. As
a result of this, events throughout the country have been
cancelled.
Bank
Holiday 7th May saw one of the first shows in the area since the outbreak
of foot and mouth. Porth Valley Riding Club, who have the
benefit of their own land along with a sand
ring, held its first Unaffiliated Showjumping competition of the
season. The show was a great success, there was a good turnout and
the day rounded off nicely with plenty of sunshine. Click HERE to see
the results.
The
club has been established for 5 years and has become very popular.
The owners Mr & Mrs Schofield, have recently had full
planning permission passed to change the use of their
establishment & land from agriculture to ‘Horseyculture’
which will also include a Cross Country course.
More
shows and events are now scheduled for the near future, on Sunday
27th May there is an Open Dressage Competition, click HERE
to print an entry form. On
Wednesday 30th May there is a Jumping Gala, click HERE
for a schedule. |
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28th April 2001 |
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SPONSORED RIDE
IN AID OF ILPH
Sunday, May 20th will
be the date of a sponsored ride in aid of the ILPH. MAFF
have now given the go-ahead for this ride to take place, although
it will consist solely of road work.
The ride will start at
Wadebridge Cattle Market on Polmorla Road and will follow a route
to Burlawn and on to St Wenn, Withiel, Ruthern and Plobrock before
heading back to Wadebridge. It will cover about 20 miles and
will take about four hours to complete.
This ride is suitable
for all capabilities and will stop for refreshments at about the
halfway point. Entries will be charged at £10 per horse,
which will be payable in advance, or a minimum of £10 sponsorship
which will be payable on the day.
Entry forms are
available from either Pat Knight, 14 Bridge View, Wadebridge, PL27
6BZ or Gilly French, c/o Mole valley Farmers, St Columb.
Jeff Herrington, a field officer for the ILPH, will be attending
to present rosettes for the most sponsorship and the best turned
out combination. |
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19th April 2001 |
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RIDING CLUB
WANTS FARM
A St Columb Minor
riding club is applying to convert a farm from agricultural use to
allow it to stage events there. The Porth Valley Riding Club
wants permission to set up a cross-country course that could host
three events a year, horse shows and club events at land at Hendra
Paul Farm. The site is a 54 acre former farm holding in the
valley north of St Columb Minor.
The buildings already
have consent for holiday cottages and in 1992 planning permission
was granted for the construction of six stables and the conversion
of farm buildings for another six stables for a DIY livery, a car
park and sand exercise.
The plan has been
recommended for full approval by Restormel planners and was due to
be heard by the planning committee last night (18/04/2001) |
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TALL
TREES GET GREEN LIGHT
Tall Trees Arena has now been given
the green light by MAFF to recommence competitions, starting with
an Unaffiliated Showjumping Show on April 22 followed by Senior
BSJA on Wednesday, April 25th.
The Deitrick family, who have been put
under tremendous strain due to foot and mouth, were delighted with
the news form MAFF and have already issued their new programme
which features BSJA and Unaffiliated jumping as well as
Unaffiliated and Affiliated Dressage.
For further information, telephone
Tall Trees on: 01840 770342 or 01840 361249 |
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10th April 2001
CARRY ON RIDING BY
TAKE EVERY POSSIBLE PRECAUTION
Many activities in the
countryside are curtailed because of the foot and mouth outbreak.
The one activity that can continue is horse riding.
Horses are not affected by foot and mouth, so it is perfectly
acceptable to go riding at a riding school.
Most riding schools have arenas and indoor schools where you can
learn to ride safely and without posing any risks as far as foot and mouth
is concerned.
Although horses
themselves do not spread the disease, they can still transport the virus
on the mud on their feet. This
can be avoided by thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting the horse’s feet
with a MAFF approved disinfectant before going out, and repeat this
process when returning home. Rider’s
boots should also be cleaned and sipped in disinfectant.
Everyone involved in equestrianism is taking every possible
precaution to ensure they do not inadvertently contribute to the spread of
foot and mouth disease. However,
a carefully managed hygiene programme is enabling localised equestrian
activity to take place.
Hacking out is still
possible is not-affected counties where riding establishments have their
own land on which to ride. While
many bridleways and rights of way have been closed, it is always possible
to ride on the road, and motorists are being warned to watch out for more
horses on the roads.
Horses are no more
likely to spread the virus than cars or people, so if cars can go on the
road, so can riders – and riders are disinfecting their horse’s feet,
which is more than the cares are doing.
The BHS is asking
riders in sensitive areas to have regard to the feelings of their farming
neighbours and to stay well away from any livestock.
In non-affected areas, there is nothing to prevent people going to
and from a yard or stables. This
means that visits from pupils, students, farriers, feed merchants,
instructors can all go ahead as usual.
Yards are taking precautions to disinfect those coming and going,
just in case there is anyone coming form a possibly infected area.
Horses are not
included in the MAFF Movement Order, so there is no legal reason to
prevent people transporting their horses.
However, it is better not to move horses around if you can avoid
doing so, just to minimise traffic in the countryside.
Horses must only be moved in thoroughly cleaned and disinfected
transport which is dedicated equine transport (i.e. not a lorry or trailer
that is used for transporting cattle, sheep, goats or pigs).
Some horses are kept on stock farms or come into contact with farm
animals, and these owners need to be especially vigilant.
When away from home,
all land where susceptible animals are grazed or housed should be avoided.
Horses being transported must be kept segregated from all
susceptible livestock for 14 days. Horses
new to an area should avoid sharing farm yards, grazing, housing,
equipment or personnel with susceptible livestock.
Event organisers are
advised to postpone events and shows until the situation is more stable,
unless it does not involve bringing horses in (i.e. demonstrations or
social events). All
activities planned on land where susceptible livestock have recently been
grazing or in an infected area should be cancelled, and further advice can
be obtained from the local ministry vet.
Any events which are taking place should provide one combined
entrance or exit and ensure all vehicles travel over a disinfectant soaked
straw bed or suitable alternative.
Only horse and
pedestrians should be allowed onto the venue – digs and other animals
should not be allowed to enter. Horses
should be led over a disinfectant soaked straw bed after unloading and
prior to leaving – for example, in the gateway to the warm-up arena and
all pedestrians should clean and disinfect their footwear on arrival and
departure form the venue.
The three main points
that the BHS stress riders MUST not do are:
- To
ride on rights of way which have been closed by the local authority,
for which there is a £5,000 fine for the infringement.
- Ride
on farmland that is used for grazing by susceptible livestock.
- Hold
events in infected areas or on land that has been grazed by
susceptible livestock.
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STRAIN ON THE EQUINE WORLD
Equestrian establishments throughout the
country are suffering severe hardship since the outbreak of foot and mouth
disease and the BHS now has evidence that many riding schools are likely
to go out of business. Those hardest hit are the trekking centres
which have been out of action for more than three weeks now.
The restrictions mean that riding schools are
unable to take riders out on hacks in the countryside, and those who do
not have facilities on site are unable to take any clients at all.
Even those who have indoor schools and outdoor menages are finding that
many of their customers are reluctant to come out to them, and their takings
are well down.
Although income may have dropped, the expenses
continue, eg: horses have to be fed and the staff needed to care for them
have to be paid.
Most riding establishments are already living
on a knife edge financially because of the high costs involved, the burden
of business rates and the labour intensive nature of the enterprise.
Any drop in income is extremely damaging and a large drop is potentially
disastrous.
This means that we shall see many riding
establishments going out of business through no fault of their own.
Farmers have increasingly diversified into
equestrianism, and this will mean a double blow for them.
In some areas, freelance instructors are also
being affected, as they are reliant on being able to travel to clients to
give lessons. Due to the restrictions on movements, many are
effectively unable to work and are facing temporary unemployment. In
addition, farriers are often unable to go onto land or property to shoe
horses and are losing valuable income.
The British Horse Society has written to DETR
Minister Mr Michael Meacher, asking him to bring to the attention of the
Prime Minister the immense damage being done to equestrian establishments.
The BHS is looking to the government to
recognise the difficulties being faced by the industry, and to seriously
consider ways in which it might be helped, including the possibility of
compensation.
Horse owners and riding school proprietors
everywhere are doing all they can to assist the farming community to
defeat the grip of foot and mouth disease.
The long-term effects of this crisis will no
doubt force many small and well established businesses to close and never
open their doors again.
The newly named St Austell Bay Equestrian Club
regret it has had to cancel its spring show on Sunday, April 8th.
This was due to be the first show at Methrose Farm, its new venue.
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NEW ASSISTANT
Penmellyn Veterinary Group in St Columb, with
surgeries in St Merryn and Newquay, is pleased to announce the arrival of
a new assistant. Ruth Mitson, MRCVS, qualified from Liverpool
University in 1997 and has worked in mixed practice in the West Country
and Lancashire.
Ruth is particularly interested in horse work
and plans to enrol at the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons to obtain
an equine specialist certificate. While enjoying all aspects of
veterinary acupuncture and plans to run acupuncture clinics for all
species and a wide range of conditions. Small animal acupuncture
will be centred in the new surgery in St Merryn, but consultations are
also available in St Columb and Newquay. Acupuncture for horses and
ponies will be arranged at either the St Columb surgery or at the owner's
yard.
Ruth Mitson will also be involved in the
equine special health checks (ESHC) which the group will be offering for
the first time this year. The checks are designed to make sure that
horses will reach their full athletic potential this season. Early
signs of injury or disease can be detected by this health check in time,
before they cause loss of performance or more serious problems. This
service is also beneficial to older horses to help maintain good
health. The ESHC includes a clinical examination limited to heart, lungs,
soundness in trot, a full dental examination, a faecal worm count
and a blood test, all at a special discounted rate.
More information is available from the St
Columb office on (01637) 880307 or the Penmellyn Veterinary Group website:
www.penmellyn.co.uk .
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RAGWORT POISONING
The British Horse Society has learnt
that yet another horse has died of ragwort poisoning. Scirocco, a
16.1hh dark bay gelding, belonging to Mrs Wend Harrow, of Llanelli, died a
slow painful death earlier in the year. Vets
treating the horse for liver damage did not initially suspect ragwort
poisoning, and by the time the staggering symptoms appeared, it was too
late.
Mrs Harrow said it was devastating to watch
Scirocco die. "I would never want anyone to go through
that. I could not believe it was ragwort poisoning as I have always
kept our field completely free of it" she said. "But this year I
bought in hay from a different source, and the ragwort was in
that".
Nichola Gregory, the BHS Ragwort
Campaign co-ordinator, said: "We have been warning horse owners
of the dangers of ragwort getting into hay, and, unfortunately, we have
been proven right. In this case the supplier said he was 70
per cent sure there was no ragwort in his hay. Horse owners
need to be 100 percent sure that the forage they feed their animals is not
going to poison them. If ragwort is found in hay, it should be
reported to the Trading Standards Officer"
Ragwort is
poisonous to horses, cattle, donkeys and sheep. It is also poisonous
to humans, so gloves should always be worn when pulling it. Ragwort
should be dug up and destroyed as soon as it appears in the spring (called
"the rosette" stage). It can also be treated by spot
spraying with Barrier H (an affective and environmentally friendly
herbicide), burning off with a paraffin weed burner or dug out and
salt put in the hole to kill any roots left behind.
The BHS is staging "Root Out
Ragwort" from July 21st to 29th. It is aimed at preventing
flowering ragwort from going to seed by raising public awareness of the
dangers to livestock from ragwort poisoning.
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Foot & Mouth Disease
The British Horse Society has advised
all horse owners not to ride on bridleways or farmland in an effort to
stop the spread of Foot & Mouth Disease.
As confirmed by Animal Health
Officers at the Ministry of Agriculture, there is absolutely no danger of
horses contracting the disease. However, just like us, horses can
carry the disease on their feet, therefore contaminating clean
land.
Further action has been taken by
suspending all equestrian events in Cornwall and further a field until
further notice.
For more information about Foot &
Mouth Disease, click HERE to visit the MAFF
website.
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Donated
To Hospital
Bodmin
Horse Show committee was delighted to present a cheque for £1,100 to the Children's
Hospice South West, the proceeds from their events last year. The
committee has nominated the Cardiac Department at the Royal Cornwall
Hospital (Treliske) as their charity for this year. With Jean
Stockdale (chair person), Sara Newton (vice chair person), Leigh Vincent
(secretary) and Kay Robinson (treasurer) heading the committee, they look
forward to the season starting with a sponsored ride on Saturday, April
21st.
The
ride will be approximately 12 miles with optional jumps, with a shorter,
slower ride for the less adventurous. Details can be obtained from
Sara Newton on (01726) 851850.
The
main event of the year will be the horse show at Bezeleys Barn, by
permission of the Hoskin family, on Saturday, June 16th. Full
details and schedules can be obtained from Leigh Vincent on (01726)
870829.
The
annual show jumping festival will be held on September at the show field.
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Fresh Start
St Austell Bay
Equestrian Club is the new name for ECC Equestrian Club.
The club is
making a fresh start and has a new venue for its shows.
It kicks off
the season with the spring show on Sunday, April 8th at Methrose Farm, St
Blazy, by kind permission of Mr S Tonkin.
Other dates
include combined training, dressage and super maxi event on May 6th and
show jumping festival on June 10th.
By popular
demand the club has reinstated its gymkhanas starting at the show jumping
and gymkhana fun day on July 15th and also the summer show on August 13th.
Further
information and schedules for all the above events are available from
Carole Read on (01726) 74585.
The committee
is looking forward to the venture and hope to see old members as well as
new at the new ground.
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Open
Day
Trenance
Riding Stables are holding an open morning on Saturday, February 24th from
10am until 12.30pm when everyone is welcome to meet the staff and the
ponies.
In
the afternoon they are holding a bring and buy sale of secondhand tack and
riding clothes.
Further
details are available from Janet Burt on (01637) 872699
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For
more information and for details of where to send donations, please
contact:
Jane Combes: 01637 879088
Janet Burt: 01637 871529
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BRIDLEWAY
41
Bridleway
number 41, also known as 'Goat Track' on the outskirts of Newquay is in desperate need of
modernisation.
It is steep, waterlogged and has a long stretch of dangerously exposed
pipe on the steepest part of the track. There are plans
underway for a major project to tidy up the track and install drains
and will cost an estimated £2,000 to £3,000. A
request has been put forward to Newquay Town Council to help fund
the project, but it is only expected to pay part, if any.
Because of this, it is being asked for riders in the area who use
local bridleways to make a small donation of £5.00 to help
towards the overall cost. However it is not only riders who
benefit from the bridleways, it is also a walking place for
tourists who visit the nearby campsites, hotels and guest houses,
and as this is the case, perhaps the local businesses will kindly
give a generous donation.
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RIDE-UK British
Horse Society's RIDE-UK project it thoughtfully designed for safe off road
riding. County Bridleways Officer Jane Combes, is on the lookout for
6 suitable circular tracks, that is one in each borough district. The
tracks should be between 5 and 15 miles long and ideally link up with
existing bridleways. This is an exciting project and is in honour of H.M. The Queen's Golden Jubilee 2002
and will, hopefully reduce the amount of accidents on the roads involving
horses. If anyone knows
of any tracks that would be suitable for this project, then contact your
local equestrian representative. Visit
RIDEUK website. www.ride-uk.org.uk
Endurance
Some or Cornwall's endurance
riders will be facing competition from some of the best in the UK in the
Camel Valley Jigsaw Puzzle Ride at the Royal Cornwall Showground,
Wadebridge on Sunday, March 25th.
This is one of the British
Endurance Riding Association's (BERA) many events in the UK calendar of
this growing equestrian sport, in which riders may cover up to 100 miles
in a day. Over 100 horses and riders are expected to descend on the
showground for the following classes - golden horseshoe qualifier (40
miles), silver stirrup final (50 miles), silver stirrup qualifier (40
miles), bronze buckle final (30 miles), bronze buckle qualifier (20 miles)
and pleasure ride (20 miles).
Competitors face a tough course
following a lovely scenic route, mainly on tracks and forestry land, and
will be looking to complete the distance successfully at the required
speed, passing veterinary tests at the start, after every 20 miles and
again at the finish. The ride provides an ideal opportunity to learn
more about this enjoyable, friendly sport and riders do not have to be
members of BERA to compete in the 20 mile rides.
Children are welcome to enter,
but must be accompanied by a mounted rider if under the age of 12.
Further information is
available by sending a stamped addressed envelope to:
CVRC, Tolbal, Treburgett,
St Teath, PL30 3LJ or telephone: Jennie on (01208) 850393. |
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The picture above
shows a rough route of the 'Goat Track'.
On the right is the
waterlogged bridge at the bottom of the bridleway.
Below is the long
stretch of exposed pipe on one of the steepest parts of the track.
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DISTRICT EQUINE REPRESENTATIVES
PENWITH: Paula Hichens
01736-794105
KERRIER: Peter Kitt
01872-461380 or Tim Harrap 01326-313567
CARRICK: Susan Morris
01726-883297 or Carole Opie 01872-573064
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DISTRICT EQUINE REPRESENTATIVES
RESTORMEL: Pat Barnes
01726-814907 or Tristram Bishop 01726-732666 or Janet Burt
01637-871529
N. CORNWALL: Sonjia Tremain
01840 770059
CARADON: Vacancies
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Barguse
Riding Centre
The newly-opened
Barguse Riding Centre at Lockengate is fully licensed and has
county council approval. It
offers qualified instruction for riders of all ages and abilities
and a taster session for those who are new to the sport.
Facilities include a large sand school, a
good selection of show jumps and a small, but user friendly
cross-country course.
Proprietors Pat and
Marcus Broken- shire have plans to extend the cross- country
course as and when weather permits, and then the course will be available
for hire. The centre
will also be offering a Saturday club for children eight years and
upwards from 10am until 2pm for those youngsters who just love to
be with horses. Activities
offered by the club will include a riding lesson, horse
handling, stable management as well as other "fun"
activities. Riding lessons will be based on ability and
novices are just as welcome as the more experienced rider.
As spaces for the club will be limited, early booking is
advisable.
This year the centre
also plans to put on events such as unaffiliated show jumping,
novice horse trials, unaffiliated dressage, sponsored rides
and a summer camp. It will also be looking to stage, with
the backing of the BHS, Le Trec competitions, which are a new and
innovative concept in equestrianism and should provide lots of fun
and encouragement for even the most novice rider.
For further details and
a brochure about the centre, contact either Pat or Marcus on
(01208) 831817. |
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East
Cornwall Meeting
East
Cornwall Riding Club is holding an open meeting with the local
bridleways officer Jane Combes, at Liskeard Sports Club on Tuesday
(7.30pm).
Entry
will cost £2.50 per person and will allow people to air their
views on our disappearing bridleways.
Other
forthcoming dates include an open dressage competition at the
Duchy College on Sunday, February 18th and open show jumping, also
at the Duchy, on Sunday, April 1st.
Further
details are available from Mrs Crowle on (01503) 240680 and
schedules can be obtained by sending a stamped addressed envelope
to:
Mrs
Crowle, Curparret, Widegates,
Looe, PL13 1PZ
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