British protocol to maximise horse welfare
The British protocol is to tailor it specifically to the country’s climate and terrain.
Plans are in place to develop a British protocol to maximise horse welfare in all international endurance rides held in Great Britain.
Endurance GB (EGB) and the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) are working together to create a long-term strategy, whilst acknowledging the major challenges facing the discipline of endurance.
The British protocol will, among other things, aim to set parameters around optimum speed, heart rate and recovery times.
Steps have already been taken to improve horse welfare in endurance events internationally, by the FEI for example, but the aim with the British protocol is to tailor it specifically to the country’s climate and terrain.
It will be established by a working group led by BEF board director, Dr Tim Watson, and comprised of key stakeholders including veterinary surgeons, the National Federation, event organisers and technical delegates.
Set to be implemented as a pilot study at British events this year, the protocol will be refined after the season, based on experience gained from the events. It is hoped it will be in place for the first FEI rides of 2017, beginning at King’s Forest on 14-16 April.
Clare Salmon, BEF chief executive, commented: “Horse welfare is an ongoing priority for the BEF and EGB and by initiating this new British protocol, we hope this will ensure a safe sport in which the wellbeing of the horses is paramount. The aim of the protocol is to implement modifications that will ultimately reform the sport by changing the mind-set of trainers and riders competing in this country.”
With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
