The first ever Equine Welfare Week, a new initiative sponsored by Fort Dodge Animal Health Ltd and part of the Jeep National Riding Festival, will take place from 8th to 16th September. The week has attracted support from the leading charities throughout Britain including The British Horse Society (BHS), The Home of Rest for Horses, The International League for the protection of Horses (ILPH), The National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC) and Redwings Horse Sanctuary.

The Equine Welfare Week will promote responsible horse ownership, highlighting the important aspects of horse care, the consequences of neglect and where to get help and advice when it is needed. With the assistance of the ILPH, a series of seminars and open days will take place throughout the country to deliver this message to students, riders and members of the public. Seminars will include a presentation by the ILPH on The Consequences of Neglect, plus information on horse care. Each venue will offer opportunities to learn about different aspects of horse care, including behaviour, nutrition and farriery with various invited speakers. For a fun day out and to find out more about horse care and welfare, visit one of the open days or seminars. A full list of dates and venues is available on the website at www.jeep-riding-festival.co.uk, or telephone 01903 893312 for more details.

Trigger, the mechanical horse who has introduced so many children to the idea of riding a horse and has become a mascot of the Jeep National Riding Festival, will be present at many of the open days, including Redwings Horse Sanctuary on Saturday 1st September and the BHS Rescue Centre on Saturday 8th September. A seminar on care of the elderly or retired horse followed by a guided tour of the farm and veterinary unit will take place at the Redwings Horse Sanctuary in Norfolk. Lynn Cuttress, Press Officer, said “Redwings is keen to be involved with Equine Welfare Week and is looking forward to hosting Trigger on 1 September at Hapton, the Sanctuary's largest farm. The Sanctuary places great importance on education in the care and welfare of equines and this year has launched its own education programme working with schools and colleges” .

The BHS has produced a comprehensive booklet A Guide to Horse Care and Welfare, in conjunction with Home of Rest for Horses, which will be widely distributed throughout Welfare Week. The booklet covers all aspects of horse care and copies can be obtained by sending an email request to jnrfwelfare@hotmail.com or call 01903 893312.

The welfare message is being delivered to children through the many school visits being made as part of the Jeep National Riding Festival. A leaflet called A Horse of Your Own was specially designed by The National Equine Welfare Council to encourage young children who are keen to take up riding to think about the welfare aspects of keeping a pony. With interesting puzzles and a colouring picture, each child has the chance to win a prize and receive a copy of the Guide to Horse Care and Welfare.

Equine Welfare Week will be officially launched at Madness 2001 organised by the ILPH. Roly Owers, Director of Support at the ILPH says ‘Equine Welfare Week is an essential addition to the Jeep National Riding Festival. We are delighted that so many equine welfare charities are pulling together with one voice to highlight the importance of responsible horse ownership and the consequences of neglect.’

“The Jeep National Riding Festival aims to create interest in all aspects of the horse world from taking up the reins for the first time to competing and the responsibilities of becoming a horse owner,” says Jane Holderness-Roddam, Chairman of the Festival. “We believe it is very important that everybody involved in equestrianism is knowledgeable about a horse’s health and welfare requirements, which is why we are supporting Equine Welfare Week. The work of the welfare organisations will enable newcomers introduced to riding by the Jeep National Riding Festival to learn about horse care right from the start.”

The week will include events throughout the country ranging from Open Days and Seminars to Hunter Trials and even a race night.

Equine Welfare Week - Events