Inspired Nora Kragebakk To Ride From The New Forest To Newcastle For World Horse Welfare

A 23 year-old woman is riding her horse from the New Forest to Newcastle after being inspired by World Horse Welfare’s fat scoring and weight management YouTube videos. Nora Kragebakk, who lives on the south coast but is originally from Norway, is planning to take on the challenge with her horse Juniblest this summer to raise awareness of the importance of physical activity for both humans and horses. Nora explains why she decided to take on the challenge: “I'm doing it because I love going on long rides but also because I want to get people to realise how important it is to keep their horses in a good condition - not too skinny and definitely not too fat! “After watching World Horse Welfare’s Right Weight video online I realised my pony scored at least 4 on the 0-5 scale and he is now getting closer to that ideal score of 3. That made me think I'd like to work with World Horse Welfare somehow and use the publicity this ride could get to spread the message about them and their work plus equine weight issues.” Nora, who has been riding since the age of 11, had a scare with her horse Juniblest as she almost lost him to impaction colic in 2007. Nora explains more about what happened: “I read somewhere that by allowing your horse to have free access to food it would help reduce the risk of impaction. But the consequences were not good as he became obese.” The 23 year-old explains that after studying World Horse Welfare’s videos and website, Juniblest’s weight is now being managed: “He has a grazing muzzle in the summer and a haynet with small holes in the winter, and of course he has lots of exercise! Preparing for this ride helps me stay focused and keep training him as he needs to be very fit before we leave. I'm hoping that people will be inspired to train their horses more, go for longer rides more often, take up endurance riding, and also learn how to fat score their horse.” Nora aims to set off on her 330 mile challenge in July this year and anticipates that it will take around four weeks to complete. To find out more about Nora’s challenge ride and for updates please visit http://ponytrip.blogspot.com/ To watch World Horse Welfare’s Fat Scoring video and for more information please visit www.worldhorsewelfare.org/rightweight

More from

• IVC Evidensia assembles expert team to run new £10m referral hospital
• Home delivery service can increase pet health plan sign-ups by 25%
• Research reveals vital clues to help fight anthelmintic resistance
• Lifetime Achievement Award recognises Harrogate vet’s dedication to improving the health and welfare of rabbits
• Bake sale at Leicestershire vet practice for good cause