Equine Health Survey Results To Be Announced At The National Equine Forum

The results of the UK’s first ever National Equine Health Survey will be announced at the National Equine Forum (NEF), to be held on 8 March 2011 at The Royal Society, London, in the presence of NEF President HRH The Princess Royal. The ground-breaking National Equine Health Survey (NEHS), which was pioneered by The Blue Cross animal charity and is supported by The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA), was carried out last November following two years of pilot schemes. It collected data from over 3,000 equines to find out more about endemic non-notifiable diseases in horses, ponies, donkeys and mules, such as coughs, skin diseases and lameness. The results will be announced at the Forum by Professor Slater, Professor of Equine Clinical Studies at The Royal Veterinary College, who has been working with The Blue Cross on the survey. He said: “This survey should help us to identify trends in equine health, enabling targeted research into disease prevention, veterinary training and education and ultimately improving the long- term health and welfare of horses and ponies in the UK. We hope it will become a twice- yearly event.” Professor Slater is one of a prestigious panel of speakers at this year’s NEF, including:

• James Paice MP, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food, on what has been achieved for the industry since he spoke at the Forum in 2010.
• The Vice President of the FEI and the Chairman of the BEF on Clean Sport and its global impact.
• Professor Tim Morris on what the British Horse Industry Confederation has been up to, with particular reference to the Equine Health and Welfare Strategy.
• Georgina Crossman PhD Research Student at the Centre for Rural Policy Research, University of Exeter, with a presentation contrasting how the organisation of the horse industry relates to Government in the UK, Sweden and the Netherlands.
• Tim Smalley of Bedmax on the pros and cons of various bedding materials and their disposal.
• Paul Bentham of Robinsons on how to run a successful business in a recession.
• Duncan Brown of the Association of British Riding Schools on new opportunities for riding centres.
• Olympic dressage rider Emile Faurie, on his foundation which aims to show children how enjoyable and fulfilling equine sports and careers can be while helping them to develop personal and social skills along the way.
• TV commentator Andy Austin on how the broadcast media works and Horse & Hound editor Lucy Higginson on the role of print media.
• Tullis Matson of Stallion AI Services, on securing valuable and rare bloodlines for the future.
• Nick Thompson MRCVS and Dr Simon Baker MRCVS on the question ‘homeopathy – science or alchemy?’
• Topical spots will cover the National Equestrian Crime Database and the availability of tickets for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

A full copy of the programme can be downloaded at www.bef.co.uk The National Equine Forum is supported by the Association of British Riding Schools, Bedmax, The Blue Cross, British Equestrian Federation, British Equestrian Trade Association, British Equestrian Veterinary Association, British Horse Society, British Horseracing Authority, Bulley Davey, Darby’s Solicitors, Dodson and Horrell, Donkey Sanctuary, Equine Products UK, , Horse Trust, Jeffress Scholarship Trust, , NFU Mutual Insurance, South Essex Insurance Brokers and World Horse Welfare. Tickets are available to equestrian trade delegates and equestrian professionals at a cost of £100 per person, which includes lunch and refreshments throughout the day. To apply please contact the Hon Secretary, Mrs Tracy Allen, at Warwickshire College, Moreton Morrell, Warwick, CV35 9BL email [email protected]. For further information visit www.bef.co.uk

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