BBC’s The Archers praised for raising awareness of excess equine weight dangers
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A storyline on The Archers has been welcomed as it “adds weight” to guidance to horse owners on a major welfare issue.
The long-running BBC Radio 4 soap opera has this month included the story of a Shetland who is carrying extra pounds, and “is highlighting why this is a problem for the pony and what his owners can do to solve it”, World Horse Welfare said.
“The storyline is welcomed by World Horse Welfare, which says excess equine weight is a significant problem that many owners struggle with,” a spokesman for the charity said.
World Horse Welfare head of UK support Sam Chubbock added: “It is natural for horses and ponies to lose a little weight over winter, putting it back on again with the flush of spring grass. This winter has been very mild – and wet – and in many places grass is still growing and providing calories.
“Maintaining a horse at a healthy weight can be very difficult and one of the most common health issues owners struggle with is their horses being overweight. With this winter’s weather it is looking like the spring could prove an extra challenge for anyone trying to maintain their horse at a healthy weight.”
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