Horse owners wanted for equine health survey

Welfare charity the Blue Cross is appealing to horse owners to take part in the online National Equine Health Survey (NEHS) in May, to help safeguard the future health of horses and ponies.

This annual survey, which is run in partnership with the British Equine Veterinary Association, reveals vital information from owners about common health issues in horses — such as skin problems, lameness, weight issues and colic. The NEHS data enables the veterinary and equine industries define priorities for research, training and education, as well as establishing benchmarks for equine health in the UK.

Last year’s survey revealed that 18.6% of horses were suffering with lameness issues, predominantly degenerative joint disease, a 5% increase on 2012. This suggests a need to increase awareness of lameness management and prevention among the veterinary industry and owners.

The survey, which is now in its fourth year, takes 5mins to complete. Participants are also entered into a draw, with prizes such as a Jefferies Bridle, Olympia tickets and an Arthur Carter hay steamer.

Visit www.bluecross.org.uk/NEHS or email NEHS@bluecross.org.uk to register. The survey will be live from 18-24 May.

Martha Terry

H&H features editor

Martha is an experienced journalist who is mad-keen on horses and dogs. Her reporting CV includes the Paris Olympics, European championships, Aachen World Equestrian Festival and World Cup finals. After growing up with assorted liver and white springer spaniels, she enjoyed 14 years with two rescue dogs. Now, her constant companion is Fidget, an extremely energetic and habitually muddy black and white springer. Martha has written on topics as diverse as a top horse’s clone to the best GPS trackers for dogs, as well as equestrian and rural matters for Country Life, The Field, The Times, The Spectator and The Telegraph alongside Horse & Hound.