Research has highlighted how understanding when horses are expressing positive behaviour is just as important as recognising the negatives, when assessing quality of life. The project focused on understanding how equine quality of life was perceived, and how it can be measured. Key findings included that quality of life should be considered throughout horses’ lives, not just when making end-of-life decisions, and there is a need to consider both positive and negative experiences. It was highlighted there is a need for “collaborative working” to ensure that owners are considered during the research stages, when developing quality-of-life tools.
Santini is finding variety to be the spice of life in his preparations for the Cheltenham Gold Cup. The 10-year-old finished second to Al Boum Photo in 2020, but pulled up in last year’s running, after which it was decided a change of scenery may do him good. He moved from Nicky Henderson’s yard to join Polly Gundry, who originally pre-trained the Milan gelding before he first joined Seven Barrows. Santini has been enjoying hunting and fun rides with Polly as part of his training.
Lacey Smith’s two traditional show cob stallions Domino Bad Boy and Stanray Xrated possess some of the most enviable manes on the circuit. Lacey has owned the pair since they were foals, and both have impressive records in the show ring. “I get asked about how I maintain their hair, especially their manes, a lot,” she said. “But what many don’t realise is that a lot of it is down to breeding; the quality of hair comes from the bloodlines.”
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Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.
