SUMMER HEALTH ISSUES DEHYDRATION AND HOOF CARE

SUMMER HEALTH TOPICS

Equine Dehydration & Hoof Care

As we approach the warmest months of the year, horse owners' attention turns to keeping their animals happy, healthy and hydrated in the heat.  Dehydration and hoof quality are two common issues for horses in the hotter months and can often go hand in hand. Therefore, it remains vitally important to recognise warning signs of both, alongside understanding how to prevent and treat any arising issues. In this issue, Dr Jessica May, UK lead vet at the video vet service, helps by giving her advice in our feature focussing on both matters.

Author: Dr. Jessica May, UK lead vet at video vet service FirstVet (https://firstvet.com/uk)

'You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink'

Proverb: A dialogue from John Heywood in 1546, however the saying is thought to have been adapted from a saying that goes back to the 12th century.

Equine Dehydration

As the weather warms up, horses rely heavily on sweating for temperature regulation, leaving them prone to dehydration caused by a loss of electrolytes. The heat and sweat loss means it is essential to look out for signs of dehydration, which can cause a loss in performance well as other conditions such as Azoturia (tying-up). Performance/fast work, being ridden on hot days and travel can also cause a horse to dehydrate.

Electrolytes

Electrolytes are common minerals needed for all bodily functions and are lost when the horse sweats. Sweating can vary depending on several factors, including fitness, age and activity. There are five main types of electrolytes; Calcium, Chloride, Magnesium, Potassium and Sodium. Alongside sweating, electrolytes are also lost in droppings and urine.

Typically, electrolytes are replaced by forage: well-maintained grass and good quality hay, for example. However, when a horse has sweated excessively or after a prolonged period without access to water, electrolytes will need to be replaced by other means. 

Signs of dehydration to look out for include:

How to prevent dehydration in a horse

There are small and straightforward measures horse owners can take that will help prevent dehydration. 

Fresh water: Perhaps the most obvious measure is to make sure all horses have constant and easy access to clean, fresh water, particularly after exercise or when out in the paddock. Horse owners should check the water supply and quality thereof throughout the day. 

Lethargic: If the horse seems distracted and is not performing as well as usual, or if they generally seem lethargic, this may be due to dehydration. 

Urine: Dark or frothy urine can also be a telltale sign that the horse hasn't been drinking enough water.  Gums: Another way to check if the horse is dehydrated is to look at the gums, which should be pink and moist. If the gums are tacky or dry, this gives you an indication that a horse may be dehydrated. 

Capillary refill time: You can also press gently on the gum and see how long it takes for colour to return (this is known as capillary refill time, or CRT). The rebound should take one or two seconds, but it may take longer in a horse suffering from dehydration. It is important to note that an abnormal CRT can also point to more significant problems, usually associated with other clinical signs. 

Skin: Perhaps one of the oldest known techniques is the skin pinch/tent test. Lightly tent some skin on the horse's neck using your thumb and index finger and release it. The skin should ping back flat immediately; however, if it remains tented or is slow to flatten after you let go, the horse may be dehydrated.

Other indicators: Dark or dry droppings, a high heart rate, dull or dry eyes, a depressed state and a fever can all be signs of dehydration in a horse.

Stabling: While stabling can help prevent overheating and offer time away from the sun, owners should be aware they can often become too warm. If stables lack ventilation and generally hold heat well in the winter, this may not be the best option for the horse. A field lined with mature trees offers a haven away from the heat; however, be mindful of flies and other nuisances.

Feed: If you want to make sure the horse takes in extra water, you can try soaking their hay or adding excess water to their hard food. Make sure hay is soaked immediately before feeding to avoid excess time spent in water. Hay soaked for too long can cause a loss of nutrients. Soakable feeds can also offer assistance in hydrating a horse reluctant to take in water.

Riding: To help prevent excess sweating, ride either first thing in the morning or the evening when the day's heat is not as prominent. If a horse has been exercising in the sun, which is sometimes unavoidable, it will naturally lose electrolytes which will need to be replenished.

Replacing Electrolytes

Electrolytes are essential to the proper functioning of the digestive system and muscles, especially on recovery from exercise.

When competing, for example, the horse is likely to sweat for an excessive period. During this time, out of the five electrolyte minerals, horses predominantly lose Chloride, Potassium and Sodium. These will need to be replenished via supplementation.

Adding a spoonful of table salt to the horse's water or mixed into feed can help replace electrolytes for those horses in regular work. Salt licks can be helpful but will not provide adequate intake should the horse sweat excessively. 

The best way to replace electrolytes is to supplement the horse via feed, water or paste. If not all, many of the industry’s top supplement manufacturers offer products that will replace electrolytes lost dependant on requirements.

If concerns arise surrounding severe hydration, veterinary advice should be sought immediately.

Summer Hoof Care

British weather can be famously inconsistent in the summertime, and these changeable conditions can directly affect the quality of the horse's hooves. 

Hoof behaviour

When hooves are exposed to damp conditions, they expand slightly as they absorb surrounding moisture, then contract as they dry out. As weather oscillates rapidly between sun and rain in the summer, this can lead to cracks in the hoof. To avoid this, try to ensure good drainage in your horse's field to prevent patches of wet, muddy ground from appearing, and try sponging your horse down after a ride, rather than using the hose.

Horses' hooves may grow faster over the summer months, so it is essential that a farrier visits to ensure feet remain balanced and healthy, including horses without shoes. Some horses also need more regular hoof care than others. Longer toes and uneven hooves can increase the risk of cracking and bruising, especially as your horse is likely to be working on harder ground. Cracks need to be seen to promptly as they can quickly progress and cause lameness.

Regular visit from a farrier and careful management will help to treat and solve a large proportion of hoof problems.

In addition to the hoof, consideration should be given to the proximity of the bulbs of the heel to the ground. Should the heel become to short, the horse may become foot sore/lame, especially when the weather is dry and ground is hard.

How to help protect the hoof

Nutrition is key to good hoof health. If you want to make sure the horse's hooves stay strong and healthy, biotin is a popular supplement to promote healthy growth. There are specialist feeds available specifically balanced with hoof quality in mind, especially for those equines that suffer from laminitis. 

Care of the coronet band can also make a positive difference to hoof growth. Overreach boots can help protect the area from damage in the field and when being ridden. An ointment such as Cornucrescine Original Hoof Ointment from Carr Day Martin can help promote quality hoof growth.

As previously mentioned, regular trimming and consultation with a farrier will help even out any problems. Farriers are often the most appropriate professional to ask for recommendations on other products to use.

An abundance of hoof products are available to help hydrate and protect the hoof. •

Find out more in our product feature on the next page.

'no foot, no horse'

Proverb: known as or instead of ‘no hoof, no horse’ the saying points to the importance of correct hoof care.

Horses' hooves may grow faster over the summer months, so it is essential that a farrier visits to ensure feet remain balanced and healthy, including horses without shoes.

ReplacingElectrolytesThe replacement of electrolytes is essential after sweating which can be caused by substantial performance, for example. However, travel, general riding and long hot summer days can also trigger the need for replenishment. If electrolytes aren’t replaced the horse can become dehydrated, which can be seen in by a lack motivation and loss of performance. Other health conditions can such as Azoturia and metabolic imbalances may occur should the horse not receive sufficient levels of replenishment. Here, our feature takes a look at a number of supplements available to help horse Lincoln Himalayan Salt Lick owners out. As a rule of thumb, horses should have ongoing access to a good salt lick. RRP £3.95 1kg

Good for long, hot summer days!

Lincoln Liquid Electrolytes - Apple Flavoured

Ideal for fussy eaters, the apple flavoured Rapid Electrolyte replacement from Lincoln helps promote fast absorption into the bloodstream. Can be offered to horses daily or solely for use following exercise to replenish and rehydrate or on hot and humid days. The supplement contains Chloride, Phosphorus, Potassium and Sodium. RRP £10.60 1ltr

Science Supplements Complete Electrolytes

science SUPPLEMENTS produce Electrolyte supplementation via paste and powder. Gentle on the horses stomach, the range is a palatable and fully replaces electrolytes in proportion to the amounts lost during exercise. Containing the 5 key electrolytes: Chloride, Phosphorus, Calcium, Potassium and Sodium, the brand claims it is the only electrolyte supplement using MicroBead Technology, meaning it dissolves in the small intestine where electrolyte uptake is optimal. Complete Electrolytes Powder is ideal to feed on a daily basis to maintain electrolyte levels. RRP £15.84 60g syringe, £58.70 2kg and £285.58 10kg

TopSpec Electrolytes

TopSpec Electrolytes are designed to help compensate for electrolyte loss after heavy sweating. The feed additive contains a high salt formula, alongside wildberry to aid palatability. Contains the 5 key electrolytes: Chloride, Phosphorus, Calcium, Potassium and Sodium. RRP £17.50 1.5kg, £24.50 3kg, £55.13 9kg and £98.00 20kg

Dodson & Horrell Electrolytes

A powder supplement containing electrolyte salts suitable for horses that have sweated heavily after work, in very hot weather or when travelling. The salts are designed to compensate for the loses that naturally occur. Contains Calcium, Sodium, Potassium, and Magnesium. RRP £16.97 2kg and £65.89 15kg

Suitable for daily use in sports performance horses

ISOPRO from TRM Ireland

A highly palatable isotonic body salt replacer suitable for daily use in sports performance horses. ISOPRO contains all 5 key types of electrolytes; Calcium, Chloride, Magnesium, Potassium and Sodium. The supplement is highly palatable due to the ainseed flavouring. RRP £34.22 1.5KG and 10kg £125.84

Hoof Care Products

Alongside dehydration, those long hot, dry summer days take their toll on horses’ hooves too. Nutrition plays a key role in the quality of hoof growth, however, there are products we can apply to the hoof to help protect it from the summer elements. Here we take a look at a selection of supplements to promote healthy hoof growth, alongside a selection of products available to apply for protection and nourishment.

We love

Kevin Bacon’s Liquid Hoof Dressing

Perfect for the summer period, Kevin Bacon’s Liquid Hoof Dressing helps protect the hoof from drying out, at the same time as preventing excess water absorption. The product is made of 100% natural products that penetrate the horn to nourish and activate healthy growth. RRP £18.54 500ml

Cornucrescine Hoof Ointment Carr & Day & Martin

Cornucrescine Hoof Ointment is applied directly to the coronet band to help promote healthy growth, while helping maintain hoof condition. A unique formulation that promotes and accelerates healthy hoof growth by stimulating keratin producing cells. Can also be used to encourage hair re-growth from rubs or scarring. Priced around £11.99 250ml and £16.99 500ml (pictured)

NAF Biotin Plus Hoof Supplement

Supplements fortified with Biotin are probably one of the most recognised products to improve hoof growth. NAF Biotin offers daily nutritional support to strengthen and maintain growth of healthy hooves. Also contains methionine, MSM, zinc and calcium. RRP £1.5kg £16.99, 3kg £29.99 and 8kg 69.99. Larger quantities available.

Can also be used on the horse’s skin!

Ecohoof Pink Hoof Clay

Pink hoof clay can be used to act as a hoof barrier for conditions such as cracks, thrush and damage to the surrounding skin thanks to being packed with essential oils. Eco-friendly, the product contains bentonite clay and can be used long-term with a thin layer over the hoof and surrounding area. RRP £16.06 250ml and £26.76 500ml

Life Data Farrier’s Formula

The only product of its kind subjected to independent scientific research and published in a refereed journal. Farrier’s Formula® provides nutrients such as phospholipids, omega fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, and important amino acid “protein building blocks”. These nutrients help horses build strong structural and connective tissue proteins that promote healthy hoof structure and growth. RRP £84.32 5kg and £59.84 5kg refill

FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon USA FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon USA Para Dressage Sara Morganti on just hearing she has won double Gold Photo FEI/Liz Gregg

Of Para mount IMPORTANCE...

Written by Louise Parkes

As every athlete knows, it can take a long time to find the right horse, and for Para athletes, it can be even more of a challenge. But there are plenty of suitable candidates out there if you look in the right place, and sometimes they come along in the most unexpected ways….

When Ireland's Michael Murphy was setting off for CPEDI at MünchenRiem, Germany last month, he had just one target in mind, posting a qualifying score for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games with a mark of 62% or above. So when he won the Grade 1 Team Test with 73.393%, topped the individual with 76.488% and was runner-up in the Kur to Music with 78.4% it was much more than mission accomplished. He looks well set to achieve his lifetime dream of Paralympic participation in Tokyo in a few months. "I've never had scores like those before!" says the 24-year-old British-based rider. His success was the result of hard work, a great support team that includes his mother, Sue, and his trainer Elder Klatzko and of course his fabulous new horse - the aptly named Cleverboy, whose stable-name is Charlie. "He's brilliant for Para, he's so kind and so willing, and he just wants to please", Murphy points out.

The 14-year-old KWPN gelding competed up to Grand Prix level with British rider Bronte Watson, who always wanted Charlie to continue in the sport when his main career came to an end. Watson already had a plan in mind when she took him to the CDI3* at Keysoe (GBR) last October, where the Irish

Irish Para athlete Michael Murphy has already established a great relationship with his fabulous new horse, Cleverboy. (Photo: Michael Murphy Dressage)

athlete tried him and the result was a perfect match. "Charlie loves going places and being involved in things; you can do anything with him. He is the safest horse!" Watson says. "I used to loan him to other people for prizegivings because he just loves the attention, and going to Michael is everything I could have wished for him because all this horse has ever wanted is to feel special, and I know he'll be very happy!"

FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon USA FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon USA Grade 3 Natasha Baker (left), Rixt van der Horst, Rebecca Hart; Photo Paradressage

"The perception of the kind of horses we should compete has changed, and many of us now have top sport horses"

Natasha Baker (GBR)

QUALITY

The quality of horses competing in Para Dressage today is top-notch. Another rider who enjoyed a great run at München-Riem was 36-year-old Rodolpho Riskalla from Brazil, who finished third in the Grade IV Team Test and second in the individual before winning the Kur with the fabulous Don Frederic 3. Just two weeks earlier, the pair won Individual Grade IV in Mannheim (GER). Riskalla knows he is very fortunate to have the support of top owners. Back in 2017, he had no horse to step in for Warenne who took him to the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games on his home soil, less than a year after losing both feet, all the fingers on his right hand and some from the left due to the effects of a devastating bout of bacterial meningitis. But a chance meeting with Olympian, Germany's Ann-Kathrin Linsenhoff, led to the generous offer of Don Henrico, a grandson of Donnerhall, with whom he collected two silver medals at the FEI World Equestrian Games 2018 in Tryon, USA.

Then Don Frederic arrived at AnnKathrin's Gestut Schafhof early in 2019. Riskalla's sister, Victoria, was working there at the time and reckoned the new arrival would suit her brother admirably and that summer, Rodolpho was invited to try the horse who was subsequently purchased for him by Brazilian friends and sponsors, Tania Loeb Wald and her husband Arnaldo. "I'm hoping Don Frederic will be the one to take me to Tokyo!", Riskalla says. He is not the first Para-Dressage athlete that Ann-Kathrin Linsenhoff has supported. She is delighted to be involved but says she needs a personal attachment to the individual concerned, "and in the case of Rodolpho he is such a remarkable personality that it's a pleasure to help him! "I have a lot of respect for the strength and the power these sports people have in their situation, and I am very thankful that I can help. These Para riders are role models", says the lady who won Dressage team gold for Germany at the Olympic Games in Seoul (KOR) in 1988.

GOLD

Great Britain's Natasha Baker already has five Paralympic gold medals in her trophy cabinet and is hoping to add some more this summer. However, this time around, the 31-year-old rider won't be relying on Cabral, the former event horse who changed his career-path to become a true legend when carrying her to double-gold in London in 2012 and triple gold at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

Cabral, better known as JP, passed away in 2017, and the search for his replacement hasn't been easy. But with her new ride, Keystone Dawn Chorus, Baker is right back in the game and battling for a spot in the British team for Tokyo.

They first met when she was on the hunt for a horse at just the right time because Landolt realised that Cabral wasn't brave enough to continue Eventing and wanted to find a new outlet for him. "He wasn't going to be a Jumper or a Dressage horse either, so I wondered if he would do Para? I really wanted him to go to a home where he could do something right", says the man who competes in Eventing and Advanced level Dressage and is also a national Dressage, FEI Eventing and Para Dressage judge.

As history would reveal, Cabral found the perfect home. "With Tash it all fell into place", Landolt says.

CALIBRE

Baker competes in Grade 3 and says the calibre of Para Dressage horses has rapidly improved since the London Games. "The perception of the kind of horses we should compete has changed, and many of us now have top sport horses" comments Natasha Baker (GBR).

Her new ride Keystone Dawn Chorus is better known as Lottie. "She is so powerful, and I'm so lucky with her. She's the first horse I've taken to an open field for a big canter, and it was such a wonderful feeling that I cried my eyes out afterwards!" Baker says.

Finding the right horse is no easy task, however. "They are like the smallest needle in the biggest haystack! Sometimes riders fall in love with a horse, but it may not be right for us, so somebody has to have the courage to say no, it's not suitable. They must be safe, and they must be sensible", she points out.

Christian Landolt believes there are many more Para horses out there just waiting to be found if owners were just a bit more flexible about the expectations they have for them. "When we have a horse, we shouldn't be greedy and try to sell them for the most money we can get, we need to listen to them and try to find a job they will excel at. And it doesn't matter what that job is - whether it's a happy hacker or Grand Prix or Para - as long as they, and their rider, enjoy it then that's all we should be trying to achieve", he says.

PERFECT PATH

One owner who has found the perfect path for her horse is Swedish athlete Johanna Forssell. The 25-year-old Dressage rider who was seriously injured in a car crash in January 2019 is keen to get back in the competition ring with her lovely mare, Feldnoble, but has decided to pass over the ride to Para-athlete Felicia Grimmenhag while continuing her recovery. It was a very generous offer that 27-year-old Grimmenhag could hardly resist.

Forssell is set to become a Para rider herself, but feels that her 12-year-old horse is too much for her just yet. So, knowing that Grimmenhag was looking for a replacement ride following the retirement of Tarot E, who carried her to the European Championships in both Gothenburg in 2017 and Rotterdam in 2019, contacted her on social media.

Grimmenhag could hardly believe her luck, and a hastily organised test ride proved that the new pairing just might work well. Feldnoble competed in the 4-year-old category at the Danish Young Horse Championships in 2016 with Patricia Florin and is still on a learning curve, so Forssell sees the new arrangement as ideal because Grimmenhag will provide the nine-year-old with plenty of useful experience. Both parties will benefit, and the horse will mature in good hands.

DECISION

It wasn't an easy decision to make because the much-loved horse has been in Forssell's stable for the last five years. But the slight chance that the new pairing might make the cut for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics gives an extra edge of excitement to it all. And Forssell also has her dream. "When I heard that Felicia was looking for a new horse there was no question about it. I'd been in contact with her previously about me getting back up on the horse and where to begin. Para-riding was a completely new world for me, and Felicia has been such a great support. Since she has so much more experience than me I felt like this was the perfect opportunity for all of us. "Of course it's hard to be away from my dear Feldnoble, but I also know she is well taken care of by Felicia. We are in constant contact and I follow along on both their journeys. "In the meantime I'm training every day, getting stronger so that I can compete again. My goal is to compete at the highest level of Para Dressage, and hopefully Feldnoble will be with me when that time comes!"•

Did you know the Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS+), has recently undergone a rebrand? Wondering why? In this month’s issue we find out how the association has evolved, how the re-branding came about, what to expect for the future, but most importantly, what the ABRS+ stands for today.

An increase in the popularity of riding as a sport saw a boom in equestrianism in the 1930s. The increase in engagement and activity lead to concerns surrounding the level of competence and welfare in establishments. As a result, the Riding Establishments Bill was made law in 1939 to set standards whereby local authorities could appoint inspections of riding establishments by veterinary surgeons.

In 1954, a meeting held by a variety of industry peers led to the creation of the Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS) to support, represent and promote the proprietors of these licensed establishments. 

One of the founding members of the ABRS+ was Suzanne Marczak of Suzanne's Riding School in Harrow, which is believed to have been one of the first licensed riding schools in the UK when it was established in 1939.

Suzanne's Riding School became the first ABRS+ testing centre and was under the same ownership for 65 years until closing its doors in 2004. In its latter years, Suzanne's son, Julian Marczak, was the co-proprietor and Chief Instructor. Julian was heavily involved with the ABRS+ whilst pursuing his equestrian career in instruction and running Kings Barn Equestrian in West Sussex. He has since published several books on equestrian training and riding techniques. In 2005 Julian became, and remains, the President of the ABRS+.

Said ABRS+ president, Julian Marczak: "I have been associated with the ABRS+ over many years, and I am especially proud of the various ways in which it is developing and widening its remit. The work is vital if the association is to have a stronger voice throughout the industry and exert greater influence where needed. The approach of the association when I joined the Board many years ago very much remains today, which is to place its members at the heart of all that it does, providing them with support and advice which is delivered in a down to earth, nonjudgmental way."

Over the years, legislation for riding establishments developed with the introduction of additional criteria. The Riding Schools Act, as it is now known, has remained largely the same since 1964. Yet, establishments are now subject to greater legislation, with additional welfare and control laws being introduced. Control of the licence issuing has been passed back to the local authorities in recent years, meaning there is less consistency, collusion or

In 1954, a meeting held by a variety of industry peers led to the creation of the Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS) to support, represent and promote the proprietors of these licensed establishments.

Whatever the equine establishment, there is support available to get the paperwork in order, with assistance to help understand the business’s needs.

understanding for the industry.

For the last 65 years, the ABRS+ has remained the only equestrian association dedicated to supporting and representing the proprietors of professional equestrian establishments. The association provides support for licence applications, economic issues, educational and administrative aspects of the businesses. The ABRS+ holds its members central to proceedings, with the Board of Trustees being heavily involved in industry activities. Three members are proprietors of riding establishments, whereas others specialise in equine and non-equine business development, marketing and HR.

LICENSING FOR LIVERY YARDS

With the publication of 'Britain’s Horse Problem', a report by a group of equestrian charities in 2020 looking into equine welfare issues, the introduction of licensing for livery yards now looks ever more likely. At present, there is no livery yard regulation, no representation for yard owners, and no requirement for any level of competency for the proprietors. There is no way for those yards who are fully insured, competent, and following best practice guidelines to stand out from the crowd. Unfortunately, cost often prevails for horse owners, and a lack of knowledge means they do not always make the best choice when choosing a new yard. The level of service and competence offered by a yard can significantly affect the satisfaction of livery clients and the welfare of horses in their care.

Realising a need to support these businesses, in 2020, the ABRS+ decided to extend its membership to include livery yards and equestrian centres alongside its existing membership of riding establishments. Whilst the ABRS+ remains associated

LICENSING FOR LIVERY YARDS

In 2020, the ABRS+ decided to extend its membership to include livery yards and equestrian centres alongside its existing membership of riding establishments.

The ABRS+ ensures its members' voices are heard whenever they need support.

with riding schools, it remains a wellestablished equestrian association. Clients of riding establishments often progress onto buying a horse or pony, thus seeking livery themselves. With this in mind, the addition of regulation for livery yards seems the perfect fit and natural progression with existing members.

Said ABRS+ Chair, Jane Williams: "It is apparent that many livery yards feel heavily unsupported, especially during the last 15 months, which has been a testing time for all. A large number of our existing riding centres offer a livery service, so the expansion is a natural one, fits perfectly with the resources and our values of promoting the highest standards while supporting our members and their businesses."

There are no specific 'criteria' for a livery yard as per other approval schemes, meaning the membership is open to yards of all sizes and all livery types outside the 'standard' scope of those offering DIY, part and full livery. With the addition of service, proprietors of all equestrian establishments can now benefit from the support, expertise and representation of the ABRS+, and ultimately via British Equestrian and national government. The development of new membership types can only strengthen the association and give its community a stronger voice.

SUPPORT

The ABRS+ ensures its members' voices are heard whenever they need support. The ABRS+ have successfully represented their members on issues such as rate relief, licensing and more recently seeking clarification and financial support for members during the Covid pandemic.

As part of the membership expansion, the ABRS+ consulted its members and potential members. Since, the association has re-branded, reviewed and improved its existing member propositions for riding establishments and revamped the website. 

ABRS+ membership now offers better benefits from before, including assistance

to the Equestrian Employers Association - offering employment, health and safety guidance, and LiveryList, a livery yard directory and resource for yard owners. As well as this, there are discounts available on many equestrian services and products. Free welfare, legal and health, and safety advice from equestrian specialists is also available.

PEACE OF MIND

The ABRS+ offers peace of mind to owners and riders in that all approved and certified establishments provide high standards of care and welfare. In a second aspect to the membership, the association will be increasing its educational offerings to encourage clients of all equestrian establishments to know what to look for in a 'good' riding establishment or livery yard. The ABRS+ also offers education for the younger generation of riders and pony owners in all aspects of equine care, safety and equitation with its Rosette, Certificate and Equestrian Care Award schemes. 

The ABRS+ is an association solely for its members rather than being a small part of a larger association. Membership is a hallmark of quality and gives equestrian establishments not only support but promotion too. The ABRS+ seeks to raise the expectations and standards while promoting the professional yards on offer.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

with CIEC coaching qualifications, safeguarding and first aid courses. The lifting of Covid19 restrictions also means the association can resume its much-loved conferences and revisit its regional networks.  

Whilst it has been a difficult time over the last 15 months, things are slowly starting to return to normal. For those who haven't known where to turn for support or for those wanting to stand out from the crowd, there is no better option than seeing what the ABRS+ has to offer.  •

With special thanks to Cheryl Johns, founder www.liverylist.co.uk

Membership is available from just £99; full details can be found on the ABRS+ website: www.abrs-info.org