One of the most important aspects of the work carried out by the BHS is Horse Care and Welfare . There are various aspects to our commitment to Horse and Pony Welfare - both at Regional and National level.

1. PREVENTION THROUGH EDUCATION

Our primary aim is to prevent neglect and cruelty through education.

The majority of cases which we get called to, have developed as a result of a lack of understanding and knowledge of the basic daily requirements of horses and ponies. BHS Welfare rely heavily on our network of over 120 experienced and dedicated volunteers who can respond if necessary, in an informed and sympathetic manner, to your queries or welfare concerns. Our volunteers in Cumbria, Cleveland, Northumberland and Durham help to provide a valuable local service, with advice ranging from buying a first horse to worming. Our service enables horse owners and carers to have free access to expert guidance and advice on all aspects of horse care and welfare.

If you need advice on any aspect of horse care, then don't hesitate to contact your local Welfare Officer or Development Officer Wendy Suddes, who will be only too happy to help. You can also access our FREE advisory service during office hours from the BHS Welfare Department Tel: 01926 707807.

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The North Region Committee run workshops from time to time focusing on the various aspects of horse care and stable management. If you are interested in organising a workshop for your yard or in your area, please contact Wendy Suddes!

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Equi Weight-watchers is a new scheme which has been developed, in conjunction with the Laminitis Trust's 'Fit not Fat' Campaign, it is designed to help you control a healthy weight for the horses in your care. The scheme is to be launched later this year.

If you'd like details of this free project, then send a large SAE to:

BHS Equi Weight-watchers Scheme Welfare Dept,
The British Horse Society,
Stoneleigh Deer Par
Nr Kenilworth
Warks
CV8 2XZ

2. RESPONSE TO REPORTED CASES OF NEGLECT OR CRUELTY

BHS Welfare receives a number of reports of cases of neglect and cruelty. All cases are assessed over the phone and dealt with in a professional and confidential manner. We take every call seriously - when a report is received it is passed on to the local Welfare Representative for that area.

The County and Regional Officers will then visit the case and assess the condition of the horse or pony before offering advice to the owner or, if necessary, involving the appropriate authorities, to ensure the animal does not suffer prolonged or unnecessary suffering. Many cases that are reported are unjustified and in those cases we offer advice to the complainant about why the animal is not a welfare concern. Molly, seen here in our photograph, was a rescue case. The owner did not take heed of the advice and guidance provided and therefore Molly was signed over to The British Horse Society for rehabilitation. After recovery, Molly was successfully re-homed.

• Freedom from hunger and thirst
• Freedom from discomfort
• Freedom from pain, injury and disease
• Freedom to express normal behaviour
• Freedom from fear and distress

If you have concerns with regard to the welfare of horses and ponies in your area, then please call your County Welfare Officer or The BHS Welfare Department (01926 707807) with details.

3. PROMOTING RESPONSIBLE BREEDING

The range and type of horses and ponies found in the UK is second to none in the world. We are extremely lucky to have such a range of breeds and types to choose from - allowing us to produce horses and ponies suitable for any job. Here in the North, the Fell, Dales, Cleveland Bay and Clydesdale are just a few of the breeds, which have a strong influence.

Horse owners decide to breed from their animals, for many different reasons. The British Horse Society aims to encourage the careful breeding of quality animals, with a particular purpose in mind - whatever the type or breed might be. As part of our work in support of appropriate and selective equine breeding, our Welfare Department keeps a close link with breed societies, through the BHS Horse and Pony Breeds Committee This work involves liaising with Government departments, veterinary organisations and other bodies, both in the UK and overseas. In this way, we can represent the interests of UK horse and pony breeding - something of particular importance to our native breeds - which form an integral part of the nation's heritage.

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"It is as easy to breed a bad horse, as it is to breed a good one!" - is a well- known saying. Many would say it is much, much easier! It is essential therefore that we encourage the use of the best stock available, in order to maximise our chances of a good foal.

We are very fortunate in the North, to have a number of highly respected horse and pony breeders, producing versatile animals for a wide range of pursuits and purposes. These animals are both pure and cross-bred, fulfilling a wide range of roles for a wide range of horse lovers.

Unfortunately in this Region, we also have serious problems with the over-production of inferior quality animals, with little or no thought given to their subsequent value or use.

It is essential that all horse owners think long and hard before making the decision to breed from a mare, or keep a stallion.

Advice and information on horse and pony breeding can be sought from the helpline on: 01926 707807 email: welfare@bhs.org.uk or email: w.suddes@bhs.org.uk

4. FREE ADVISORY LEAFLETS

BHS Welfare have developed a wide range of FREE advisory leaflets - listed below:

All leaflets are free but the postage costs vary - any additional donations are always appreciated. Please ensure the correct postage for the leaflets you require.

• Guide to Horse care and welfare booklet (A5 envelope 35p stamp required).
• HBLB 2004 Codes of practice on infectious diseases (A4 envelope 21p stamp)
• HBLB 2004 Codes of practice on infectious diseases (A4 envelope 21p stamp)
• Challenge rides information packs - much of our work in Horse Welfare is funded by the annual Challenge Rides. In 2004/2005 there will be trips to Jordan, Peru and Iceland. These are adventures of a lifetime - and the sponsorship money raised, helps to fund our educational programmes. Don't miss these exciting opportunities to ride overseas!! (To apply send an A4 SAE - 21p)

Send your SAE to: Welfare Department, The British Horse Society, Stoneleigh Deer Park, nr Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 2XZ

5. EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Workshops are organised locally, around the Counties, aimed at developing the skills of those who deal with horses. The latest information on first aid, feeding, fittening and training regimes, pasture management, disease prevention and much more, is available to everyone, with reduced rates available for our members.

We host Welfare Seminars from time to time, where speakers present up-to-date views on various issues relating to Horse and Pony Welfare. Check the diary dates for news of events near you.

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Annual training updates take place for all our Welfare Representatives. If you would like to join our network of volunteers then give your Regional Welfare Officer or the BHS Welfare Department. All contact numbers can be found in the yearbook.

6. LIAISON WITH GOVERNMENT

The British Horse Society are involved in an enormous range of issues from equine passports, ragwort control and transportation of horses, through to control of disease, trading in horses and Livery Yard Approval.

More detailed information on national initiatives can be found on the main website: www.bhs.org.uk

All of our lobbying is carried out to secure the best deal for the horse world as a whole - and in particular the horses and ponies themselves!

As a 60,000 strong membership organisation, we do have influence - but we could do so much more for the horse world if everyone who cared about horses, came on board. If you've read this far and are not a member, then…..

'Give yourself a voice' - our membership slogan, means just that!!

We are taking issues, which matter to all those who care about horses and ponies, right to the heart of government. Join today and help us to make a difference!

Follow the link for how to join - or email Wendy: w.suddes@bhs.org.uk to find out more.