Bhs Manual Of Equitation
BHS Scotland is Scotland's largest equine membership organisation with around 6000 members and rising. We have enthusiastic and informed volunteers who help deliver our work throughout Scotland in the areas of access, welfare, safety, training, competitions, education, exams, riding clubs and more. If there is anything you would like to see on our website please let us know on. To keep up to date with all the latest news from BHS Scotland visit our. Equine Excellence Standard Setting and Revision Days at Gleneagles January 2018.
The BHS Complete Manual of Equitation by British Horse Society 375. The BHS Complete Manual of Equitation by British Horse Society 375 (Paperback, 2011) Delivery UK delivery is within 3 to 5 working days. International delivery varies by country, please.
There is an intrinsic pleasure in keeping horses and in the winter the regular visits to the field with hay or the sight of your pride and joy tucked up in a warm, lit, bedded stable can bring extra special moments to these long dreich damp days. We all know why we undertake horse ownership or riding; the unique pleasure that the relationship with a horse brings and the thrill of covering the countryside on the back of the horse. Luckily most of us take our horse care, road safety, hacking out and equitation responsibilities seriously.
There has never been a better time to be a horse in Scotland (apart from the rain) because the BHS is thriving and we are delighted to have broken the 7k membership mark. But even more relevant is the work of our volunteers who offer advice on all aspects of horse care in every part of Scotland.
Biomechanics, feed and rug technology have all modernised the horse care system, you can have a light waterproof rug and feed forage with a balancer, an air filled saddle and ergonomic bridle these days. But equitation and horsemanship don’t change and that is where the BHS equine excellence pathways offer progressive learning for everyone.
In 2018 BHs Scotland will try and keep you abreast of all developments that make being a horse owner or rider even better and continue our education. The BHS Scotland team wish you a peaceful and merry festive season and hope you enjoy the best winter riding. BHS Scotland is pleased to report that Shetland is now the 14th Regional Committee within Scotland. Over the last year, members on Shetland have demonstrated their enthusiasm and commitment, which was evident during the recent BHS Scotland Highlands and Islands Tour with Professor Derek Knottenbelt. There are currently 77 BHS members on Shetland and this is growing. The enthusiastic group of individuals have already held one committee meeting and have another one planned before the end of 2017. It is hoped that a few events will be organised over the winter months with a presence at one of the shows in summer 2018.
The enthusiasm of all these people is unquestioned – they are desperate to play an active role in the society, which is so inspiring. Enthusiasm was the hallmark of the week long BHS Scotland Highlands and Islands Tour mid-October which comprised 909 miles by car and four ferry crossings and the two flights to reach the more remote areas. Skye, Stornoway, Orkney, Caithness and Shetland all enjoyed a visit from BHS Chairman Professor Derek Knottenbelt.
In six days we worked towards creating a new committee on Shetland, liaised with the North Coast 500 route in terms of road safety and provided equine CPD to three Scottish island veterinary practices. It was a daunting ferry flight drive dash from the Hebrides to the Northern Isles, including Caithness.
In all, we ‘touched’ 1000 of the BHS’s most remote and northern members with a full education programme. Skye first where fantastic area rep Sam Nicolson recommended accommodation, booked the venue and promoted this event; after checking into the guesthouse a visit to Portree Stables was in order to enjoy one of their lessons in action and a clipping session that was being carried out during the school holidays. Dinner followed by an evening talk on the work of the BHS was a great success, before Derek delivered a very informative talk on a range of subjects relevant to horse owners on the Isle of Skye with lots of questions and discussion.
Three new members joined up on the evening. We took the ferry from Uig to Tarbert on the Tuesday morning and then followed a lovely scenic route to Stornoway where the wind was starting to pick up. We were greeted by friendly volunteers at their amazing Lochside Arena for a valuable veterinary session with Derek, offering expertise on a variety of topics.
We had the opportunity to meet up with a couple of the volunteers prior to the evening lecture, including the familiar Paul Phillips. Despite the horrendous weather on Tuesday evening we had a good turn out for our BHS lecture where four new members joined up on the evening. We are looking forward to holding more events at Lochside in the future, and we loved the Stornoway hospitality. Wednesday morning was the 7am ferry to Ullapool then Wick with a pre-arranged meeting with NW500 to raise road safety concerns concerns on behalf of local members, where the route managers agreed to put dead slow fliers in each NW500 application pack – so good work there! We also had time to fit in a yard visit with old friends at Achalone Activities before boarding the evening ferry to Orkney and experienced a rather rough crossing, where we met local BHS representative (Katie Coward) who was responsible for our Orkney itinerary.
On Thursday morning, vet clinic with Derek Knottenbelt at Cruan Riding Stables we had an amazing turnout of 32 people coming to watch these clinics. Thanks to Cruan Riding Stables for hosting this and to North Vets and Flett & Carmichael Vets for organising such great clients, before moving to a local community centre to hear presentations about the BHS with Derek delivering veterinary lecture.
Four more members joined up at Orkney. Thanks to all who organised the catering on the day – very much appreciated by all.
Following the lecture, we took the ferry back to Caithness for an evening lecture at the Highland College. Once again, we had a fantastic turnout and more members joining on the evening. Back into the car after this lecture, to drive to Aberdeen for a morning flight to Shetland on the Friday. We had a couple of hours before checking in for our flight on the Friday morning. We were then greeted in Shetland by Susie Nicholson, our BHS representative on Shetland. We had a busy schedule on Shetland, which started with a visit to Houlls Horses and Hounds – the home of the Icelandic ponies on Shetland. This was an amazing experience being able to watch these beautiful horses being ridden – well done to all for doing an excellent demo ride for us to view their different gaits.Whilst there, Derek offered some advice on a pony suffering from Alopecia.
Thanks to Dorothy at Houlls Horses and Hounds for her hospitality. We also had the opportunity to see some Shetland ponies before heading to Lerwick. In the afternoon, Derek met with the vets at Shetland Vets at their practice in Lerwick to discuss various issues and cases. In the meantime, Susie and Jean (another valuable volunteer) got the hall set up for the evening talk. We managed to quickly check into our guesthouse before meeting for a quick bite to eat with many of the Shetland volunteers. Shetland certainly won the prize for the best turnout and another four members joined giving us a total of 20 new members during the tour. On the way back to the guesthouse, we had the amazing opportunity to see the Northern Lights – this was fascinating.
We left Shetland with plans for their own BHS committee. One comment on Facebook summed the tour up: 'Hi, that was an absolute fantastic evening tonight in the college. Very interesting and learned loads of new things. I'm delighted to be putting money towards such a great charity.'
The problems with size, remoteness, weather, tourism and isolation of Scotland have been re-emphasised during this epic six-day journey Derek said: ”The complexity of this week emphasised the fact that Scotland is a special case – it is far easier and quicker to get to Mexico or Australia! The enthusiasm of all these people is unquestioned – they are desperate to play an active role in the society, which is so inspiring.”. An exciting new project to increase horse-riding holidays in the Scottish Borders has received the go ahead. Funds have now been secured to employ an equestrian tourism coordinator for 2 years.
They will liaise with all relevant interests including businesses and land managers to encourage cooperation, develop marketing, improve digital mapping and to support local and longer distance rides. They will also update the South of Scotland Countryside Trails web site and provide links to and images of attractions, events, suppliers and services that will benefit horse riders during their stay and encourage them and their friends and family to stay longer in the area. The British Horse Society qualifications Each person who has a BHS qualification has a different story, and every journey is unique - whether you are just beginning your qualifications, or if you are working towards the BHS Fellowship. The first stages of the Equine Excellence Pathway, stages 1 and 2 gives you a good foundation to then continue further training or apprenticeships in any area of the equestrian industry. Your pathway may take you into anyone of these careers; veterinary, journalism, farrier, saddlery, business management, mounted forces, nutritionist, physio, dentistry, breeding, training and the racing industry.
If you want to continue with the BHS education system, it is one of the best and most widely-respected in the world. The welfare of the horse is at the heart of everything we do, and the BHS offers a Complete Horsemanship Pathway, the only qualification on the market that teaches you care, ride, and management. This pathway gives a comprehensive view of every element involving the horse and rider. What sets the BHS apart from other education providers is our mission to put the welfare of the horse into everything we do.
The reward for excellent horsemanship is working in harmony with a happy, healthy horse who is able to perform at the peak of his ability. About the BHS Equine Excellence Pathway The BHS Equine Excellence Pathway is comprehensive, and not just for riders – There are four bespoke professional career pathways available, depending on your long-term goal. Whether it’s becoming a successful groom or a stable manager, an equine teacher or a specialist coach, there’s a pathway to choose from. BHS Coach in Complete Horsemanship Pathway. BHS Groom Pathway. BHS Professional Rider Pathway. BHS Equine Tourism Pathway Equestrian qualifications show potential employers of the skills accrued for a career with horses.
The BHS qualifications framework is internationally recognised, with some of the best instructors, riders and grooms coming through the BHS Equine Excellence Pathway, including Fellows Carl Hester and Yogi Breisner. To get started, visit bhs.org.uk/pathways – where you can find out all the costs for all the different career pathways Forest visitors’ asked to be aware of ‘our four legged friends’. Forest Enterprise Scotland has produced new advisory posters that raise awareness of the needs of dog walkers and horse riders who visit Scotland’s forests.
The move, which is backed by the British Horse Society (Scotland) and the Kennel Club, comes after a several unfortunate incidents between dogs and horses. The A3 posters offer advice to dog owners and horse riders on how to act around each other.
Paul Hibberd, for Forest Enterprise Scotland, said; “The forests we manage across Scotland are an incredibly popular recreational resource for a wide range of visitors. “We welcome everyone – walkers, mountain bikers, dog walkers and horse riders – and it’s important that everyone recognises that on a forest visit, other people’s needs might not be quite the same as their own. “We want to ensure that everyone enjoys their visit to their local forest.” The new signage will be deployed by FES staff in local forests and will include a contact number to report incidents that might occur. Don Milton, Chair of BHS Scotland Access, said: “We are very grateful to the Forest Enterprise Scotland and to the Kennel Club for recognising our concern over the increase of dog attacks on ridden horses and the potentially very serious consequences.
“Everyone visiting the Scottish countryside with animals has extra responsibility and respecting each other’s needs and safety is very much part of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. “This new resource will be welcomed by land managers and riders alike. We will make use of them at the dog familiarisation days that we arrange for our members to help raise awareness of how dog owners – and horse riders – should behave.” The sign will be uploaded onto the Forestry Commission Scotland Intranet site for local FCS staff to use in FCS forests, printed at A3 and laminated. Staff will add the relevant forest office number. Over 30 riders enjoyed a lovely ride around Barsimming Estate, Ayrshire in September by kind permission of Barkimming Estates Ltd. There were 2 choices of rides: a shorter 5k ride or a longer 10 mile round. This event was a sponsored ride to raise funds for BHS Scotland and Eglinton Horse Trials.
The routes discovered the beautiful varied off road riding through the working Ayrshire Estate of Barskimming with routes through farmland, mature woods and tree lined avenues and followed the River Ayr as it carves its way through Ayrshire, discovering beautiful haugh land, sandstone caves and enticing estate tracks. This was a delightful ride and it was a privilege to explore some of Scotland’s best kept land. After the ride, the riders came back to lovely soup, rolls, filled rolls, cakes, tray bakes and tea/coffee – thank you to our fantastic on site caterer Ros Cartner. Jodie Sands won the best fundraiser prize, raising £162, receiving a lovely hamper courtesy of Botanica.
Heather Allan also received a hamper from Botanica for raising £120. It is hoped that the 3rd BHS Scotland Sponsored Access Ride at Barskimming Estate will take place next year. “After expenses, a total of £748 was raised at the BHS Scotland Sponsored Access Ride at Barskimming Estate – well done to all. This shall be split between Eglinton Horse Trials and BHS Scotland. Hats off to Falkirk Community Trust and other partners (including BHS Scotland), who pulled off an exceptional event at the Helix Park in the shadow of Andy Scott’s Kelpies, that brought horses and ponies to the people in a safe, nostalgic, magical and accessible way. 2017 has been designated the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology, a year to celebrate Scotland’s unique history and heritage with a programme of activity aimed at supporting and driving the nation’s tourism and events sector. And where better to celebrate the contribution of the horse to the prosperity of Scotland than alongside the industrial landscape of the canals and mines with the shining statues of shape shifting water horses as back drop.
The daylong event had a programme that ranged from truly modern fairy tales to the traditional equestrian heritage. Artistic highlight included Francois Chaussebourg‘s ‘Ma Bete Noire’ captivating and dramatic French play featuring a well-trained Friesian Stallion and his dancer rider in a love hate relationship. There was the beautiful unicorn, or the quadrille which turned the heads of all when the universally popular song “Let of Go” from Disney’s Frozen underpinned a colourful finale. Then the sort of heritage we are all more used to in BHS Scotland – our horse loggers, the Clydesdales demonstrating the heritage of the horse in farming, travel and industry as Benny Duncan and the Balmalcolm horses towed a barge along the Union Canal – a unique privilege to see in this day and age.
Police horses getting up close and personal were the icing on the cake for the public. More than any other event we have been part of in the last two decades, ‘horsepower’ - held in the heart of the central belt and run to a stringent risk assessment - brought equines and people together in an exemplary fun and educational way.
The weather, the location, the crowds (it is estimated that between 13 and 15 thousand people visited) all conspired to reignite so many with our human inherent love of; and the pure magic of the horse. Carriage rides and pony rides were open to all (although the queues were so long that -with horse and pony welfare in mind – many people were disappointed.) If there was ever an event to remind is of the vibrancy of our sector and the need for the local riding stables – then this was it. A traditional carousel; so colourful with horses flying to the music of a hurdy-gurdy; straight out of Mary Poppins, was busy all day too. This truly was the sort of day that money simply cannot buy. Engineers working on the A9 joined BHS Scotland and Paths for All for a day on the National Access Demonstration Site at SRUC Oatridge College to be shown the needs of non-motorised users in respect of the A9 Dualling. Two equine students (Katie and Eilidh) from the college rode Rosie and Branagh demonstrating how surfaces affect horses’ hooves, gate opening and mounting and dismounting as the needs of horse riders were emphasised.
Engineers from Fairhurst, WSP, Jacobs and Transport Scotland attended. Helene Mauchlen National Manager said; “This is probably one of the most important things we have done this year, as the A9 is 80 miles long and effectively creates a barrier across most of the northern part of Scotland. Transport Scotland has been good at forming a non-motorised users group of which BHS plays an active part.
“But to have the engineers take such an interest in the physiology of a horses foot and wonder at the manoeuvring space a horse and rider need to open a gate is a very gratifying way to demonstrate the needs of riders in a memorable way. “We are hoping the A9 NMU route will be truly multiuse as a result of today. Graeme Anderson, technical officer from Paths for All was excellent in advising the professionals on the needs of all access takers but it was good to see horses stealing the limelight.” ”. As every year, we have list of diverse autumn training lined up for levels. Training Days and evening lectures - there is something for everyone and with big names such as Yogi Breisner, you can be assured it will be worth it! An Expert View on Bitting Monday 20 November 7.30 – 9.30pm Arran Room, Oatridge College, Ecclesmachan, Broxburn EH52 6NH £5 entry Join Dr Caroline Benoist, Manager of Research and Education from Neue Schule Ltd for an expert evening talk on bitting.
Dr Beniost will look at how bits work from a mechanical and scientific perspective, discuss what research has been done in regards to nosebands and explain how the bit and bridle affects the horse as a whole. There will be extensive time for discussion and Q&A. Coaching with Yogi Breisner (CPD day - open to everyone) 13 November 2017, Barstobrick EC, Ringford, Castle Douglas, DG7 2AT 14 November 2017, The Cabin EC, Ordyfauld, Inverurie AB51 0LL £25.00 for APCs; £35.00 to all others BHS Fellow, former chef d’ equip of the British Eventing team, Olympic eventing medal winning coach (Athens, Beijing, London, Sydney), national hunt consultant coach and industry leader Yogi Breisner will share his coaching knowledge and insight at two CPD days respectively in the south west and north east of Scotland. These days will be revelations to anyone interested in teaching, riding or supporting equestrianism. This summer, BHS Scotland’s newest member of staff, Julie Hanna, travelled the lengths and width of our beautiful country to attend many local shows and meet with our wonderful local committees. In three of the BHS Scotland areas, we held open nights for aspiring new members and committee members. These areas were Highland South, Central and Fife.
The ‘Open Night’ in each of these regions was open to BHS members and non-members to provide information on the BHS and volunteering. National Manager of Scotland Helene Mauchlen gave a presentation on what the BHS does and Julie provided an insight into volunteering and her own 10 year experience with the Ayrshire committee. The open nights were hailed as a success by all who attended and we plan to hold more across Scotland as demand for them pours in. If you think your area would benefit from an open night, or if you want to learn more about your local committee, contact. “Be Safe - Be Seen” - Firefighters are throwing their full support behind a new campaign aimed at protecting vulnerable road users across Dumfries and Galloway this summer. “Be Safe - Be Seen” is the latest hard-hitting initiative launched by the Dumfries and Galloway Road Safety Partnership. It is targeting vulnerable road users, such as cyclists, children and horse riders, with the knowledge needed to stay safe while highlighting how these groups can safely co-exist with other traffic.
Over the summer months, the Dumfries and Galloway Area of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) are attending various events including agricultural shows, to ensure the message is heard, with a particular focus on horse riders who routinely use rural roads. Unfortunately, over the years there have been a number of serious incidents involving horse riders. The SFRS is committed to improving road safety in partnership with Police Scotland, the British Horse Society, the British Equestrian Trade Association and Equisafety. As part of this partnership, the British Horse Society was invited to attend the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) at agricultural shows within the Dumfries & Galloway area to promote this campaign. The British Horse Society have had a presence at Stranraer Show, Wigtown Show, Stewarty Show and both days of Dumfries Show, which has been extremely valuable and a key partnership with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. On the weekend of the 19th and 20th August, the Dumfries and Galloway Area of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) in partnership with the British Horse Society and other vulnerable road users will be out at the Galloway Country Fair at Drumlanrig Castle (so make sure you come and see us.
The British Horse Society has provided lots of advice on its “Dead? Or Dead Slow?” campaign, how other road users should pass horses and the importance of wearing hi-viz clothing at all times when out hacking on the rider/handler and the horse - this includes on the beach, within a forest and in open space/fields. At Dumfries Show, the animal rescue horse that is normally used for training for large animal rescue by the Dumfries and Galloway Area of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), was on display to show the hi-viz clothing kindly donated by Equisafety. Equisafety also offered 10% discount vouchers at Dumfries Show. In 2016, The British Horse Society launched its “Dead? Or Dead Slow?” campaign to encourage drivers to pass horses safely With an increasing number of reported incidents involving riders and cars, we're building on our solid foundation of road safety education and campaigning to make drivers aware of what to do when they encounter horses on the road. 4 Simple Steps: 1.
Slow down to 15mph 2. Be patient, don't sound your horn or rev your engine 3. Pass wide (at least a car's width) 4. Drive slowly away. The British Horse Society are very grateful for being part of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service events over the summer months and are looking forward to developing their partnership with SFRS.
Join BHS Scotland for a delightful 10 mile ride and discover the beautiful varied off road riding through the working Ayrshire Estate of Barskimming for a fundraising ride on the 10 September 2017. This ride will explore Barskimming Estate through farmland, mature woods and tree lined avenues, and will follow the River Ayr as it carves its way through Ayrshire and discover beautiful haugh land, sandstone caves and enticing estate tracks. This is a delightful ride, you can chose your length and it is a privilege to explore some of Scotland’s best kept land. The ride will be held to fundraise jointly for the British Horse Society and Eglinton Horse Trials so you are helping horses every step of the way.
Follow the signposted route for a self-guided ride suitable for all ages and levels, although children under 14 need to be accompanied by an experienced adult. Full directions, maps, sponsorship forms and additional joining instructions (including start times) will be sent out before the event. There is a choice of 2 routes: Route A: around 16k (10 miles) with riders starting between 10.00am and 12noon approx. Route B: around 5km, with riders starting between 12noon and 2.00pm approx. Riders to return to start by 5pm — all finishers will receive a rosette and goody bag. Entries: £15 per rider to be paid on booking for route A or £10 for route B, plus a minimum £10 in sponsorship paid on the day. Entries limited to 60 on a first come, first served basis and must be received by Monday 7 August 2017.
Thanks to funding from Big Lottery Awards for All grants, the British Eventing Charitable Foundation (BECF) is this summer launching the ‘Jump Forward’ programme to provide support and encouragement to young volunteers in the sport. Open to 16 - 21 year olds, this free programme incorporates a three day course that aims to inspire and educate young people about the benefits of volunteering and will also offer valuable career advice and an opportunity to get ‘hands-on’ during the sessions. The course is split in to two days of classroom workshops followed by a practical day volunteering at a BE event and is for anyone who holds an interest in the sport or volunteering, even if they have little or no equestrian experience. The workshops will give participants an interactive overview of the sport of eventing, the types of volunteering roles available and the great transferable skills that can be gained from volunteering.
Participants will also have access to carefully chosen industry experts providing information and advice on careers, education options and setting up as self- employed or a small business enterprise. Experienced BE volunteers will also be on hand to describe their experiences and explain the benefits they have gained from volunteering, and all participants will be given free registration to the Young Equestrian Leaders Award (YELA) Bronze programme.
Following the workshop sessions, the young volunteers will get the opportunity to put their skills into practice at a BE fixture, where they will enjoy a ‘behind the scenes’ tour of the organisation of the event, meet the volunteers and Officials helping on the day and try their hand at some of the roles. Volunteer mentors will be on hand to guide and support the young volunteers throughout the Jump Forward programme, which will run in various locations across England, Scotland and Wales during July and August. Lunch is provided free for participants on each day of the course. Scotland North Workshops: Kirriemuir, Angus – 11th July and 25th July On event: Kirriemuir, Angus – July 2nd To book visit: Central Workshops: Oatridge College, West Lothian –July 31st and August 7th On event: Dalkeith, Edinburgh – August 12th To book visit: South Workshops: Kelso Racecourse, Borders - August 1st and 10th On event: Hendersyde Park, Borders – August 5th or 6th To book visit: Taking part in the programme is free and. Like a supermarket trolley dash fifty accredited professional coaches were set loose in Jet Set Equestrian for ten minutes on the starting gun of our innovative “Modern tack and Equipment” CPD compered by Darrell Scaife FBHS and supported by a host of industry experts. Jet Set Jet Set Saddlery & Country wear Ltd director Gillian Bell, also a saddle fitter could not have been more generous, providing hospitality, lunch and the perfect venue, it is no wonder this business was named BETA retailer of the year in 2016. In our quest to demystify modern technology with equine welfare in mind we were joined by a trio of experts; Dr Caroline Benoist Manager of Research and Education Neue Schule Ltd and The Academy gave a presentation about bits and bitting including the physiology of the equine head, scientific research on comfort and efficacy and innovation in this field.
Kate Bielawska UK & European Sales Manager for Charles Owen & Airowear talked about fashion, fit and standards in riding helmets and body protectors. Claire Williams, the Executive Director of the British Equestrian Trade Association, the leading representative body working on behalf of equestrian related businesses in the United Kingdom gave a presentation on NOPS Naturally occurring prohibitive substances in feed and EGUS a new scheme to support the reduction of gastric ulcers in horses. We were also joined in the outdoor school by riders from three disciplines, BRC, eventing and dressage where we analysed tack choices, performance and appropriateness.
This CPD day fits nicely into the BHS assessment system and provided valuable education for all levels of coach. The ‘choose an item for discussion’ session was an exciting start to this inspirational day held in blazing Scottish sunshine. Summing up Darrell Scaife said; “Science and education have a huge role to play when considering equine welfare, training and safety and setting these things against fad and fashion to get the best outcome and optimum performance for horse and rider is very much part of a coaches job.”. “We are all in welfare together” was the opening statement from Derek Knottenbelt chairing the third jointly hosted Equine Welfare Conference at Howe EC in Fife at the end of April. Collaborative partners; BHS Scotland, The Donkey Sanctuary, World Horse Welfare, Scottish SPCA and Scottish Government all share the same values of being practical, compassionate and forward thinking with an emphasis on prevention through education.
The main challenges facing equines in Scotland include; obesity, over rugging, inappropriate housing and turnout and delayed death with owners often loath to take the final decision at the right time; each these was aired in turn. The challenge of not yet having a proper Equine ID system to underpin good health and welfare was also a recurring theme. The BHS Friends at the End scheme was praised as was World Horse Welfare’s invisible horses campaign it is currently reckoned that almost 360 ‘invisible’ equines that people choose to not see are on the danger list in Scotland, concerningly this number is rising. Dominic Mellor Professor of Veterinary Public Health at the University of Glasgow praised partnerships such as the Scottish equine welfare umbrella as the panacea to increased understanding while examining the “one Health” challenge linking animal welfare with human health. Scotland is leading this field of medicine currently with initiatives like Dominic said; “when it comes to biosecurity people feel daunted and think if they can’t do it all there is no point in doing anything.
“This is so wrong – because for an industry like equestrian - baby steps, doing one thing from the quarantine, hygiene, vaccination and monitoring selection is better than nothing.” Scottish SPCA speaker Inspector Heather Lawson ran through how SSPCA use animal welfare notices to encourage improved behaviour and the difficulties of building a case. Scottish Chief Veterinary Officer Sheila Voas found time in her busy schedule to support the event and give a view from her office running through her role during the upheaval of Brexit where preserving trade, disease control and identification are the current challenges.
The afternoon was run by the Donkey Sanctuary; interesting research on how all equines use shelter against the weather and flies was delivered by Faith Burden and Vet Anna Harrison gave an informative presentation on how donkeys are different. The event was riveting from start to finish with good Fife hospitality on offer. Every year 3500 people have an out of hospital cardiac arrest in Scotland, which is about 70 each week. Only around 1 in 20 survive to leave hospital, less than 10%. Whilst other European countries have had survival rates of over 50% for more than 10 years.
This is due largely to our lack of bystander CPR and availability of Public Access Defibrillators. People living and working in rural areas are particularly vulnerable. The BHS has joined forces with Save A Life for Scotland to try to encourage everyone to have a go at Hands Only CPR and change these statics. We would like to encourage our members to visit the Save a Life website were you can access and organise this lifesaving training for yourself, your group or your event. Points of light award for ECEIM Diplomate and Honorary member Derek Knottenbelt British Prime Minister Theresa May recognised ECEIM Diplomate and Honorary member Professor Derek Knottenbelt with a Points of Light award on 9th December 2016.
This award, which recognises outstanding individual volunteers, was given in recognition of Derek's work with ‘Vets with Horsepower’, a group of equine veterinarians who go on motorbike tours to raise funds for international animal and human charities by delivering veterinary continuing education. Prime Minister Theresa May said that: “Your initiative, ‘Vets with Horsepower’ takes a brilliantly innovative approach to raising funds for some very worthy causes across the world, as well as supporting charity staff with your team’s professional skills.” Derek, the driving force behind Vets with Horsepower is the 631st recipient of a Points of Light award and said: “This award is truly amazing and I am both honoured and humbled by it. I am part of an amazing team of people who care deeply about the wider world and this is as much their recognition as mine. It is simply amazing to be recognised in this way.” The group recently completed a tour in South Africa and have raised in excess of £280,000 for causes. Plans for the 7th edition of Vets with Horsepower are already underway!
BHS Scotland would like to congratulate our wonderful Chairman on this well-deserved honour!! Pandora – Tarragon Trophy Stable Life is what it says on the tin “A hand to hold, a heart to heal and a horse to love” Stable Life have some very special ponies who bring unconditional love and acceptance to those who need it the most. Caroline Taylor Smith tragically lost her life in a car accident and she was an inspirational young lady whose kindness and generosity touched many young people.
Caroline was also one of the first young people who has been supported through her journey with Stable Life and she meant so much to everyone on the project and touched so many others hearts in her role as a peer mentor and volunteer with Stable Life. Caroline was an advocate for young people and understood the challenges of dealing with anxiety and she showed great understanding and empathy for other young people who were struggling with personal challenges in their life. She also volunteered with RDA and gave so much to others and shared her love of ponies. Following her tragic accident and all too early death, her family chose that they would like to give the retirement collection to “Stable Life”. It was used to purchase a very special pony called “Pandora”. Pandora brings sunshine and joy to young people at Stable Life and she is a living reminder of a special girl who everyone at Stable Life misses so much.
Pandora is a firm favourite with everyone especially the “Tiny Trotters” and she just makes everyone smile - a wee pony with a BIG attitude. “Stable Life is a special place for the most special young people whom we are privileged to support and wee “Pandora” optimises HOPE and underneath everything there is hope. Gillian Elliot - Farney Grange for Most Popular Instructor We were over whelmed with votes for Gillian. Gillian is based at Burnbank Equestrian Hamilton, where she is chief coach and yard manager who has worked in BHS approved training Centres and has a BSc in Equine Sports Science, BHS Stable Manager Intermediate Training and UKCC Level 4. The ploughmen of Fife - Beveridge for Fundraising This amazing group of horse men helped us fundraise £5000 at the 2016 Working Horses Day Sue Kilby - Volunteer of the Year Well what can we say about our very own Sue Kilby Welfare officer for BHS Scotland?
Sue was nominated for this award for her outstanding commitment to the welfare of our horses here in Scotland. She has been training, coordinating and advising Scottish Welfare Officers for many years and never hesitates to get involved. Once, Sue had been told of a field of where highland horses were grazing with ragwort in.
Bhs Manual Of Equitation
Undaunted, she endeavoured to pull the field of ragwort by herself over a number of weekends in the blazing sun. Just one of many stories that showcase her devotion to the cause. BHS Scotland received a wonderful double helping of Yogi Breisner; retiring British eventing team coach at the end of November, when a master CPD delivered inspirational exercises and straightforward equitation philosophy at the Scottish National Equestrian Centre for nearly 75 coaches and a preceding evening event was held where Yogi shared his Rio Olympic Journey. Yogi stated his “sadness but tinged with optimism” as he steps down as team coach but cited a bright future for British eventing given the amazing pool of riders and horses currently available. His amusing presentation covered the chronology of being a performance manager from before the games are even announced to having a team complete and return home.
The challenges of planning, climate, geography, accreditation, selection and logistics and of course funding were all covered in his talk about the journey to the Rio Games. At the CPD Yogi used innovative exercises and various props to make for some exciting yet fun jumping training and his calm knowledge of riders in the flat work as he tackled winter homework, the show jumping course, test preparation and Cross Country Technique.
BHS Scotland Chairman of Training Erik McKechnie BHSI said; ”It was such a privilege to have someone as clever and traditional but with a you.