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CHESHIRE VIEW RIDE - CANCELLED

I regret to report that the Cheshire View Ride scheduled for Saturday 25th July has been cancelled due to a lack of entries.

Apologies to all those looking forward to the event.

Chris Taylor

Added - 23/07/2010
 

        TALKS by CAMPBELL THOMPSON BVM&S MRCVS        

Campbell Thompson BVM&S MRCVS (partner at the Nantwich Veterinary Group Equine Centre and Team Vet at the Sydney Olympics) is giving a series of three talks at Nantwich Equine Clinic, Nantwich, CW5 6BU to assist in the understanding the horse’s limb anatomy from inside out and how that affects injury and performance!

20TH SEPTEMBER 2010 – CAMPBELL’S FAMOUS LEG DISSECTION
A fascinating insight into the workings of the lower leg and foot.

18TH OCTOBER 2010 – COMMON FOOT PROBLEMS
Understand this complex area, to help prevent, career limiting injury.

15TH NOVEMBER 2010 – MAJOR PERFORMANCE LIMITERS
Considering the effects of arthritis in various joints and the effects of front and hind suspensory problems.

For more details click here for a poster on PDF format or here for the poster on Word doc format.

Places are strictly limited.

Chris Taylor

Added - 22/07/2010
 

RESPONSE - PETITION RE CYCLE PATHS

You may recall some time ago we drew your attention to a petition to Downing Street calling for cycle paths to be made available for horse riders in the same way bridleways are available to cyclists under the title "Access4All". 2,222 people signed up to the petition.

A response has now been published at http://www.hmg.gov.uk/epetition-responses/petition-view.aspx?epref=Access4All and the relevant text reads:

"More details from petition creator

Since 1968 all bridleways, irrespective of width, sightlines, surface, urban or rural, have been legally shared by walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Yet legislation ensures access only to walkers and cyclists on cyclepaths. Bridleways are used as part of the Safe Routes to School network, yet horse riders, over 85% of whom are women and children, are forced onto dangerous roads instead of sharing safe, off road cyclepaths. There are well over 29 accidents between horse riders and vehicles per day, 10,658 per year, many of which result in death or serious injury. There is no justification at all for discriminating against this vulnerable user group. Please put right the wrongs of the last 40 years and save lives.

http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/Access4All

Government response

Where a route is particularly useful for or suited to horse riders, and a local authority wishes to create a highway for horse riders, pedestrians and cyclists, the correct choice of facility would be a bridleway or a byway open to all traffic (but banning vehicular use). Local authorities already have a wide range of powers to provide facilities for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders and should choose the type of highway which best fits the safety and needs of local users.
"

I'll let you decide if that was a success or not.

Chris Taylor

Added - 13/07/2010
 

EQUITHON 2009 THANKS

Steph Wagstaff Bethell writes:

"It’s a while now since the AGM where I had opportunity to thank members of the Cheshire Group for supporting the Equithon – either by contributing your time to help or to ride. For those that were not at the AGM – may I take this opportunity to thank those of you who were involved. My extended thanks, again, must go to the Committee for giving the go-a-head for the event and especially Liz, Maggie, Jane and Harry for keeping me on the straight and narrow throughout the organisational process! Thanks must go to Chris for his hours updating the website and to Muriel for looking after the pounds. Lastly, I must thank Martin and my two boys Harvey and Harris for being so patient with me!

Money was still coming in nearly two months after the event and overall £10K was raised for the charities supported. Even by ‘donation / charity ride’ standards – this is a phenomenal amount and a measure of the success of the event. We have also had some ‘convertees’ to endurance! The donations were duly forwarded to the charities and on behalf of the Cheshire Group I have received some lovely letters of thanks. As a Group, we have also received thanks in the Newsletters for HAPPA, the Brooke and Christies. Attached are two certificates of thanks from Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and World Horse Welfare to share with you all.

EQUITHON 2010

Well...based on last year‘s success the Group have decided to go ahead with the event again this year. We are, again, very privileged to have consent from their Graces the Duke and Duchess of Westminster to be hosting the event from the Eaton Estate, just south of Chester.

Event Date: Sunday 5th September.

Closing date for entries: Monday 23rd August.

Work has been going on behind the scenes to bring together this year’s event, with this month being busy advertising and meetings at the Eaton Estate offices."

Please click here for details of this year's event.

Added - 04/07/2010
 

INTER REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Barbury Castle
7th and 8th August 2010

Pat Guerin has asked me to remind you that the Inter Regional Championships takes place at Barbury Castle on the weekend of August 7th/8th.

If anyone else wishes to be considered for the North West Team please send your details to Pat as soon as possible. She is particularly looking for advanced riders and horses for the longer distances at this point but will still consider Novice and Open combinations.

You can contact Pat by:
Phone: 01477 534194; or
Email: pat.guerin@talk21.com

Chris Taylor

Added - 09/06/2010
 

MORE FROLIC PHOTOGRAPHS

Steve Arkley writes:

"Although I was crewing for my partner I managed to take a few pix in between ‘sloshings’.

These can be found on my website the direct link being http://www.equineshots.co.uk/EGBKelsall/default.htm."


PLEASE NOTE: The official photographs of this event can be viewed on the photographer's website www.thefotografer.co.uk.

Chris Taylor

Added - 30/05/2010
 

A HOLIDAY IN THE LAKE DISTRICT
FOR YOU AND YOUR HORSE

As a way of raising funds for Kentucky (or Young Riders if bookings are made after the cut-off date) EGB member Kath McGhee has come up with an offer to other EGB members.

Any EGB member who books her 4* plus holiday appartment in the centre of Ambleside can take advantage of 2 stables and turnout only minutes away with hardstand parking for your trailer or lorry. There's lots of great riding and fantastic scenery.

To take advantage of this offer you would need to view and book the apartment named Afton at Heart of the Lakes website page here. Then ring Kath for the stabling. DIY cost £50.00 per week per horse.

Kath will donate 10% of the stabling to the Kentucky fund (or the Young Riders).

Contact Kath McGhee:
Phone: 015394 33214
Mobile: 07866742025

Chris Taylor

Added - 24/05/2010
 

CHESHIRE RIDERS AT THE GOLDEN HORSESHOE

Sue Higgins has supplied the following information (look forward to a fuller report in the next Newsletter).

She tells me that five Cheshire Group members competed at this year's Golden Horseshoe ride at Exmoor.

In the Exmoor Experience:
Tricia Hirst with Vlaq Diamond Sparkle achieved Gold;
Sally and Katy Mellor With Halim El Shaklan and Angelina Ginny both achieved Silver;
Sue Higgins with Aberllwyds Another Rose achieved Completion and Farriers Award.

Unfortunately Mary Korn and Mister Milo who were doing very well in the Golden Horseshoe 100 mile ride retired after passing the vet on the second day.
We all hope there was no serious problem.

Well done to all riders and crews on superb achievements at a great ride (well worth a visit just to watch if you've never been before).

My apologies if we've, unfortunately, missed any other Cheshire Group riders. Please send me the details and I'll make the appropriate amendments.

Don't forget to look out for an article in the next Newsletter.

Chris Taylor

Added - 19/05/2010; Updated - 20/05/2010
 

TEAM SPIRIT RELAYS AT THE DUKERIES AND LINDUM RIDES

Pat Guerin has been asked by a member whether we intend sending teams to the 40km x 4 Team Spirit Relays at the Dukeries Ride (29-31/05/2010) and the Lindum Ride (Thursday 22/07/2010).

So this is just a tester to see what interest there is. It should be fun riding for a team so if you are even just slightly tempted please contact Pat.

You can contact Pat Guerin:
Tel: 01477 534194
Email: pat.guerin@talk21.com.

Please join in if you can if you can.

Chris Taylor

Added - 07/05/2010
 

TESCO CLUB VOUCHERS FOR YOUNG RIDER SQUAD

The EGB Young Rider Squad would gratefully accept the donation of any Tesco Club Vouchers.

Helen Boston, the Chef d'Equipe of the Endurance GB Young Riders Squad explains the position:-

Hi everyone,

I have today registered the British Young Rider's Endurance Squad with the Tesco shopping vouchers scheme, so that we may take advantage of obtaining various goods for use by the squad at their training weekends and camps throughout the year. It is an excellent opportunity not only to be more "cost effective" as a group, but also to be able to provide new and up to date equipment for all of the youngsters who are the future of our sport.

I am sure that many of you and your friends, colleagues etc shop at Tescos, and like me, some wont have collected the vouchers due to previously having no need for them. Well now you do!! On behalf of all of the "Young Riders" we would like to ask that you collect these vouchers and forward them to me!! The scheme closes on May 9th this year, so it would be great to collect as many as possible before this date.

Please send any vouchers to myself at:

28 Ash Grove,
Kirklevington,
Yarm,
TS15 9NQ

Many thanks for your help and support and I look forward to receiving your vouchers shortly!!

kind regards
Helen Boston
Chef d'Equipe
Endurance GB Young Riders Squad"

Please help if you can.

Chris Taylor

Added - 07/04/2010
 

SAD PASSING of the 2007 JUNIOR CHAMPION of GB and CHESHIRE JUNIOR CHAMPION


Photograph by David Saunders
www.saundersphotography.co.uk

Michelle France writes:

It is with great sadness that I have to announce today (Monday) the passing of our very very special horse Caffrey (Streamcross Dakota).

Caffrey was the dream horse that we all hope to own during our lives.

Shelby and Caffrey, were an amazing team and they achieved so much in such a short time.

In 2007 Shelby and Caffrey won the Junior Champion of GB and the Junior Champion of Cheshire and Shelby had only been riding 12 months then.

I must say a very special thank you to Emma and Ian Miller who we bought Caffrey from and I know how devastated they are also feeling over Caffreys passing.

Caffrey unfortunately was diagnosed with kissing spine and a crushed vertabrae in his neck, which the vets feel could have happened at only a couple of days old when he was a little boisterous foal.

I have tried for the last couple of years to help Caffrey with his injuries and he has spent the last 12 months filling his belly in the field, which caffrey always thought about. He would tell you he was always hungry!!

I know he will be playing with Magi and Taffy tonight and free from pain at last.

Shelby I know nothing I and your Dad can say will make you feel better, but Caffrey will be watching over you this season and he will be with you all the way round at Heywood Oaks and all your other rides.

Thanks Caffrey for all the wonderful memories and fun we had with you. You taught us all so much."

Commiserations from us all - sadly many of us know how this feels.

Chris Taylor

Added - 15/03/2010
 

CHESHIRE WIN THE 2009 WEST RIDING CHALLENGE TROPHY

Congratulations to the team of Pat Guerin riding Zhiwah and Chant, Terry Madden riding Medraar, Helen Newton riding Ley Lader and Sharna McClelland riding Fan Tan.

The presentation will be at the Cheshire Forest Frolic. (Not sure which day).

More details will appear in the next edition of the Newsletter due shortly.

Chris Taylor

Added - 21/02/2010
 

ADVERTISEMENTS OVER 3 MONTHS OLD

Many of the entries on our advertisements page are very old and, although I ask advertisers to let me know when an advertisement is no longer required, I suspect many of them are in fact redundant. There may, of course, be many good reasons for not letting us know they are no longer required.

With a desire to make sure the Advertisements page is as useful as possible I propose to treat every advertisement as "Time Expired" after 3 months and remove contact details and prices. The current (live) advertisements will stay at the top of the page above the others.

If someone wants their advertisement to stay "live" they will have to ask for this to be done every 3 months. The date that each advertisement was posted is shown and I will see if it is feasable to add a date when it will expire.

It is possible that it will be more convenient to trawl through them once a month - in that case all items posted, say, during January will expire at the end of April so they all get at least 3 months.

I hope to start the tidying up process shortly.

You can contact us by clicking here.

Chris Taylor

Added - 16/02/2010
 

THE KENTUCKY SPONSORSHIP FORM

As many of you realise we are looking at methods of raising money to help the costs of our team at the world championships in Kentucky in 2010. If we are sending a team, plus one or two individuals then it is imperative that we send the best team and also the best prepared team as possible.

These members are representing Endurance in Great Britain and we feel it is important that we support them in every way we can, especially with the costs of transport. A figure of £20.000 is the calculation to send each member there, so we need to be raising about £120,000. Even more important is the exposure that Endurance will get at home if we can achieve this, leading in the future to a greater membership and further sponsorship.

In order to raise funds all E.G.B. members are asked to get themselves sponsored for every kilometre they ride at NCR.s, CR.s, or ER.s during the months of February, March and April.

The form is self explanatory. On the front of the card write down your own details, and then the name, address and telephone number of your sponsors and include how much per km they are sponsoring you for. (either 1p per km, 5p per km or 10p per km). On the back of the card write down the date, venue and distance for each ride you have competed at and get it signed by the ride secretary on completion of the ride.

I feel in these three months the average member will be riding approximately between 100 and 200 kilometers, some maybe a little less and some many more. Aim to get at least 20 sponsors onto your cards and hopefully each member could make between £200 and £400. Having collected your sponsorship money then send your completed cards back to the EGB Office (address below) with the appropriate money by the end of April. If you complete your card early then extra cards are available from headquarters, from Robert Blane (01845 526185) or can be downloaded from the links below.

There will be a special prize for the individual who raises the most money and also for the group who does likewise.

Good luck. Keep smiling. And here’s to winning the world championships.

Click here for sponsorship form in Word .doc format.
Click here for sponsorship form in pdf format.

Endurance GB,
National Agricultural Centre,
Stoneleigh Park,
Kenilworth,
Warwickshire CV8 2RP

Added - 13/02/2010
 

PILATES FOR HORSE RIDERS
at Hixon, Staffs.

Members living near to Stafford (or prepared to travel there) may be interested to know that Sarah Light Charted Human and Veterinary Physiotherapist is starting a series of six weekly classes entitled Pilates for Horse Riders.

She tells us that class sizes are limited.

Further details can be found on the attached poster here.

Or visit her website www.staffs-vetphysio.co.uk.

Contact Sarah -
Telephone: 07969 770872
Email: sarahlight@staffs-vetphysio.co.uk.

Chris Taylor

Added - 12/02/2010
 

ARTICLES ON HYDRATION/DEHYDRATION

Lucinda Stapleton has very kindly supplied us with two fascinating articles on hydration and dehydration in relation to our sport.

You can read the articles by following this link to the Articles Index.

Lucinda is very passionate about the subject of hydration and has written these articles in an attempt to educate people about dehydration in horses. Although she has recently embarked on a new venture with Horse Quencher the articles are not commercially-orientated.

She used to write for various magazines and newspapers and has been concerned with the cold weather we have just had and the increased incidences of impaction colic due to horses not drinking enough.

I am very grateful to Lucinda for making these articles available to us and am sure they will throw more light on this very important aspect of our horses welfare for many of us.

Chris Taylor

Added - 07/02/2010
 

FIRST AID COVER AT EGB RIDES

Set out below is a copy of the latest First Aid Guidance.

This replaces the First Aid advice given in the Health & Safety document for ride organisers held on the EGB web site.

FIRST AID COVER - Guidance on Emergency First Aid Cover at Endurance GB Ridden Events

The Health and Safety of all people involved in or affected by activities organised by Endurance GB is of paramount importance. Hence suitable and sufficient Emergency First Aid coverage is an essential mandatory component of all Ridden Events (ie National and Training Rides). The level and extent of cover is a matter to be determined by the Ride Organiser through the normal Risk Assessment process which will take into account inter alia location and duration of event, terrain and hazards of route, numbers and experience of participants and public, proximity to Professional Medical Services and Facilities.

The minimum requirement for all Ridden Events is that a Qualified Competent Person holding an in date First Aid at Work Certificate from an Approved Provider is available on the Venue. Suitable arrangements must also be in place to ensure that Professional Medical Services can be contacted swiftly when needed. The use of more than one individual is encouraged whenever possible. In addition, as the level of assessed risk increases the use of Paramedics and Doctors is strongly recommended.

EGB H & S Representatives: 30 October 2009.


Chris Taylor

Added - 05/02/2010
 

ONLINE UPGRADE FROM ASSOCIATE MEMBER TO FULL MEMBER

Did you know that in addition to entering many rides online you can also upgrade from Associate Member to Full Member online?

The EGB website has recently enhanced Membership Renewals on the web within the EGB website to allow Associate Members to upgrade to Full Membership.

Associate Members who wish to do this should:

    i) Go to the Members Only area of the EGB website and enter their allocated EGB membership number and use their postcode as a password.

    ii) Click on “Apply for your website account password”, where they will be asked to enter their name, postcode and email address.

    iii) They will then receive their password by email if their name, postcode and email address they enter agrees with the records held by EGB, else they will receive their password by snail mail.

    iv) The Associate Member can then login to their Members Account and upgrade to Full Membership. A 50% discount on Joining Fee will be applied if they are upgrading their Associate Membership within the current membership year. As you know they can also register horses at the same time.

Hopefully this will make it easier for Associate Members to upgrade if and when they wish to do so.

Chris Taylor

Added - 05/02/2010
 

4 FOR THE NORTH COMPETITION 2010

Hi from the rules and administration committee.

Firstly, thank you for registering and competing in this competition in 2009. If you didn’t where were you? The aim of this competition is to move away from ‘the most distance covered at speed’ method of celebrating success and using an adaptation of the French Formula, rewarding the thinking rider and to promote good preparation and skilled riding. Riding at a speed suited to the terrain, avoiding elimination by the vet and finishing with a low final heart rate (for the horse that is), will achieve the best results.

As you know the progress of the competition through the season is publicised regularly through the website for EGB, and you can plot the progress of all the entrants throughout the season. In 2008 we had contestants from EGB and SERC in Northumberland, Cumbria, Durham, Dumfries, Scottish Borders, North East Yorkshire and Lancashire. The prizes sponsored by Bedmax were superb. The winner of the 2009 Bedmax Trophy was, Robert Newall riding Pocket, who received an engraved trophy and an embroidered rug, 2nd Phil Rice with Jewel from Lancashire, who received an embroidered saddlecloth and 3rd Julie Martin with Solitaire’s Star from North East Yorkshire, who received an embroidered waistcoat.

The winner of the 2009 Cottee Trophy was Angela Johnson with her horse Bright Destiny, who received an engraved trophy and an embroidered rug, 2nd Paul Axcell on Ash and 3rd Barbara Austin riding Bonnie Lass.

As you will know the competition is open to anyone countrywide who registers with the administrator by e mail as soon as they are planning their rides (no entries in retrospect). The competition this year follows the same successful format of the best of 4 rides counting towards the trophy points.

It costs nothing to enter, and you gotta be in it to win it!

Jackie Axcell has agreed to be the administrator of the competition for this season. Our marketing and PR person, has and will keep the sponsors, Bedmax and Classic Upholstery & Foam, fully aware of the promotional coverage of the competition. The same companies are also sponsors for the shaving beds at the Hexhamshire Trophy Ride and Best Condition for the 64km Competitive Ride.

Click here for an application form in pdf format.

Best wishes and good luck on the trail in 2010.

Folding Stead Farmhouse
Shield Hill
Haltwhistle
NE49 9NW
Grid Ref: NY715648

EnduranceGB Northumberland & Tyneside Group

Added - 05/02/2010
 

ANDRAYA HISCOCK
Human and Equine Physiotherapy and Pilates


Click for a larger image
Andraya (in pink top) with Nina

We recently drew your attention to Sarah Light, a human and equine physiotherapist based in Uttoxeter.

We can now introduce you to Andraya Hiscock (BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy, MCSP, HPC, Post Graduate Diploma in Veterinary Physiotherapy, Category A member ACPAT) who lives in Stockport. Andraya provides specialist freelance physiotherapy services for horses, dogs, cats and other animals across the north west and the UK from her base at Brookhouse Farm, Brookhouse Lane, Congleton. Horse and Rider Assessment, Physiotherapy Pilates Principles for Horseriders and the new Hydrotherapy for Horseriders are services provided and developed especially with riders in mind at Brookhouse Farm.

Contact Andraya by telephone: 07971 879 430;
by email: andraya@animalphysiouk.com; or
visit her website at:- http://www.animalphysiouk.com/.

Chris Taylor

Added - 22/11/2009
 

DO YOU HOLD A FIRST AID AT WORK CERTIFICATE?
(Or are you interested in obtaining one?)

Liz Finney would like to hear from anyone who already holds a First Aid At Work certificate or anyone prepared to take the necessary steps to obtain one of these certificates.

The holders of such certificates understand the importance of having this type of experience and could put it to good use as a First Aider at one of our rides (though hopefully not too often).

Please contact Liz on 01565 633310 or by email: liz@endurancegbcheshire.co.uk

Chris Taylor

Added - 15/11/2009
 

WARNING - UNEXPECTED PLAITS IN MANES AND TAILS

A horse owner at Bryn Bedw, Llangynhafal was surprised recently to find a strange small plait in the mane of one of her horses.

The following tale (which could explain this strange event) was sent to me in good faith and I pass it on to you in the same vein:

On Monday (2 Nov) night my friend’s horse was stolen from a field in the Guildford area. The people who took her sawed through a wooden post and rail fence to get out and this happened between 3pm and 6pm in the afternoon.

The police were informed and so were the microchip company who circulated her details to all the ferry ports etc.

As you can imagine the owner was completely distraught.

Late Tuesday (3 Nov) afternoon she received a phone call from the police to say her horse had been found in Holyhead, Wales. She was tied to a railing at the ferry port and the ferry to Ireland had gone without her. So today she is driving to Wales to pick her up.

Several things have come to light in this story:

1. A week ago her horse had a small plait in its mane when she went to get her in from the field. She describes it as very small, almost like a tangle. She disregarded it as kids messing about (her horses are out in a field with others). However, this is how people mark horses to be stolen later i.e. one person marks them, another then comes later and knows which one to take.

2. The ferry port at Holyhead do not check horses passports or microchips. This horse was travelling without a passport.

3. The police believe the reason this horse was left behind was because she was microchipped. Although the UK is lax about passport and microchip checking, it is apparently more common for horses to be scanned on entering Ireland. The people who take them will scan them and dump them if they find a microchip. This horse also had a large obvious scar so this may have been a contributing factor.

The police told her that horses being dumped at a ferry terminal is not uncommon and they usually turn out to be stolen. They have had horses left in a lorry on the actual ferry!

This story has a happy ending for H and E, but it makes you wonder how many other stolen horses were on that ferry to Ireland.

The owner has asked me not to give any more details because of the police investigation that is on going, but has given her permission for me to relay this story, mainly to highlight:

1. If you find your horse with a small plait in its mane or tail please do not ignore it. I thought it was common knowledge that people knew about this, but several people I've spoken to since were not aware of it.

2. If your horse isn’t microchipped please consider doing it. The owner of this horse describes her as ‘nothing flashy, just a normal 14.2 bay mare’ so please don’t think it couldn’t happen to you.

Please do not ask me to provide more details regarding the horse or owner as I can’t, but please spare a happy thought today for H and E who should be having a (probably very emotional) reunion in Holyhead later on today.

Please forward this email onto any other horsey people you know. The more people who know about plaits and microchips the better...


So, along with all the other security measures you take, please keep a look out for the appearance of a small plait in any of your horses manes or tails.
Mention this to anyone with horses who may not appreciate the possible reason for a plait suddenly appearing.


Chris Taylor

Added - 15/11/2009
 
 

                        PROPOSED NEW GOVERNMENT "TAX ON HORSES"       Click to visit BHS website
BHS Press Release on Opposing This Measure

Karen Lewty has sent us the following Press Release relating to a proposed new Government "Tax on Horses":-

Horse riders take action as new campaign website and e-petition to the Prime Minister go live.

Horse riders across the UK are joining together to urge the Government to think again about imposing an unfair “tax in all but name” on every horse owner in the UK.


The “Rethink the Horse Tax” campaign, launched today by a coalition of organisations representing a broad cross section of the UK horse industry, is calling on riders, breeders and veterinarians to make their voices heard by visiting a new campaign website – www.RethinktheHorseTax.org – and take action by writing to their constituency MPs and by signing an online petition to the Prime Minister.

Campaigners are further concerned that plans to create a new agency will place mounting costs on horse owners at a time when Government support is needed to help boost rural economies and encourage wider participation in outdoor sport.

Under the plans, horse owners would be charged on the same basis as keepers of livestock farm animals such as sheep and pigs – despite the fact that a significant proportion of horses are kept for leisure and sporting, rather than commercial activities, paid for from of income that is already taxed.

Veterinary surgeons have also made it clear that plans to create a new agency responsible for animal health could needlessly complicate the process of managing outbreaks of animal disease animal health, putting at risk the clear single line of command essential in the event of a major disease outbreak. A lack of clarity over the roles of the four Chief Veterinary Officers in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland in the proposals has also been highlighted as a major concern by the campaign.

And campaigners have further highlighted the fact that the new body would spend much of its time collecting charges from people who own just one horse (65% of horse owners), meaning that the cost of physically collecting the charge will almost outweigh the charge itself – an estimated £2.3m would be needed to collect just £4.5m from horse owners under the plans.

With costs of £14.3m to set up and millions more to maintain the new body in the coming years, campaigners have made it clear that the proposals do not represent value for money for either the equine community or the taxpayer.

Andrew Finding, Chief Executive of the British Equestrian Federation said: “Through this campaign the horse community has an opportunity to make its voice heard and send a strong message to the Government on cost sharing. The proposals just don’t make a convincing case on how hitting horse owners with new costs and extra bureaucracy will benefit either the equine community or taxpayers in general.”

Mark Weston, Director of Access Safety and Welfare at The British Horse Society, said: “We need to make sure that politicians in Westminster are made fully aware of the potential damage that these proposals could do to the horse sector, and the lack of any perceived benefit that they would bring to the millions of Britons who enjoy horse riding each year.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

About the Rethink the Horse Tax Campaign:

Rethink the Horse Tax is a not-for-profit campaign led by a coalition of organisations representing all parts of the UK horse industry, encompassing horseracing, leisure riding, competitive sport, professional breeding and veterinarians. Organisations behind the campaign include:

  • The British Horseracing Authority (BHA)
  • The British Equestrian Federation (BEF)
  • The Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (TBA)
  • The British Horse Society (BHS)
  • The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA)
  • The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA)
  • The National Trainers Federation (NTF)
  • The Racecourse Owners Association (ROA)
For further information on the campaign please see: www.RethinktheHorseTax.org

Petition to the Prime Minister:

Further information on the Governments proposals:
Deadline to sign up by: 11 September 2010

Chris Taylor

Added - 29/09/2009

News Archive

A new page called News Archive has been created to store old news items. The intention is to remove items from this News page to the News Archive as soon as they become irrelevant. This should help keep the News page current and quicker to load - 2/5/2006
 


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