Ben Mayes, Equine Welfare Officer for the Pony Club and the ABRS+, has asked us to share the following guidance with members as temperatures rise across the UK.
ABRS+ urges all members to place horse welfare first during periods of hot weather.
While national organisations provide valuable guidance for competitions and events, riding schools and training centres often work with horses and riders of varying fitness, experience and age. Members should therefore adopt a cautious approach and modify or suspend activities where conditions may compromise welfare.
Particular attention should be paid to hydration, shade provision, lesson duration, cooling procedures and monitoring horses for signs of heat stress.
Horse welfare must always take precedence over commercial, training or competitive objectives.
Thank you to Ben Mayes for highlighting the importance of sharing this guidance and supporting members in promoting the highest standards of equine welfare during periods of extreme weather.
