The British Horse Society is advising horse owners to be vigilant and take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their horses and equipment.

The BHS has received many reports over the last few days of stolen horses and people acting suspiciously around them. These incidents usually involve photographs being taken of horses in fields with unknown individuals showing a high level of interest in particular animals. While such activities in isolation may not appear suspicious, the descriptions of the vehicles and of the people involved are remarkably consistent.

Horse owners are advised to ensure their fields and property are secured to make the removal of horses as difficult as possible. Such precautions must be sensible and not put horses at risk in the event of fire. Tack and other equipment should be locked safely away and, where possible, kept at a separate location to the horses.

Horse owners are advised that it is a good idea to vary the times of their visits to their horse and to have an unpredictable routine. Where possible, owners should work together to keep an eye on one another’s horses and it may be useful to ask friendly local residents to join in.

Freeze-marking and microchipping are both excellent deterrents to horse theft although, as microchips are not externally visible, signs should be displayed to advertise that horses are microchipped. Tack and other equipment can also be chipped or marked to prove ownership.

The BHS advises anyone who observes suspicious activity around horses to note down as much detail as possible and report it to the police. Time, date, vehicle registration details and descriptions of any persons involved are particularly helpful.

5th Jun 2008

The British Horse Society recently met Welsh Assembly Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing, Jane Davidson in order to press for more equestrian access. Key representatives of the Society attended the meeting, where the Minister recognised horse riding as a growing and inclusive sport and an industry that makes a vital contribution to the Welsh economy.

The Minister welcomed the Society’s creation of long distance routes in the principality and their contribution to carbon neutral tourism opportunities within Wales. She explained the aims behind the Assembly’s programme of improving public access to the Welsh coast, which would cater in part for horse riders. The Minister also drew attention to the new Rights of Way Improvement Plans that local authorities are putting into place, and recommended that the BHS worked with these local authorities to ensure improved opportunities for riding were implemented as part of the Plans.

2nd Jun 2008

The Western Equestrian Society Area 6 is holding a two day show on the 5th & 6th July, with an action packed weekend and a full range of classes. Spectators can expect to see a great variety of skills performed from both the horse and rider, such as a horse moving in a relaxed natural gait in all four paces, willingly guided around obstacles with ease, stress free on a loose rein, but with cadence and direction. Canter circles, flying changes. It may sound like a dream to many riders but this is western riding at its best. Competitors will include some of our top class trainers. A demonstration will be taking place on Saturday lunchtime by amateur rider, Tim Keeley, followed by a questions and answer session. You can also spend time in the busy tradestand area, with a huge selection of stands, which means you can shop until you drop. The classes for you to watch at Hartpury are Showmanship, Western Riding, Horsemanship, Trail and Reining. All are competed for in Novice, Youth, Amateur, Intermediate and Open categories.

2nd Jun 2008

The Pony Team is sponsored by John Whitaker International who has sponsored the squad since 2004. The Whitaker family firmly believe in the training and producing of riders that will become future champions for Great Britain. The John Whitaker International Signature range of equestrian products have been developed and worn by riding professionals. With national pride, John Whitaker International is proud to sponsor the Pony squad. The Pony Team is kindly supported by the World Class Development Programme who are Lottery funded through UK Sport. Local rider Carian Scudamore from Cardigan, Dyfed was one of the lucky riders to be selected.

2nd Jun 2008

Cambrian Cross Country will be hosting a unique training opportunity for keen cross country riders on July 1st and 2nd. Sylvia Loch, International trainer and celebrated author teams up with Jon Pitts, fitness coach to the world class rider squads. They will provide insight into the way good human balance and posture positively effect the horse. This will lead to increased understanding of how enhanced harmony of horse and rider aids quality and safety over fences. The first day will see Jon Pitts explain the dynamics of the human body, pinpointing the strengths and areas for improvement in delegates. He will teach methods for routinely creating optimum physical efficiency. In the afternoon, Sylvia Loch will continue the theme, using a variety of illuminating exercises to show how the human body actually effects the horse, his comfort and best ability. A forum will conclude the first day's study, and luncheon and beverages will be provided. The second day will be on the cross country course, giving the chance for riders to put enlightenment into practice under scrutiny. With the present vibrant interest in eventing in Wales and the wealth of equestrian talent that is based here, this high profile clinic should be a mid summer 'must' for those who enjoy this country's strongest discipline. There are limited places so early enrolment is strongly advised. Visit www.cambriancrosscountry.co.uk for more information.

2nd Jun 2008

On Saturday 3rd May celebrity sports presenter Carrie Davies from Chris Moyles Breakfast Show on Radio 1 married her fiancé Tom. As Carrie is Patron on Veteran Horse Welfare, the charity wanted to give her a gift on the day she wouldn't forget and very kindly the reigning Supreme Champion, that is ridden and owned by Gill Bailey-Machin, Bowlands Diplomat, a stunning grey gelding aged 17, made a surprise visit to the couple's wedding. Carrie has been Patron now for over three years and has supported the charity and attended the supreme final each year at Olympia. Founder of the Veteran Horse Society, Julianne Aston, spoke from their Pembrokeshire base, on Sunday: 'We were overjoyed when Gill said she would take Efor (Bowlands Diplomat). He is a stunning horse and I have just heard he has become Supreme Champion at yet another event. He really is a super ambassador for veteran horses. I spoke with Carrie today and she was just thrilled he was there."

2nd Jun 2008