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Valkenswaard to Hosts Longines Global Champions Tour of Cannes this June
Valkenswaard will be the host the Longines Global Champions Tour of Cannes from 4 - 6 June 2021 .
The city of Cannes on the French Riviera has been a fixture on the LGCT global circuit , but in the current circumstances , it was not possible to prepare the event to meet all the latest safety regulatory requirements .
The decision to provide the new venue reinforces the strong commitment to show jumping at the highest level . It ensures the world class international event can go ahead and that riders , owners , fans and all stakeholders are able to compete and enjoy the best in show jumping . With over 500 permanent stables and several sand arenas with top quality footing , the venue is hosting its biggest number of events this year .
Fans can look forward to a feast of show jumping at the next events of Madrid ( 21 - 23 May ) and Ramatuelle , Saint-Tropez ( 27 - 29 May ) before heading to Valkenswaard ( 4 - 6 June ), which will be broadcast on the innovative new GCTV streaming service with live coverage , back stage insights , special analysis and multi-language commentary .
New Study Reveals Headcollar Hazards
A new research study published in Equine Veterinary Education - a journal of the British Equine Veterinary Association - which examines the usage of headcollars on horses and any associated safety issues has exposed some worrying statistics . While it is generally accepted that horse riding carries certain risks , the latest findings underpin the potential hazards for horses and humans , associated with handling horses on the ground .
The online survey was conducted by renowned equine scientist Dr David Marlin , Dr Jane Williams , Head of Research & Associate Professor at Hartpury University , and Dr Kirstie Pickles , Clinical Assistant Professor in Equine Medicine , University of Nottingham . It was carried out in 2020 and revealed that a third ( 31 %) of the 5,615 respondents had experienced a horse being injured as a result of wearing a headcollar , with 15 % of respondents
10 • EVERYTHING HORSE MAGAZINE : MAY 2021
Hartpury Masters Degree Focusses on Animal Welfare and Legal System
A new postgraduate degree launched by Hartpury University focusing on animal welfare and the UK legal system will equip graduates with the expertise required for management roles .
The MSc Animal Welfare , Policy and Legislation degree has been designed by Hartpury – a member of the UK Centre for Animal Law ( A-Law ) – to meet emerging animal welfare challenges linked to the UK legal system .
The innovative programme will cover content applicable to a wide range of animal industries , including livestock farming , zoos and the management of feral animals .
As it ’ s delivered mainly online and offers full and part-time pathways , the course provides an opportunity to study flexibly to fit around other commitments .
The MSc Animal Welfare , Policy and Legislation degree will include talks delivered by expert guest lecturers – academic and industry professionals – who are actively engaged in the development and implementation of legislation and policy .
Students enrolled on the course will
reporting an additional injury to a person .
In addition , 134 headcollar-related incidents were referenced , resulting in a horse sustaining a fracture , while a staggering 167 equine fatalities were cited which were attributed to headcollar usage . The risk of an injury increased by 70 % when horses were tied up although 20 % of incidents occurred whilst horses were turned out .
The frequency of injury was highest amongst owners using webbing headcollars and lowest amongst those option for a leather product . The use of either leather or synthetic safety types significantly reduced the likelihood of injury .
Commenting on the study , Dr David Marlin said ; “ Headcollars are the most commonly used piece of tack , yet ironically , there is very limited information available to owners regarding how to fit them correctly , how to use them safely and which safety features to look out for at point of purchase . This is a topic that would benefit from improved education amongst horse owners to help them
have opportunities to further enhance their knowledge by applying theory to practice in real-world settings .
Dr McCormick , Head of Animal and Agriculture at Hartpury University , said : “ The animal welfare sector is diverse , covering everything from agriculture to pet shops and rescue centres to wildlife conservation .
“ As graduates progress into management positions , they ’ re likely to find themselves responsible for legal compliance .
“ This new course will provide graduates with the expertise they need to navigate the legal system and make a difference to the lives of animals through improved welfare standards .”
Research is fully integrated within teaching , with staff research active in the areas in which they teach and many dissertations embedded in larger-scale research projects .
understand and mitigate against the potential risks linked to usage . Owners also need to be made aware of the research , w h i c h continues to suggest that leather headcollars represent a safer option .
As always , we should be guided by the science that provides the evidence to dictate the best choice of headcollar , rather than allow ourselves to be swayed by the latest designs . More studies are required on this subject , and we are hopeful that further research will be undertaken relating to the overall function , leading to industry-approved guidelines for headcollar fit and use .”