Everything Horse UK Everything Horse Magazine, August 2018. | Page 6

EQUESTRIAN NEWS Email news to our inbox [email protected] For all the latest equestrian news visit our website www.everythinghorseuk.co.uk RSPCA Take Positive Action for ‘Sanctuary’ Horses Great Bookham Shows and Events’ season continues to flourish in the sunshine The RSPCA have started investigations into horses found emaciated and in filthy conditions, at Team Thor Rescue. Disturbing mobile phone footage revealed the horses in an horrific state and condition, without food and water, which they have believed to be kept in for several weeks. The distressing images show the horses before they were rescued, on 14 th July 2018, from stables based in Worcestershire. Already extremely upsetting images were worsened by the fact that these horses were suggested to have been previously rescued and were in ‘sanctuary’ conditions. The RSPCA confirmed that some of the horses had been rescued by a separate welfare agency, understood to be undergoing veterinary treatment. A spokesperson said: “We responded to reports about these horses within hours of being called about them (on Saturday 14 July) and took a vet to the scene. “These horses had previously been rescued (not by the RSPCA) with various health issues and we understand they were under veterinary care with the hope they would recover. “The horses are currently being looked after by the RSPCA after they were voluntarily signed over into our care. Some of these horses were in good condition. “Twelve horses have now came into our care, which includes the horses in the footage. Sadly two of those have since been put to sleep. “We would like to thank members of the public who have raised concerns about these horses and those who have offered to help with their care. We cannot go into any further detail at this time as our work is ongoing.” A local farmer had discovered the horses, before rushing to their aid, providing food and water. Footage of the horses was filmed by a local horse- owner before the RSPCA was contacted. The footage and eye-witness account revealed the horses had been reduced to “skin and bone” and wading through their own faeces. Not only suffering dreadful conditions but, some horses had rugs on despite the sweltering heat the UK has been experiencing this summer. Traumatising scenes also showed the horses trapped amongst other horses’ carcasses, and a foal experiencing foot deformities, likely caused from the experience neglect. Seventeen horses were found in total, other horses are also thought to be associated with the case in a field near-by. The RSPCA responded to the report within hours, ensuring a vet was present when attending the scene. Surviving horses are now under the care of the RSPCA, after being voluntarily signed over to the organisation. Horses were originally adopted by Team Thor Rescue due to various health conditions, hoping veterinary treatment would cure their ailments. Reports that seven horses have already been put to sleep have come to light, although the RSPCA claim this information is untrue. The RSPCA will aim to investigate and prosecute as necessary despite having no special powers to gather evidence, unlike the police. The RSPCA state their mission is to ensure every animal is ‘cared for properly and has a good home’, ‘ending cruelty’ to animals, and ‘raising standards’ of care for all animals. Before finding the horse’s affected in this case new homes, the RSPCA will ensure that each horse is assessed as an individual before providing the care and attention needed to lead a happier life, hopefully finding a new home. Follow Everything Horse on Social Media: FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Great Bookham’s season continues to flourish in the sunshine with a great turnout to the Open Show on 3 rd June. With classes suitable for any height/type and age of horse and rider, Great Bookham Shows and Events’ (GBEC) friendly shows provide the opportunity for partnerships to qualify with a range of societies including GB Rider, EquiFest, Veteran Horse Society, The Showing Register, British Show Pony Society, Coloured Horse and Pony Society to name a few. Law student Rebekah Prior had a great day at the Open show, with traditional cob, ‘Liv’. She won the Prelim 7 with an impressive 70.2% and later, with warmblood Adriano, was placed 4 th in the 85cm and 2 nd in the 90cm show jumping. Despite the sweltering heat, Emma Terry said her pride and joy, bay gelding Ymir “put his best hoof forwards” and they claimed a shimmering blue 2 nd place rosette in the Intro to Showing Ridden Horse class and then went one better in the Riding Horse & Hack and went home with a shiny red 1 st place rosette too! In the Junior Dressage, GBEC welcomed for the first time Chloe South on Bart. Not too long ago, Chloe was riding a 12.2hh veteran p ony and has now moved up to 15.2hh cob. Bart looked after Chloe, and Chloe returned the favour getting them a 2 nd place rosette in their first ever dressage test. A fantastic result for the partnership and a great prospect for the future! Mother and daughter, Amanda and Bria Corr, had a very successful day. Amanda and her 16.3hh Hanoverian, Woodcroft Skyfall came 1 st in Condition & Turnout In-Hand and Bria came 2 nd in In-Hand Piebald and Skewbald and In-Hand Coloured class with Kilcogy Moon, her 16hh 7-year-old Irish Sports Horse. Bria and Kilcogy Moon went head to head in the In-Hand Championship winning the title of ‘Saracens Horse Feed Champion’ and her mother, Amanda, claimied Reserve Champion. A truly successful day Bria said “I was so overjoyed not only for my win but also for my mother’s win, as this was her first ever show! We work hard on keeping our horses looking on top condition, so a win is such an honour!. Great Bookham Equestrian Centre is such a welcoming show ground and the judges are very understanding and stewards try to meet everyone’s needs which is perfect!” said Bria Corr. The GBEC season continues this month with their unmissable Super Summer Fun Show on 5 th August, with a full range of regular and fun showing classes, show jumping from lead rein upward and dressage including bareback and pairs. Last year’s successful feature class of ‘Best Unicorn’ is joined this year by ‘Painted Ponies & Sparkly Steeds’ – it’s time to get your body paint and glitter out and have some fun!! For further details see www.gbec.info or contact the show office on [email protected] 6 EVERYTHING HORSE MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2018 • ISSUE 36