The world’s oldest horse charity, The Horse Trust, has instituted its Awards programme, now in its 5th year, to raise awareness of healthy equine body condition in showing. Their aim is to encourage owners, riders, and producers to recognise the health and welfare benefits of achieving a healthy BCS.
The awards are at a range of shows, from the Royal Windsor in spring, throughout the summer with extremely popular shows such as The Great Yorkshire Show and the Royal Cornwall, as well as championship level shows at Hickstead and local riding club level shows.
To ensure accurate body condition scoring, they rely on the support of equine vets or a suitably qualified person (SQP). Participating veterinary practices benefit from exposure throughout the day via loudspeaker commentary, as well as pre- and post-show publicity. Attending a show can also contribute to an individual's CPD.
The whole approach is non-confrontational, offering advice and support with the programme rewarding those who have attained a healthy BCS in their show horse or pony. The assessments are done concurrently, but independently, of the judging of the class. The winner receives a prestigious, top-quality rosette awarded by the vet or SQP.
Your help is needed! Can You Provide a Vet or SQP?
Be a part of the resolution to keeping horses healthy and demonstrate your practice's commitment to equine welfare by supporting The Horse Trust’s Healthiest Body Condition Awards. If you can provide a vet or SQP to attend a show near you, please get in touch with Rachael at rachael@holdsworthpr.co.uk.
More information can be found here.
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