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BRITISH HORSE SOCIETY
WIRRAL COUNTY COMMITTEE
NEWSLETTER
Chairman’s Report
Hi everybody! A bit of a mixed old summer for us at BHS, everything started very well, with our extremely
successful Annual Arrowe Park Dressage Show. We had masses of entries and very good weather.
The Park staff, as usual, were most helpful and with the sterling efforts of the committee and friends, the
day went with a swing. Not only competitors and families etc, but also members of the general public,
stayed to watch the spectacle of beautifully turned out horses and riders performing in the lovely park
setting.
Brilliant start – that was it!
By the time our Horsey Fun Day was due, the rains had fallen and fallen and fallen. I know we were
better off than many other parts of the country, but our land was sodden and my poor, long suffering
husband had not even been able to remove the crop from much of our showground. Still, we‟re looking
forward to next year!
Many thanks to all those who worked so hard to organize both events.
Moira
Monday 22 October 2007 at 8.30
BHS Wirral County Committee AGM
St Chads Hall, Roslin Road, Irby
Suzanne Cottriall (equine physiotherapist) will give a talk
Also for discussion is a proposal that we undertake a survey of horses in Wirral, similar to that
conducted in the 1960s. This would enable us to provide up to date evidence of the needs of
local horse riders when dealing with the local authority and similar bodies. As the highway
authorities are currently looking at the Rights of Way Improvement Plan this could help increase
the routes available to local riders. It would also add more weight to our comments, on new
road schemes or planning applications, if we could identify where these would impact on local
riders or where they may affect rights of way used by riders.
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Other dates for your diary
Tuesday 20 November 2007 at 7.00 for 7.30
A talk by Prof Derek Knottenbelt
Venue - the Lecture Theatre, Leahurst
Topics will include strangles and wound healing.
Tickets £5.00 on the door
BHS North West
21 October : Rivington Country Park Pleasure Ride
Organised by BHS Greater Manchester Committee £8 BHS members, £12 non members. For further
details contact Lynn on 01942 830408 or 07718 389895
30 October : Talk on Equine Touch/Massage
BHS Lancashire Committee Winter Seminar Series with Amanda Rothwell at The Rural Business Centre,
Myerscough College, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Payment in advance only £5 BHS Members £8 Non-members. Call
Christine Worthington on 07835918644, or email cmworthington@btinternet.com or Chris Peat on 01254
386459 or email mail@chrispeat.co.uk
28 November : Talk by Equine Chiropractor Helen Blamires
BHS Lancashire Committee Winter Seminar Series. at The Rural Business Centre, Myerscough College, 7:00 pm
to 9:00 pm. Payment in advance only £5 BHS Members £8 Non-members. Call Christine Worthington on
07835918644, or email cmworthington@btinternet.com or Chris Peat on 01254 386459 or email
mail@chrispeat.co.uk
2 December: Dressage Competition at Landlords Farm.
Organised by the BHS Greater Manchester Committee Call Janice Evans on 07970 779075 or email
janicebickett@blueyonder.co.uk
24 January : Talk about Animal Communication and Healing by Janski Whittaker
BHS Lancashire Committee Winter Seminar Series at The Rural Business Centre, Myerscough College, 7:00 pm
to 9:00 pm. Payment in advance only £5 BHS Members £8 Non-members. . Call Christine Worthington on
07835918644, or email cmworthington@btinternet.com or Chris Peat on 01254 386459 or email
mail@chrispeat.co.uk
27 January : Table Top Sale at Landlords Farm, Aspull, Wigan.
£1 entry, £5 per sale table, £10 trade. Call Sue Loughlin on 07988 808644, Organised by the BHS Greater
Manchester Committee. For further details call Ann Crutchlow on 07856 401574, or email
raymond.crutchlow@ntlworld.com or Janice Evans on 07970 779075, or email janicebickett@blueyonder.co.uk
The Sea Horse Ride
Bored with the Wirral Way? The beach is okay, but -. Has your average hack become a
bit samey? Want to try something a bit more adventurous? Well check out the BHS
website for news of the Sea Horse Ride. This new long distance ride was opened on 11
September and is right on our doorstep. Well, it may not be within hacking distance, but
it‟s still pretty close. The ride runs for 53 miles from Talacre (the bit of Wales which points
to West Kirby across the Dee) to the A5 at Glyndyfrdwy which is near to Llangollen. If
anyone does try it, or part of it, please let us know how you get on and we‟ll tell everyone
in the Spring Newsletter. (send to: lesley@broadhurst1.fsnet.co.uk)
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ACCESS
The Rights of Way Improvement Plan is now in the consultation process. It appears to certainly
recognise some of the difficulties horse riders have in using paths and in accessing them along main and
busy roads. They realise that horse riding is a popular recreational activity and that there are a high
number of horses kept within the County.
A large number of riding establishments and yards have little or no access to a network of paths for
horse riders to use and many riders are forced to use main roads. Horses are very vulnerable on the
roads, due a lot to their unpredictable nature. The figures from the BHS show that there are nationally
over 3000 horse related road accidents a year with over a hundred horses killed. The figure is probably
higher, but some minor road accidents may not always be reported. The more evidence we can gather
for the powers that be to realise the need for more off road riding the better. So please, do report any
road accidents.
We are reasonably lucky in Wirral to have the bridleways and the number of permissive routes that we
do. It is up to us to look after the many permissive routes that are open to us and not to abuse them, as
many of these rides can be withdrawn. I have myself over the summer witnessed riders galloping their
horses across the field at Royden Park and going through the woods, which is an area that is not
supposed to be accessible to horses. It is the minority of riders like this who can spoil it for the majority.
The British Horse Society is also asking all horse lovers and riders to sign the petition in asking the
Government to give a say in the new access and rights legislation. Please sign onto
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Equestrianaccess/ for more details.
Ruth Such
If you have read the Sept/Oct issue of British Horse you will
have seen the item about the Diamond Jubilee triptych
including a photograph showing all three panels. If you
thought one of the horses featured in the Working Horses
panel looked familiar, it was not your imagination. Taking
pride of place in the centre of the painting is Merseyside
Police horse Highlander (better known to many as Eric).
On that subject, the Merseyside Police Mounted Section
web pages are worth a look. As well as information on the
horses themselves, and the work they do, the site includes
some useful advice on Riding and Road Safety and Crime
Prevention.
www.merseyside.police.uk/html/aboutus
£ £ £ TREASURER & SECRETARY
Membership – Our membership figures are still on the increase. You will probably have seen that
nationally BHS membership has exceeded its previous high of 1996 and is now over 67,000. In Wirral we
had 323 members at the end of July, an increase of 2.9% since December 06.
Accounts – At the end of September the account balance stands at £1687, slightly up on the same time
last year. Arrowe Park this year raised £511 with expenses of £241 leaving us a profit of £270. An
additional expense this year was for fence posts and tape. Although these cost £93 they will be used for a
long time to come for our events. They are also much easier to use than the heavy old iron stakes which
the council usually provide and which this year they couldn‟t find! This year we received a capitation
allowance from Stoneleigh of £224 based on our membership. This helps to pay for the cost of issuing our
two Newsletters (Autumn 06 and Spring 07 cost a total of £233 for photocopying, stamps and envelopes).
Our table at the Combined Animal Charities Xmas Fair brought in a profit of £51 - thanks go to the
Burdette family again for their help on the day. Another expense this year was paint, etc to spruce up the
jumps ready for our Funday. Sadly that event had to be cancelled, but our two painting days were blessed
with glorious weather so we are all set for next year!
Lesley
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Road Safety !
Doesn’t need to be scary – come and join us for the next training
course, call 07724081056.
In the winter we suffer from low light. Generally this means that light is not clear and it also gets dark very
early. Fluorescent colours for the day enhance your visibility by up to 3 seconds and the reflective stripes
take over in the dark. Flashing lights are also an advantage in the dark.
v-bandz.co.uk web site host a selection of videos from the BHS which show how car drivers see you (or
not). These videos are taken in April at lunchtime and show the problem of horses disappearing in the
shade of trees. From the home page select „equestrian safety‟. The video links are at the bottom of the
page.
A 5 piece Safety Set available only to riders who have passed their Riding and Road Safety Certificate.
This set is discounted by 20% against the normal RRP of £47.50 saving you £12.00. The set mixes
products between the horse and rider and provides a balance of colour where it will be most effectively be
seen by a driver. The Set comprises of:
- Hatband (one size) - which can be seen over hedges
- Multi size/sex plain tabard with adjustable flaps. This fits comfortably from a ladies 8 to 18
- Neckband. Individually adjustable and fits from a 13.2hh to 17hh
- Tail Guard - one size
- Deluxe Leg Bands - available in cob/horse (up to 14") or pony size (up to 12")
You will be sent details of this offer when you pass your Riding and Road Safety Test. If you have already
taken the test in the past please contact the British Horse Society Safety Dept on 01926 707700 and they
will post you details.
If you already have some high visibility items and would prefer different items, you are able to get a one-off
20% discount against our safety range. Again, please contact the BHS for details.
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BHS Riding and Road Safety Test achieves QCA Accreditation
The British Horse Society’s Riding and Road Safety Test has gained accreditation from the
Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA).
The test has evolved over 25 years as the Society has worked tirelessly to ensure that riders are educated
in the safest way to ride out on the roads.
It is a major step for the Riding and Road Safety Test to become part of the National Qualification
Framework (NQF). It makes funding more accessible to trainers and demonstrates to the regulators that
our test complies with their rigorous and stringent quality assurance assessment and process.
Sheila Hardy, BHS Safety Senior Executive, said: “We are delighted to have gained accreditation for the
Riding and Road Safety Test from this regulatory body. It demonstrates how robust the test is and just how
far the Society has come in providing road safety training for equestrians.”
Mark Weston, BHS Director of Access, Safety and Welfare, said: “The Riding and Road Safety team has
worked tirelessly to ensure that the test keeps pace with the continuous changes in road conditions and
safety legislation, and we are grateful for the continued support we receive from all those involved with
safer riding on the roads.
“This success means the Riding and Road Safety Test will now be listed on the National Database of
Accredited Qualifications and receive kudos from the regulatory body.”
For more information, please contact: Sheila Hardy, BHS Safety Senior Executive, on 01926 707791
or s.hardy@bhs.org.uk
Any road safety issues please call Andrea on 07724081056
Arrowe Park Dressage 2007
Sponsored by wirralhorse.co.uk
Results
Prelim 1 Senior Judge – Anthea Herbert
1 Gill Ruscoe Red 71.1%
2 Jenny Barnes Dark Chocolate Star 69.5%
3 Joanna Foley Holly Go Lightly 68.4%
Prelim 1 Junior Judge – Anthea Herbert
1 Lucie Eaton Max 58.9%
Prelim 10 Judge – Pat Wylie
1 Claire Tracey Jake 69.1%
2 Emma Thomas Mr Bojangles 66.4%
3 Corinne Vaughan Lostock Just William 64.1%
Novice 27 Judge – Carolyn Richardson
1 Joan Riding Smith Lostock Just William 72.1%
2 Ann Cook More Than A Trifle 68.9%
=3 Kate Pemberton Salvo 66.8%
=3 Laura McKeown Star 66.8%
Novice 32 Judge – Carolyn Richardson
1 Joan Riding Smith Lostock Just William 69.6%
2 Alex Pemberton Salvo 67.8%
3 Alex Pemberton Sir Speedwell 67.8%
Congratulations to all those who were placed. The committee is grateful to; Everyone who took part as a
competitor, judge or helper, Wirral Ranger Service for the use of Arrowe Park and wirralhorse who sponsored
this year’s event. Unfortunately the BHS North West Championships, which two of our classes would have been
qualifiers for, were cancelled shortly before our event took place.
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WELFARE
During the last year, we have had several referrals to follow and, although one particular case is still being
followed up periodically, it does seem that we have been successful in our cause. I have been involved
with rehoming a couple of horses, with great satisfaction and keep in touch with new owners. I have also
been asked if I could find a home for elderly, infirm, handicapped etc horses and also stables. It appears
that we have no end to our tasks, but certainly makes our job really well worth while when we succeed in
helping horse or owner in any way we can.
Last year we were able to hold a talk by Derek Knottenbelt on his new venture with the SPANA charity. All
who came to the talk at Leahurst were very impressed with the work Derek is doing in foreign countries.
All proceeds from the evening went to SPANA. While chatting to people who attended, many said they
would have preferred him to also speak about problems we encounter and so he has agreed to do another
talk for us. I have managed to get Leahurst Lecture Room again and Derek will be talking about (strongly
requested) strangles and wound healing. The proceeds from the first talk were very much appreciated and
we have agreed that the proceeds from this next talk will also go to SPANA.
Margie
After such a wet summer, the thought that winter is just around the corner can be very depressing. For
many horse owners it is a dreaded time of year, with wet fields, short days, limited opportunities for riding,
and muddy horses!
Winter is a time when our horses require lots of extra attention to ensure they‟re not as miserable as the
weather is bound to be. Many of these extra measures are fairly simple such as regularly changing wet
rugs, and keeping an eye on your horse‟s weight. Many problems associated with the winter months are
fairly standard occurrences, and are usually unavoidable if your horse is turned out for any length of time.
Another, more serious, problem is „mud fever‟.
Mud fever is a bacterial infection of the skin, resulting in painful skin lesions, and sometimes lameness. It
can occur in horses exposed to very wet and muddy conditions – either when turned out in fields, or if they
are regularly ridden through this type of ground. Although it is usually associated with a horses pasterns
and fetlocks, it is not restricted to them, as wet and mud can allow bacteria can enter any damaged skin.
Mud fever can be avoided by implementing certain management practices. Obviously it is not usually
possible for a horse to be kept away from all wet and muddy ground, but dried mud should be carefully
brushed off daily. Also, do not allow fields and, particularly, gateways to become poached by rotating
smaller fields and avoiding overstocking. As with most problems, prevention is better than cure, but if signs
of the infection are detected then prompt and efficient action is needed. If caught early then mud fever is
fairly quick and easy to cure, but if left then a horse will suffer lameness, and may require skin grafts in
severe cases. Also, as any horse that is exposed to wet and muddy conditions is susceptible to the
condition, then regular checks should always be made. Symptoms include small, muddy scabs in the lower
limbs which may be painful and bleed a little. There may be heat and swelling of the limb, and a horse may
not tolerate having his feet picked up.
Treatment depends on the severity of the case. Veterinary support will usually be required to provide anti-
biotics and anti-inflammatory. In very severe cases skin grafts may be required. However, in milder cases,
the prompt removal of any scabs and a thorough disinfecting and drying of the area should be followed be
placing anti-bacterial cream on the sores. For all cases, bringing the horse into dry and mud-free conditions
is important.
Kim
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My neighbour has ragwort. What can I do about it?
Travelling around Wirral this summer it seems likely that everyone must have at least one neighbour with
ragwort on their land. In fact in some places you could be forgiven for assuming it was being grown as a
crop! So what can you do to stop ragwort spreading to your grazing or hayfield? The Ragwort Control Act
2003 introduced a Code of Conduct for the control of ragwort. The Code itself is not legally enforceable,
but (like the Highway Code and motoring offences) failure to comply with it can be used as evidence in any
action under the Weeds Act 1959. It is the owner or occupier of land who is responsible for removal of
ragwort. This applies equally to all owners and occupiers, including local councils, Network Rail, Highways
Agency, Health Authority, supermarkets, farmers, private home and garden owners, property developers,
allotment holders and horse keepers. Just because your neighbours ragwort isn‟t in a „field‟ doesn‟t mean
they are any less responsible.
Regularly check your own land and ensure you pull out or dig up any plants you find, before they
start to flower. A Ragfork will make the job easier and is best used when the ground is moist.
Remember you need to get the whole root out to stop it growing back. If there is too much to pull or
dig by hand then a suitable herbicide could be used – see the DEFRA website for advice. Autumn
is the time to spray the rosettes which will otherwise flower next year.
Keep pasture healthy and in good condition. Ragwort is an opportunist and it can easily establish
on bare ground and poor pasture. If your grazing management is lacking and your paddock
poached with bare patches, but you haven‟t any ragwort, then chances are your horse has already
eaten it!
DEFRA will enforce the Weeds Act where ragwort poses a high risk to equines. „High Risk‟ is
defined as where ragwort is flowering or seeding within 50 metres of land used to graze equines or
to produce forage. Note that this applies to all equines, not just horses and ponies. Ragwort within
50 to 100 metres is medium risk and over 100 metres is considered low risk. However these are
only guidelines and prevailing wind direction and other factors would also be taken into account.
o You should first approach the landowner/occupier concerned to see if you can resolve it
informally. Don‟t forget that being involved with horses means we are aware of the risks,
maybe your gardening neighbour isn‟t. Come to that they probably don‟t realise that ragwort
is poisonous to humans as well, hence the safety advice from DEFRA below. Remember
too that how you approach people can determine the outcome, you want their help, not to
start an argument.
o If your approach is not successful you should complete a Weeds Act Complaint form.
These are available from the DEFRA website or from Rural Development Services. You will
need to provide a sketch map of the affected site and the land which is at risk
o You must never enter someone else‟s property to clear ragwort (or for any other reason)
without their express permission
Don‟t think that just because a ragwort infested field has been cleared you are rid of the problem.
The seeds can lie dormant for years before germinating. Be vigilant and keep checking.
Ragwort is poisonous. DEFRA advises when dealing with ragwort always wear waterproof gloves
and keep arms and legs covered, wear goggles and a facemask, particularly if cutting or spraying.
Dead plants should always be removed from fields immediately and disposed of responsibly.
Ragwort is not suitable for composting because the temperatures reached are not sufficient to kill
the seeds. Again there is advice on disposal on the DEFRA website.
The DEFRA website at www.defra.gov.uk gives lots of advice on identifying, controlling and disposing of
ragwort.
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BRITISH HORSE SOCIETY
WIRRAL COUNTY COMMITTEE
Minutes of AGM held: 25 October 2006
At St Chads Hall, Irby
Apologies were received from Sarah Caplan (North West Regional Development Officer) and Julie Mansell
1. Chairman (Moira Pemberton) introduced the committee and welcomed everyone. Thanked all those
who had helped at events and on welfare issues, etc. We can never have too much help. She gave a
brief roundup of activities during the year.
2. Minutes of 2005 AGM had been issued with the Newsletter. There were no matters arising and the
minutes were accepted
3. Officer‟s Reports
a. Access (Ruth Such). She has asked Wirral MBC to provide a list of ongoing/completed work.
Caroline Vale the Rights of Way Officer is still working from home so we haven‟t had the same
level of liaison as we used to. Gave an update on Arrowe Park, Royden Park and Heswall
Dales user group meetings.
b. Road Safety (Andrea Robinson). Council are resurfacing in Willaston, on Hanns Hall Road.
Barry the farrier has been in touch with the Council as they appear to be using SMA. They
thought riders didn‟t use the road. He has complained. Andrea has now been told they are
going to put grit on top of it. A Road Safety course has just started at Barnston. The exam will
be on 19 November. Another course is planned for March.
c. Treasurer (Lesley Broadhurst). Funds are slightly down on this time last year, the total stands
at £1586 compared with £2070 in Sept 2005. During the year we spent £108 on replenishing
our dressage arena boards and also used £198 for the purchase of a toilet tent (a worthwhile
investment for some of our events). We also used £92 to pay for First Aid training for two
committee members. This means we now have 4 committee members who can provide first aid
at our events (2 with full First Aid At Work certificates and 2 who have attended the Equine
Specific First Aid course). This should ensure we always have adequate cover.
4. Any Other Business
a. There was a discussion about standards of livery yards. One attendee said she had been
looking for a new yard so had visited 20 or so and had found some were really bad. Very poor
management. There was a feeling that yards needed inspecting and regulating. Moira
explained that there are new regulations due in but we‟re not sure what level of care will be
guaranteed. One problem in this area is lack of space.
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Wirral Jubilee Awards
As you will be aware this year is the BHS Diamond Jubilee. To mark the event we are asking you to
nominate someone who has made a difference to the horses and or riders of Wirral at any time during the
past 60 years. Do you know someone whose efforts should be acknowledged? It could be someone who
has spent their whole life making a difference, or it may be someone who was involved with a single event,
incident or campaign. There are a lot of unsung heroes out there. Help us to let them know that their
efforts are appreciated. Those chosen from the nominations received will be presented with a certificate
and a BHS Jubilee sash.
To nominate someone please complete the slip below and post it to the address shown or e-mail the
details by 15 October (to give us time to contact those selected before the AGM). You must give reasons
why you think they should receive an award and must be able to supply us with the person‟s contact
details. The person nominated does not have to be a BHS member.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Wirral BHS Jubilee Awards
I nominate: Name ………………………………………………………………………………
Address ……………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………
Telephone ………………………………………….
for an award because: …………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Your Name ……………………………………………………………………….
Address ……………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………
Telephone ……………………………………………….
BHS Membership Number ………………………………
Please send the completed form to Lesley Broadhurst. 87 Princes Boulevard, Bebington, Wirral CH63 5LL
Or email the details to: lesley@broadhurst1.fsnet.co.uk
Your nomination form should arrive by 15 October 2007
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