Serious hoof neglect led to horses being put down
A welfare charity is concerned about the number of cases of poor hoof care
A LEADING equine welfare charity has “serious concerns” over hoof care – as it has had to put four horses down.
A spokesman for Bransby Horses told H&H the team was worried by the number of cases of hoof neglect the charity saw last year – a trend that is continuing in 2024.
“In 2023 more than half of the animals involved had to be put to sleep due to the severity of their condition,” she said, adding that financial constraints were one factor, but horses who were difficult to handle, and owners’ lack of knowledge, played a part.
Bransby welfare manager Rachel Jenkinson said: “In 2023 we had 18 cases, four of which were life-threatening. We’ve seen similar but never this many, it’s concerning.
“As we move into 2024 we continue to see feet untrimmed for months and shod feet left well over the recommended four to six weeks – the majority of all admissions at the start of this year have needed urgent farrier treatment. The last time we saw a case anything like what we’re seeing now was four years ago. At the time it was the worst we’d dealt with, but in 2023 we had three to match it and one more severe.”
Ms Jenkinson said lack of care can cause “unseen damage” to internal structures, which means horses can need lifelong pain management.
“There seems to be an issue arising where owners are struggling financially, often exacerbated by horses that are difficult to handle and farriers are, quite rightly, reluctant to provide a service.”
She urged farriers or yard owners to call 01427 787369 in confidence, adding: “As for owners who are struggling but may be embarrassed or ashamed to ask for help, a call to us could help so please don’t be afraid to reach out.”
⏶ APRIL FOOLS
Top marks to Stallion AI Services, which announced its new semen-by-drone delivery service, on 1 April. We’ve heard of good semen motility but this has to be a leap further…
⏶ MORE APRIL FOOLS
Also top marks to those who spotted the H&H online April Fool. Sadly there isn’t evidence of 35,000-year-old matchy horse and rider gear made from sabretooth tiger skin. Not yet, anyway.
⏶ MISHEARING
A young rider is convinced lessons take place in the “marina”. Not only could the trainer not bring herself to correct her, it seems far more fitting after this winter…
Crowhurst, chairman for the TBA veterinary committee.
“As an outcome of Professor Mandi de Mestre and Dr Lawson’s original study, which identified further lines of enquiry, the TBA, Horserace Betting Levy Board and Weatherbys have collaborated to fund research, such as development of a genetic noninvasive test to assess foetal health in the pregnant mare.”
Mr Crowhurst added that the outcomes of the RVC research and the earlier studies are “vital in ensuring the safeguarding of the breed”.
“The findings will be examined by our veterinary committee and communicated to our members and the wider thoroughbred breeding industry once the work has been completed,” he said.
EXTINCTION VORTEX
ON inbreeding in general,
Tullis Matson of Stallion AI Services told that inbreeding in equines – and endangered species – can lead to an “extinction vortex”.
“It’s not just lack of numbers, it’s inbreeding. It can cause these issues of early embryonic loss, lower fertility and lower sperm count. What we want to know is, at what percentage of inbreeding do these issues start?” he said.
In rare breeds, the breed conservation and management system (BCAS, formerly SPARKS) is used to help reduce inbreeding. It is based on mareand stallion-based data sheets, formulated using genetic analysis. These calculate mean kinship; the relationship between any two animals, and the potential inbreeding from any mating.
Lucy Morgan, Gemini Genetics manager and Stallion AI lab technician, added that research on inbreeding in thoroughbreds is a positive.
“There are obviously lots of factors that come into play in breeding horses, and this research may well benefit other breeds too, for example rare breeds. There are quite a few breeders of rare breeds signed up to the BCAS system, but there still are some that aren’t signed up yet, so this may encourage them.”