Charity continues its fight to end long-distance transport suffering for slaughter horses

World Horse Welfare wants as many people as possible to email commissioner John Dalli directly, to reiterate the fact that the current transport regulation is totally inadequate, causing tens of thousands of horses each year to suffer.

In October, WHW handed over the second edition of its dossier of evidence to the commission, which summarised the key evidence underpinning the case for a maximum journey limit of nine to 12 hours for horses intended for slaughter.

The commission recently released its own report on the transport regulation and the charity was dismayed to find that no commitment had been made to introduce a maximum journey limit.

Hannah Lynch, the campaigns officer at WHW, said: “We were extremely disappointed when we found out that our recommendations were not being adopted, despite providing an enormous amount of compelling evidence for change.

“We support the commission’s decision to improve enforcement and provide guidance but this does not go far enough. Around 80,000 horses are taken to slaughter each year and severe animal welfare problems will continue while the current transportation regulation remains in place.”

The charity is determined to keep fighting for a change to be made and is asking people from across Europe to support the campaign and contact commissioner Dalli.

For more information about how to email your message and to find out more about the campaign, go to www.worldhorsewelfare.org.

Four very excited members of Eldwick Riding Club are preparing for an appearance at the London International Horse Show at Olympia at the weekend.

The club has qualified a team for the SEIB/British Riding Clubs Quadrille of the Year competition and will be facing some strong opposition.

Team members are Katherine Wilkinson, riding Delmrose Applejack, her daughter Emily,17, riding Geri’s Prince, Chloe Eshelby,15, riding Knockalla Gypsy King and Millie Ryan, 13, riding Pilgrims Spellbinder. They all ride Connemara ponies and decided to have an Irish theme for their performance. They have chosen the theme of Riverdance and the music Lord of the Dance.

The team, who were competing for the first time, qualified at a selection trial held at Aintree International Equestrian Centre in October.

At Olympia, in front of huge crowds, they will be up against last year’s runners-up, Bath Riding Club, who start as favourites, plus another experienced team from St Edmonds RC and one other newcomers team, Witheridge and District RC.

The quadrille costumes always make this a spectacular sight at Olympia and the Eldwick team is hoping for a full turnout of friends, family and club members to support their performance on Saturday.

Next year’s eventing season may seem a long way off but it is never too early to start planning, according to the experts at British Eventing. The BE Baileys winter training competitions will begin in January and are open to both members and non-members.

Jump Training involves coaching in a competition environment. Riders walk the course with a BE accredited coach and are guided through their warm-up, which is followed by the competition. After their first round, they receive feedback and advice before jumping again.

The JAS (Jumping and Style) series is a chance for horse and rider to gain experience before the start of the eventing season. Combinations are judged on style as well as technique whilst jumping a course of showjumping and cross-country fences.

Both the Jump Training and JAS competitions are held at different venues across the UK and culminate in series finals. For more information go to www.britisheventing.com or www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk.

Burghley, which celebrated its 50th anniversary this year, has reason for a further celebration.

For the sixth time, the international equestrian year book, L’Annee Hippique, has awarded the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials the riders’ choice award as ‘international best event’ of the year.

William Fox-Pitt, who had a record-breaking sixth win at Burghley this year, said: “Burghley is one event that my team and I always look forward to,” he said. “The course and going are always fantastic and the improvement in the facilities for riders, grooms and owners over the years has been second to none. Everyone is made to feel welcome.”

Next year’s event will run from August 30 to September 2.

Event rider Harriet Morris-Baumber, 23, is holding a series of training sessions over the winter. Harriet, who has competed at three-star level, is based at Everingham, near Pocklington.

“The training is aimed at riders of all ages and abilities and is designed to be fun and informative,” says Harriet. For more details go to www.harriet-morris-baumber.com or email [email protected].