The British Horse Society - South Region

01/04/2025

Come along and learn from the experts at Scott Dunn's Equine Clinic. Tom McParland BVetMed DiplACVS(LA) MRCVS, Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and Robert Oulton BSc(Agr) DVM MRCVS will be talking to us all about managing poor performance in sport and leisure horses, and explaining the rehab, medical and surgical options available. Super useful whether you have your own horse, are training for BHS or Pony Club assessments, or maybe you aren't the decision-maker for a horse but just want to make sure you know about the latest developments in veterinary care.

🏇 Tuesday 8 April, 7pm for 7.30pm start
🏇 in the clubhouse at Wellington Riding School
🏇 the lovely clubhouse café will be open, offering hot, cold and alcoholic drinks, along with cakes and snacks
🏇 Tickets £5 per person - all proceeds to BHS, thanks to the generosity of Scott Dunn's Equine Clinic and BOVA
🏇 Book online at https://buytickets.at/britishhorsesocietysouthregion/1601712

31/03/2025

🌈 How do you decide when the time is right for a horse to be put to sleep? It's a heart breaking decision, but one that is vital for their welfare. Do you know about all the options? Come along to a free information and support evening and find out from our expert, Sally Hodgson from Hook Norton Veterinary Group.
🌈 Hear from Blue Cross UK Pet Loss Support (Blue Cross rehoming centre Burford) all about the help they offer bereaved pet owners.
🌈 Find out about the BHS Friends At The End scheme, where specially trained volunteers can help however you need them to.
🌈 Thursday 3 April, 7pm at Hook Norton War Memorial Hall, OX15 5JT.
🌈 FREE of charge, just turn up. Refreshments available. Please do bring some cash for the raffle.

30/03/2025

🚨 Heads up, Buckinghamshire Equestrians! The Princes Risborough Trail Running Event will now take place on Saturday, 5th April 2025 (previously 12th April).

⏰ Runner Start Time: 09:45 – 10:30
🏁 Last Runner to Finish: 14:00

🐴 The route passes through some of the bridleways and tracks in the Chiltern Hills AONB – so if you're planning to hack in the area, keep an eye out for runners!

📍 Runners will follow paths along the Icknield Way and climb up to Whiteleaf Hill. The mixture of woodland, hills, and green lanes means it’s likely to be busy – especially on the longer route.

🌳 If you’re planning to ride in the area, please be aware of increased foot traffic on the trails during the event.

https://www.maverick-race.com/products/the-maverick-original-buckinghamshire-2025

28/03/2025

😁 Rideathon Challenge is back this May, and we need your help 😁

Sign up today. Walk, run, ride or carriage drive 25km or more and join us to raise funds for the BHS Ride Out Fund. 💓

🕵🏻www.bhs.org.uk/rideathon

27/03/2025

🌟 Is your coach a star? Then let us know and they could win £250 towards their own training and development!
The eagle eyed will have seen we've just celebrated the BHS Hampshire Coach of the Year Awards (congratulations again to our winners, Roland Bellido 🏆 and GW Equine 🏆) and it's now the turn of brilliant Berkshire coaches... nominate yours today at https://wkf.ms/4hVB9Js - nominations close on 30 March!

Why not name check your cracking coach in the comments 👇

25/03/2025

The British Horse Society is looking for RIDERS to take part in our Charity Race at Newbury 6 November. If you think you have what it takes apply herehttps://www.bhs.org.uk/support-us/fundraise/race-days/

Take up the Challenge! The experience and memories (and fitness!) will be unforgettable; your support will help us change the lives of both horses and riders. Sign up now!

21/03/2025

🌈 How do you decide when the time is right for a horse to be put to sleep? It's a heart breaking decision, but one that is vital for their welfare. Do you know about all the options? Come along to a free information and support evening and find out from our expert, Sally Hodgson from Hook Norton Veterinary Group.
🌈 Hear from Blue Cross UK Pet Loss Support (Blue Cross rehoming centre Burford) all about the help they offer bereaved pet owners.
🌈 Find out about the BHS Friends At The End scheme, where specially trained volunteers can help however you need them to.

🌈 Thursday 3 April, 7pm at Hook Norton War Memorial Hall, OX15 5JT.
🌈 FREE of charge, just turn up. Refreshments available. Please do bring some cash for the raffle.

19/03/2025

BERKSHIRE... 🏆 Have you nominated your favourite Berkshire coach yet?
⏳ Nominations for the BHS Berkshire Coach of the Year Award close at 6pm on 30 March!

There are two categories for your ✨ coaches:
1️⃣ BHS Approved Centre Coach
- must work in an Approved Centre in Berkshire
- must be qualified to Stage 3 Teach or above, or a minimum of Stage 2 Teach if actively training towards Stage 3 Teach
2️⃣ Freelance Coaches
- must live and work in Berkshire (although they may of course work in other counties as well)
- must be registered BHS Accredited Professional Coaches

💌 Make sure YOUR coaching hero gets the recognition they deserve – nominate them today! Coaches can nominate themselves, too. Just click here 👉 https://wkf.ms/4hVB9Js
⏰ Don’t delay – nominations close in 11 days!

15/03/2025

📢 Big news in the world of Equine Grass Sickness (EGS)! Recent research has uncovered exciting new developments about this challenging disease — and we’ve got all the details in our upcoming webinar!

🗓 Date: Tuesday 2nd April
🕖 Time: 7pm
💰 Cost: FREE for BHS Volunteers | £5 minimum donation for everyone else

We’re thrilled to have Dr Beth Wells, Dr Hayley Coulson, and Dr Tanith Harte presenting on:
✅ What we know about EGS
✅ The EGS Biobank and why it's so important
✅ Potential risk factors
✅ Exciting new research developments

👉 Register now: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/bhsscotland/1609823

➡️ Find out more about EGS here: https://www.bhs.org.uk/horse-care-and-welfare/health-care-management/horse-health/equine-diseases/equine-grass-sickness-egs/

14/03/2025

🤚🏻Stop scrolling and sign up to Rideathon today 🤚🏻

The Rideathon Challenge raises vital funds for the Ride Out Fund, by taking part in Rideathon through the month of May you can help us to restore and protect bridleways and byways for everyone to enjoy. 🥰

Repairing broken fences and damaged paths or cutting back overgrown trails, The Ride Out Fund helps projects which rescue and restore equestrian public rights of way throughout the UK, ensuring everyone can safely enjoy off-road routes with their horses. With more and more horse and rider road injuries being reported every year, off-road access is vital for the safety of equestrians. 🐴

Join the challenge 👉🏻www.bhs.org.uk/rideathon

12/03/2025

We had a fantastic day teaming up with Thames Valley Police for a recent Safe Pass Operation! 👮‍♂️🐎

✅ 3 drivers were advised about their manner of driving
📱 2 drivers were identified using mobile phones
🚗 1 car defect was reviewed

👏 A huge positive takeaway — the majority of drivers passed horses safely and respectfully!

Let’s keep up the good work and continue to make the roads safer for horses and riders. 🐴💙

08/03/2025

🏇 Live Your Jockey Dreams in 2025! 🌟

What could be more exciting than riding in a real race while raising money for The British Horse Society? We're looking for our next team of charity jockeys to make a difference at:

🏇 31 October 2025 at Wetherby Racecourse
🏇 6 November 2025 at Newbury Racecourse

🏆 Our 2024 jockeys raised an incredible £67,473—and now it's your turn! Get fit, raise funds, and join the mile race on the flat.

👉 Apply by 21 March: https://forms.monday.com/forms/018b0705fa1b3c30e9b5a2ee3f483c93?r=use1

📲 Learn more: https://www.bhs.org.uk/support-us/fundraise/race-days

Who’s ready to swap their riding hat for jockey silks? ✨

07/03/2025

We've got an exciting line-up of online events this March, perfect for equestrians of all interests! Join us for expert talks, inspiring stories, and valuable insights—all from the comfort of your home. Each event is just £5 per person.

🐴 Winter Series Equine Talks: Talk 3. Is Rider Size Important?
📅 Date & Time: 10 March | 7pm - 8:30pm
👉 https://bookwhen.com/bhswales =ev-sfop-20250310190000

🐴 Winter Series Veterinary Talks: Spring Time for Horses
📅 Date & Time: 19 March | 7pm - 8:30pm
👉 https://bookwhen.com/bhswales/e/ev-sb1a-20250319190000

🐴 An Evening with Claire Alldritt: 1,000 Miles by Horse in the Scottish Highlands
📅 Date & Time: 19 March | 6pm - 7pm
👉https://www.tickettailor.com/events/bhsaccess/1581329

🐴 Welfare Concerns: When Does a Horse Need Our Help?
📅 Date & Time: 24 March | 7:30pm - 9pm
👉 https://www.tickettailor.com/events/thebritishhorsesocietywm/1582802

🐴 BHS Argyll Bit Fitting Talk
📅 Date & Time: 25 March | 7pm - 8:30pm
👉 https://www.tickettailor.com/events/bhsscotland/1599352?

✨ Don't miss out—secure your spot today and be part of these fantastic events! ✨

06/03/2025

Attention Hampshire Riders & Carriage Drivers Maverick Race this Saturday 8th March - Wi******er Area🚨

A major running event will be taking place across Hampshire, bringing an increase in foot traffic on bridleways and rural routes. If you’re riding or carriage driving, please be aware that some popular routes may be busier than usual with runners.

📌 Check the route here: https://www.maverick-race.com/races/routes/maverick-original-hampshire

Please share to spread the word🗣

04/03/2025

⭐ BHS Pony Stars starting soon at Sparsholt Equine Centre 🐴

2024/25 BHS Pony Stars - Summer Term

02/03/2025

🌱 LAST CHANCE! Tickets Still Available – Field & Pasture Management Online Event 🌱
Winter has taken its toll on our land, but now’s the time to get it back in shape! 🌿 Join us this Monday at 7:30 PM for an insightful online event with Agronomist Adam North of Pearce Seeds. Whether you're a landowner, yard manager, or working towards your Stage 3 Care Assessment, this session is packed with essential knowledge.

🔎 What you’ll learn:
✅ Soil & nutrient requirements for healthy grazing
✅ Choosing the right grasses for your pasture
✅ Identifying & managing toxic weeds 🌿🚫
✅ Mechanical aids to help pasture recovery

📌 Bonus: This event counts as 2 CPD points for BHS Accredited Professional Coaches!

📅 Book your spot now before it’s too late! Don’t miss out on this must-attend session. 🎟👇
https://bookwhen.com/bhssouthwest

01/03/2025

🥳Hold your horses, the Rideathon Challenge is back for 2025 🥳

Are you ready for a new challenge, to help make a difference❓

Sign up to Rideathon today, and get ready to join the challenge this May. 🐴

Whether you walk, run, ride or carriage drive, we need your help to raise money to help protect and maintain off road routes. 💚

Sign up today 👉🏻 www.bhs.org.uk/rideathon

26/02/2025

🌿 Spring is on its way – let’s talk worming! 🐎

As the seasons change, it’s the perfect time to review your horse’s worming plan and make sure you’re following the best practice for targeted deworming. With worm resistance on the rise, it’s more important than ever to worm smarter, not harder.

🔬 How can you help prevent resistance?
✅ Test first! Use regular worm egg counts and tapeworm tests to check if your horse actually needs worming.
✅ Weigh accurately – Always dose based on your horse’s correct weight to avoid under- or overdosing.
✅ Follow a vet-advised plan – Worming routines should be tailored to your yard, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
✅ Poo pick regularly – Removing droppings from grazing areas helps break the worm lifecycle.

🚨 Blanket worming multiple times a year is outdated and can speed up resistance. Let’s work together to protect the effectiveness of wormers for the future!

Learn more about best practices for worm control here: 🔗 https://www.bhs.org.uk/horse-care-and-welfare/health-care-management/horse-health/disease-prevention/testing-led-deworming/preventing-worm-related-disease