The annual British Riding Clubs (BRC) Horse Welfare Advisers' Conference took place on Sunday 26 October at Warwickshire College, Moreton Morrell, Warwickshire. Sponsored by EQUEST from Fort Dodge, the Conference was a great success with delegates travelling from as far afield as Scotland and Devon to attend this highly educational day.

The focus of the conference for 2003 was the older equine and delegates were shown how to 'condition score' horses and the repositories where fat accumulates. A session was also included on the health of the older equine, in particular Cushings Disease and the drugs used to treat this condition. Arthritis management was covered along with a presentation from Natural Animal Feeds on the natural treatment options for this condition.

Grassland management was a hot topic and an informative session explained when grassland should be treated and what to use to ensure best grazing cover. The day ended with a worming update from Fort Dodge that showed delegates the benefit of worming with EQUEST.

The 80 delegates will now be spreading the word amongst British Horse Society affiliated Riding Club members, thus ensuring up to date horse welfare is always at the forefront of BRC equine management. This in turn supports the welfare work of the BHS as a whole, by educating at the grass roots level.

To become a HWA the applicant must be a member of an affiliated riding club and hold the BRC Horse Welfare II certificate. Anyone meeting the criteria and interested in joining the panel, should contact Sarah Long at BRC on (tel: 01926 707769) or email: s.long@bhs.org.uk <mailto:s.long@bhs.org.uk>

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