A donation has enabled research into common illnesses

The University of Liverpool’s Leahurst Equine Hospital in Neston, Wirral, is conducting a health survey to study the common illnesses affecting Shire horses.

The research has been made possible thanks to a £1,000 donation from members of the North West and Wales Shire Foal Society, which an affiliation of the Shire Horse Society.

It is intended to provide evidence-based information about how common certain health conditions are in Shire horses and will focus on areas that owners of Shire horses have specified that they would like veterinary researchers to study in the future, in order to maximise the heath and welfare of these horses.

Jean Pleavin Edge, of the North West and Wales Shire Foal Society, said: "We are delighted to be able to donate this money to the Leahurst Equine Hospital and even more thrilled that it will be put towards researching how common conditions such as Sweet Itch, an allergy which causes misery to Shire horses and their owners each year, are."
 
Dr Debbie Archer, of the Leahurst Equine Hospital, added: “Our speciality is in research, so donations like this make it possible to use our expertise to help benefit equine health wherever we can, whether we are looking at Thoroughbreds, Shire horses or an overweight Shetland pony – that is what we are here to do.”
 
The cheque was presented to the staff at the hospital during a short presentation on Wednesday, July 17.