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Survey finds UK's senior horses in good condition
Regarding exercise, 62.8 per cent of horses were still in ridden work, but 72.9 of these were in light work, or slowing down.
Older equines predominantly healthy and active, respondents say.

In a survey on senior horses, it was revealed that 78 per cent of seniors in the UK were considered to be in good condition.

Highlighting a great sense of care for senior horses in the UK, SPILLERS undertook the survey to understand more about senior horse care and nutrition.

More than 12,000 horse owners completed the survey, and of these, 32.7 per cent had horses aged 25 years old or more. The results showed that 65.5 per cent of senior horse owners considered their horse to be classed as senior at 20 years old or higher. 

Of the owners and carers surveyed, most reported that their horse was predominantly healthy and active, with 78 per cent in good condition, 10 per cent classified as overweight and 12 per cent classified as underweight.

In total, 25.8 per cent of seniors in the survey has no known clinical or health-related issues. Signs of stiffness or arthritis were reported in 44 per cent of the horses, while 15.2 per cent had Pars Pituitary Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID), and 15.2 per cent experienced dental issues.

Claire Dyett, from SPILLERS, commented on the results: Congratulations to all the owners and carers of senior horses as well as the equine industry as a whole for playing their part in helping our treasured senior horses and ponies grow old gracefully.

“It’s a real achievement that our seniors are ageing later and staying healthy and active in their older years. While almost a third are recorded as having PPID or dental issues, this is perhaps to be expected because horses are living longer.” 

The survey also revealed UK owners' loyalty to their senior horses, with 58 per cent having owned their senior for over 11 years. Of those surveyed, 99.3 per cent of owners said that they intended to keep their horse for the rest of its life. 

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.