Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

World Horse Welfare webinars return with arthritis session
A series of expert-led horse welfare webinars will run every Wednesday from November- March.
The webinars will run every Wednesday this winter.

World Horse Welfare’s Welfare Wednesday Webinars are set to return from November, with expert-led sessions on different aspects of horse welfare.

The first session, on 1 November, will be presented by equine diagnostic imaging expert Dr Merry Smith, and will discuss how arthritic changes can be managed in ridden horses.

The webinar, hosted on Zoom, will explore how arthritic changes commonly affect ridden horses and the potential causes of this affliction. It also addresses the ways that horse owners can minimise the risks of arthritis in their horse, and effectively manage the condition if it develops.

As well as affecting older horses, World Horse Welfare says it is also being seen in younger horses.

The session will conclude with a live Q&A with Dr Smith, where the audience will be invited to ask any questions on the topic.

Dr Merry Smith has studied specialised surgical training in both the USA and UK, as well as completing her PhD on equine diagnostic imaging. In 2013, Dr Smith set up her own independent equine teleradiology service and now works as a freelance equine diagnostic imaging and surgery consultant.

Dr Smith’s session on arthritis launches a series of horse welfare webinars which will run every Wednesday from November- March. Other expert-led sessions will include nutrition, sleep, training methods and managing ulcers.

The Welfare Wednesday Webinar series was first offered in 2020 as a way to bridge the gap between current research, experts and horse owners. The sessions include accessible, practical advice and guidance which is suitable for everyone, from new horse-owners to industry professionals.

All of World Horse Welfare’s previous webinars, including topics such as horse fitness, mental wellbeing, biosecurity and euthanasia, are available on their website.

This year’s webinars are free to attend via Zoom, where viewers can partake in various polls, ask questions and enjoy an interactive experience. They will also be available on Facebook Live.

Dr Smith’s webinar, Managing arthritis changes in ridden horses will take place from 7pm on 1 November. To register for free, follow this link.

Image © Shutterstock

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

FIVP launches CMA remedies survey

News Story 1
 FIVP has shared a survey, inviting those working in independent practice to share their views on the CMA's proposed remedies.

The Impact Assessment will help inform the group's response to the CMA, as it prepares to submit further evidence to the Inquiry Group. FIVP will also be attending a hearing in November.

Data will be anonymised and used solely for FIVP's response to the CMA. The survey will close on Friday, 31 October 2025. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
CMA to host webinar exploring provisional decisions

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is to host a webinar for veterinary professionals to explain the details of its provisional decisions, released on 15 October 2025.

The webinar will take place on Wednesday, 29 October 2025 from 1.00pm to 2.00pm.

Officials will discuss the changes which those in practice may need to make if the provisional remedies go ahead. They will also share what happens next with the investigation.

The CMA will be answering questions from the main parties of the investigation, as well as other questions submitted ahead of the webinar.

Attendees can register here before Wednesday, 29 October at 11am. Questions must be submitted before 10am on 27 October.

A recording of the webinar will be accessible after the event.