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Horse performs escapology in viral video
Image: Mariska
Footage of Fresian mare unlocking stable doors

A horse that has learned how to escape from its stable by teasing a lock with its mouth has become an internet sensation.

Mariska the pregnant mare, who lives at a small family-owned farm in Michigan, US, is causing havoc among her carers and fellow equids at the Misty Meadow Farm stables.

Not only does Mariska tease the lock on her own stable door then push it open with her nose, but she then proceeds to free the other Fresian horses that live alongside her.

Describing her as "kind of like the farm mascot", Mariska's carer Sandy says she is sweet, mischievous and extremely smart.

"She is loved dearly, but tends to cause us many moments of frustration as she is pretty convinced that doors were made to be opened," reads the farm's blog.

"[Mariska] has had many, many people viewing and leaving wonderful and fun comments. We have had just a blast sharing this video with so many people from all over the world! Now I am left wondering what else our girl Mariska could do. If she does this without any training, what might she accomplish with training.

"I will be exploring possible trick training options for her in the future and would love any opinions pro or con, and any information and names of respected trainers or techniques that might help us to give Mariska an outlet for her mischievousness."

A video of her escapology habits, named Mariska A.K.A Houdini, has reached over half a million views on YouTube. However, since the video went viral, concerns have been raised over Mariska's weight.

"Yes, we have a weight problem with Mariska, right now she is in foal and of course now she is eating for two… I would like to see her lose 100 lbs for an end weight of 1180 [lbs]," adds Sandy, who says she is Mariska's "diet buddy".

Click here to watch the video of Mariska performing "escapology".

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."