Fit For The FutureShowing horses have been highlighted for attention by the Welfare Strategy and the NPS via NEWC has committed to assisting members to understand how husbandry practices may be altered for the greater health and welfare of our animals.
The NPS has made a great start on the obesity issue via its Fit for the Future Championship which was a great success at the Summer Championship Show. Both the RSPCA and the ILPH have already brought prosecutions to bear against people with overweight dogs and horses.
After further discussion with Teresa Holland from Dodson and Horrell and the ILPH it has been decided to expand the opportunities for members to put their ponies forward for judging in 2008. Members who are supreme ridden or in hand champion at area shows will be given automatic entry (voluntary of course) to pre- final judging at the Summer Championship Show.
Research into Equine Metabolic Syndrome has highlighted the importance of fat as a critical factor for this disorder in horses and ponies so please NPS members take up the flag for fit not fat in 2008!