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Associations hope for boost in equestrianism
Surge in popularity following the Olympics

Following Britain's success at the Olympic Games and with the Paralympics just around the corner, equestrian federations are hopeful that the sport's exposure will see a boost in popularity for equestrianism.

The British Equestrian Federation (BEF) is working closely with riding schools across the country to encourage lapsed riders to 'take back the reins', or new riders to take up the sport.

The BEF are hopeful that following "the most spectacular sporting event this country has ever seen", many more people will be keen to involve themselves with horses.

Ben Maher, who won Gold as part of the British showjumping team, said: “Let’s hope that the success of Britain’s team at London 2012 will give a major boost to equestrianism in the country. Hopefully a lot of children and adults can maybe aspire to what we've achieved and get involved.

"You don't necessarily have to have your own horses, you don't even have to ride, you can do it at any level - you can work with the horses, you can work on them, there's a number of different ways to get involved”.

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.