The RSPCA is appealing for information after a horse died at Appleby Horse Fair on Saturday 6th June 2026.
Animal welfare officers attended a grass verge on the unnamed road into Brampton from the south at 12.40 pm. They were assisted by vets, fire and rescue officers and police.
The piebald gelding, who’s approximately 14hh, has distinctive markings, being mostly white with black patches, all white legs with feathers and a black tail.
Vets have aged him as being between five and seven. He was not shod and looks to have been recently gelded.
What appears to have been a trader’s mark sprayed on the horse’s body in blue/green paint has been altered to disguise it.
RSPCA Chief Inspector Lyndsey Taylor said: “This is a very upsetting incident.
“At the moment we don’t know the cause of this horse’s death, but it seems as though he may have died in suspicious circumstances.
“We are looking for evidence of him being worked, handled or traded and want to hear from the person responsible for him, or anyone who can help us to identify them.
“Do you know what colour sulky or tack was he wearing? Was he tied to a horsebox? Can you give us any numberplates associated with him if he’s been pulled off a lorry?
“If you have any information that will lead us to establish what happened to this horse, please approach an RSPCA or police officer or call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999 and quote incident number 01822356.”
Welfare teams take part in practical training at a Devon horse sanctuary as part of collaborative efforts to support horses and ponies at risk.
Frontline animal welfare staff from across the South West have come together at The Mare and Foal Sanctuary’s Upcott Park site near Holsworthy for a day of practical training focused on spotting and responding to equine welfare problems.
The one-day continuing professional development (CPD) event brought together Mare and Foal Sanctuary team members, colleagues from the RSPCA’s Devon and Cornwall Inspectorate team and a representative from The Donkey Sanctuary.
The training covered body condition scoring, horse handling, legislation and horse welfare management. It combined hands-on sessions in the yard with shared learning and discussion, with the Sanctuary’s trainers and RSPCA leads running practical and scenario-based sessions.
Ponies: Sky, Gabriel, Nero, Rain, Nutkin and Hugo supported the day as calm, well-handled teaching partners, helping participants to refine their skills in assessing condition, reading behaviour and applying safe, respectful handling techniques. The event formed part of a wider effort to strengthen skills and relationships across the region so that welfare teams can respond more effectively when horses and ponies need help.
The day was coordinated by Leah Brock, Senior Field Officer at The Mare and Foal Sanctuary. She said: “When our teams work side by side, we learn from each other and build the trust that makes joint welfare work more effective. Upcott Park rehoming yard is a real asset for this kind of training because we can bring theory and practice together in a safe environment, with ponies who show what good handling and management look like.
“For horses and ponies on the edge of neglect, the difference often comes down to an inspector or welfare officer knowing what to look for and who to call. By investing in shared CPD like this, we are giving our partners extra confidence in the field and making sure that when a horse is struggling, someone has the skills and the relationships to step in quickly.”
Suzy Hannaby, Learning and Development Specialist with the RSPCA, said: “It’s really beneficial for our charities to be working together. The Mare and Foal Sanctuary help us out all the time and we’re really grateful for the support we receive from them 24/7. We couldn’t do a lot of the welfare work that we do without them, so it’s really nice to come together as two teams – the local Devon and Cornwall Inspectorate team and the Mare and Foal Sanctuary team – to spend time together, get to know each other and learn from each other.”
Hannah Bryer, Head of Welfare at The Donkey Sanctuary, said: “The day was a great opportunity to bring together frontline animal welfare teams to learn from each other, share valuable ideas, and increase our knowledge. Collaboration is key to supporting positive equine welfare across a range of settings. The event at The Mare and Foal Sanctuary was another great example of charities working together and ultimately help more equines in need.”
The Mare and Foal Sanctuary believes that no single charity can solve the equine welfare crisis alone. By providing facilities, ponies and expert trainers for CPD days, the Sanctuary aims to act as a hub for practical skills development and joint working across the South West.
The charity hopes that increased collaboration between equine and animal welfare organisations will lead to more consistent decision making on the ground, better use of limited resources and, ultimately, better outcomes for horses, ponies and foals in need.
Anyone wishing to learn more about The Mare and Foal Sanctuary’s welfare work and training, or who wish to support its equine welfare programmes, can find further information on the charity’s website: mareandfoal.org
Fairgoers at Appleby are being invited to new ‘meet the expert’ sessions organised by animal welfare charities at this year’s event.
The traditional gathering of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, which is the biggest in the UK, officially begins this Thursday (4th June) with the busiest days taking place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (5th, 6th, 7th).
Hundreds of horses are bought and sold at the Fair, which is also an important holiday for many people attending.
The Q & A-type sessions will take place at 1 pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the red tent on Salt Tip Corner, with a focus on horse health, happiness and horsemanship.
On Thursday there will be the opportunity to talk about the latest science on watering and fitness with the Appleby Horse Project, made up of the eight charities who attend the Fair*.
Offering water to horses is now known to be vital immediately after exercise, with this being recognised across elite horse sport. Dehydration poses a huge risk to horses at the Fair and outweighs any risk of colic to their welfare.
A limited number of free reusable water bottles with ‘My horse drank first’ written on them will be given away to those taking part.
Routine health care with Redwings’ vet and Best at Appleby Awards judge Nicola is on Friday, which will be an opportunity to talk about issues like worming and the latest developments on how to protect against equine flu and strangles.
Cumbria, Lancashire and North Yorkshire are all equine flu hotspots right now, and owners are being urged not to work their horse at the Fair if they’re showing any symptoms.
On Saturday, a Certified Equine Behaviour Consultant will be at the tent to talk about happy horsemanship and asking Fairgoers what good horsemanship looks like to them.
There will be the latest examples of positive and negative horse and donkey body language, giving an opportunity to improve understanding of them, and the chance to ask any questions on the subject of handling.
Kerry Taylor, Education Manager at Blue Cross, said: “These sessions invite Fairgoers who are interested in the latest science and want to keep developing their horse knowledge to find out more, and of course we’d like to learn from them too. We hope they will be popular.”
This year’s Best at Appleby Awards, recognising outstanding horse health, happiness and horsemanship at the Fair, are going mobile!
Redwings’ vets Nicola and Chloe will choose the best six examples to award the Traditional Gypsy Cob Association-sponsored rosettes, while they walk and talk to owners - spot them with their navy and gold hats and new backpacks!
Nicola said: “We have some wonderful relationships with previous winners which are very important to us, but we are looking for some new faces this year! Please stop us if you see us, we’d love to talk to you.”
It’ll be over to Fairgoers to choose their People’s Choice Champion 2026 on the Best at Appleby social media on Saturday. The Champion’s rosette will be awarded next to the River Eden on Sunday morning.
Six-year-old part-bred Pandora captured the hearts of the public, who voted for her to win on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook last year and is one of the faces of this year’s posters. Make sure you’re following for the latest on the Awards and the Fair!
There will be daily river clearing by the RSPCA’s water rescue team between Thursday and Sunday and extra night-time patrols too.
RSPCA chief inspector Lyndsey Taylor said: “There are hundreds of animals at this event, and we’re here to work with Fairgoers to best ensure their welfare.
“RSPCA officers from our water rescue team will be removing debris from the water near the ramp every morning on the main days to try to prevent injury.
“Last year we had a busy but positive Fair where if intervention was needed it was received well.
“Many of the issues we did have, particularly with over-working of horses, were later in the day so we’ll be extending our night-time patrols further.
“We’ll be providing a vet station at Salt Tip Corner where assistance can be sought for any animal who needs it between 10am and 4pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and if anyone has any concerns, please approach an RSPCA officer, or police officer.”
The RSPCA is sending 35 staff and volunteers to this year’s Fair; Bransby Horses is sending six; Redwings Horse Sanctuary is sending six; World Horse Welfare is sending six; Blue Cross is sending five; The Mare and Foal Sanctuary is sending four; British Horse Society is sending two; and The Donkey Sanctuary is sending two. There will also be four vets donating their time from private practices.
The National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC) is delighted to welcome The Diamond Centre for Disabled Riders as a new member organisation.
Based in Surrey, The Diamond Centre is a long-established Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) centre providing high-quality equine-assisted activities for children and adults with disabilities. Through structured sessions tailored to individual needs, the Centre supports participants in developing balance, coordination, confidence and communication skills while enjoying meaningful interaction with horses.
The Centre’s commitment to equine welfare includes robust rider weight policies, careful management practices designed to maximise turnout and forage access, and continued investment in facilities, including winter turnout paddocks, upgraded stable environments and indoor barn improvements.
The Diamond Centre also demonstrated a strong commitment to promoting ethical and responsible equestrian activity, recognising the importance of maintaining high welfare standards and supporting the future social licence of the equestrian sector.
NEWC looks forward to working alongside The Diamond Centre and supporting their continued work to promote excellent equine welfare standards while delivering valuable opportunities for riders and participants.
To find out more, visit: The Diamond Centre for Disabled Riders
We are delighted to welcome Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) as a new member of the National Equine Welfare Council.
SRUC is a leading higher and further education institution dedicated to supporting the land-based and rural sector through education, research, and consultancy. With campuses across Scotland, including its specialist equine provision at the Oatridge Campus, SRUC plays a key role in training the next generation of equine professionals.
Equine welfare underpins all aspects of SRUC’s teaching and practical delivery. Its programmes are rooted in promoting a “good life” for horses, combining research-informed teaching with hands-on experience to ensure students develop both the knowledge and practical skills required to uphold high welfare standards in the industry.
SRUC offers a wide range of equine-specific courses across Further and Higher Education, from National Certificates in Horse Care through to a BSc (Hons) in Equine Science and Management, as well as modern apprenticeships. Students benefit from access to excellent facilities, including the Scottish National Equestrian Centre (SNEC), where competitions and training events are delivered with a strong emphasis on welfare.
The equine provision is supported by a dedicated team of academic, technical, and yard staff, all of whom share responsibility for maintaining and promoting high standards of equine welfare. This is reinforced through close links with industry and welfare organisations, including the British Horse Society, World Horse Welfare, and Blue Cross, with many students undertaking placements with these organisations.
As part of the wider School of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, SRUC integrates the latest research into its teaching and ensures that welfare principles are consistently applied in practice. Through strong industry connections and a commitment to continuous improvement, SRUC is helping to shape a knowledgeable, welfare-focused equine workforce.
SRUC is already actively engaged in equine welfare at a national level, contributing to sector discussions and developments in Scotland. By joining NEWC, SRUC further strengthens its commitment to collaboration and to raising equine welfare standards across education and industry.
To learn more about Scotland’s Rural College and its work, visit: sruc.ac.uk
With less than a month to go till this year’s Strangles Awareness Week (SAW), horse and yard owners are being encouraged to sign up as Ambassadors and promote the campaign’s BEST practice messaging to help prevent the spread of the disease.
The acronym, which stands for ‘Boost immunity with Strangles vaccination’; ‘Engage with trusted information’; ‘Separate unfamiliar horses’ and ‘Temp check routinely’, is at the centre of the campaign.
SAW 2026 takes place between 4th – 10th May and aims to get horse lovers working together to minimise the scale and impact of a Strangles outbreak, which can be financially and emotionally costly.
The contagious respiratory illness is the most diagnosed equine disease worldwide. Signs vary, but can include a high fever, laboured breathing, difficulty eating, depression, thick nasal discharge and painful abscesses. In severe cases, Strangles can pose a risk to horses’ lives.
Latest figures show 104 lab-reported cases of Strangles logged by the Surveillance of Equine Strangles scheme between 1st January and 2nd April. Last year saw a 77% increase in the number recorded the year before, with 477 in 2025 compared to 270 in 2024. Local figures are available.*
Helen Whitelegg, Campaigns and Policy Manager at Redwings Horse Sanctuary, who coordinates the SAW collaboration, said: “We are better placed than ever before to reduce the risk and number of cases seen each year, and we all have a responsibility to do what we can to tackle this disease.
“A recent Dechra survey** found nearly half of respondents were not aware of the availability of a vaccine, and a third did not have quarantine protocols for new horses, despite 87% reporting that they were concerned about the risk of infectious diseases like Strangles.
“The apparent rise in cases is concerning, and we know the true number of outbreaks is likely to be even higher than this, with many unrecorded, and it’s something we feel SAW can help to address.”
Since its inception in 2020, SAW has achieved international recognition, bringing together leading equine welfare charities, educational institutions and research organisations.
Several well-known riders and equestrian influencers have lent their names to the campaign since it began, including showjumper Joe Stockdale, eventers William Fox-Pitt, Lucinda Green and Piggy March, dressage rider Richard Davison and equestrian influencer Riding with Rhi.
Those signing up as Ambassadors will be sent a suite of social media assets developed from the latest research and advice from world-leading experts, ready to share during SAW, their own digital Ambassador badge and updates about the campaign.
A free lunchtime webinar is taking place with experts on Tuesday, 5th May, looking at how established infectious disease Strangles compares to an emerging threat from West Nile Virus - sign up here.
The British Horse Society will also be promoting BEST practice on their stand at Badminton Horse Trials, which takes place in South Gloucestershire between Wednesday 6th May and Sunday 10th May.
Helen added: “Please consider being involved this year. If we all used BEST practice, we could make a real difference to how this disease impacts our horses, and us.”
To sign up and join more than 900 existing Ambassadors who helped the campaign reach more than five million people in 2025, please visit redwings.org.uk/strangles/strangles-awareness-week or go to the SAW Facebook page.
The National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC) is pleased to welcome Scottish Racing as a new Associate.
Scottish Racing plays an important role in promoting and supporting the horse racing industry across Scotland. Established in 2000, the organisation works on behalf of the country’s five racecourses - Ayr, Hamilton Park, Kelso, Musselburgh and Perth - to help ensure the sport’s long-term prosperity and sustainability.
Their work spans a wide range of activity, including representing the industry on political matters at both Westminster and Holyrood, generating media coverage across broadcast, print and digital platforms, and encouraging new audiences to engage with the sport. Scottish Racing also supports racecourse operations and the raceday experience, contributing to a vibrant and forward-looking sector.
A strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion underpins their work, intending to ensure that horseracing in Scotland is welcoming, representative and accessible to all.
We are particularly grateful to Delly Innes, Chief Executive of Scottish Racing, who led the application process on behalf of the organisation. Delly also plays an active role across the wider industry, including her involvement with the Scottish Racing Academy, the British Horseracing Authority’s Public Affairs Steering Group, and the Scottish Government’s Equine Stakeholder Group.
NEWC looks forward to working with Scottish Racing on areas of shared interest, including the promotion of high standards of equine welfare and supporting a sustainable future for the sector.
To find out more about Scottish Racing, visit: scottishracing.co.uk
We are delighted to welcome Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS) as a new member of the National Equine Welfare Council.
Founded in 2003 by veterinary surgeon Luke Gamble, WVS is a registered charity dedicated to improving animal welfare worldwide. What began in a small village practice in Dorset - sending vital veterinary supplies to charities overseas - has grown into a global organisation working to ensure animals everywhere have access to essential veterinary care.
Collaboration sits at the heart of WVS’s work. The organisation supports animal welfare charities across the globe by providing critical veterinary supplies and equipment, deploying volunteer veterinary professionals to underserved communities, and delivering high-quality training to address gaps in veterinary knowledge and access.
WVS now operates International Training Centres around the world, providing free treatment to sick and injured animals, delivering outreach programmes, and training veterinary professionals and students. Their work is further strengthened by the WVS Academy, an online learning platform offering accessible resources to support best clinical practice in resource-limited settings.
Through initiatives such as the WVS Veterinary Taskforce, the organisation delivers hands-on veterinary care, surgical training, and promotes the One Health approach - recognising the vital connection between animal, human, and environmental health.
WVS is also at the forefront of emergency response, providing rapid support to animals and communities affected by disasters worldwide - demonstrating a clear commitment to animal welfare wherever it is needed.
By joining NEWC, Worldwide Veterinary Service strengthens our collective efforts to improve equine welfare and promote sustainable, high-quality veterinary care across the sector and beyond.
To learn more about Worldwide Veterinary Service and their work, visit: wvs.org.uk
Redwings is thanking everyone who has signed their fireworks petition and calling on them to ‘help keep up the pressure’, after 58 MPs spoke at a fireworks debate on Monday (19th January).
The charity’s UK Government and Parliament petition was one of two which were the subject of a three-hour scheduled session, in a full-to-bursting chamber at Westminster Hall, London.
Redwings’ call for changes to legislation to limit the maximum noise level of consumer fireworks has reached over 183,000 signatures. A petition started by dog owner Robert Branch calling for fireworks to be restricted to council-run events has reached over 194,000.
Helen Whitelegg, Campaigns and Policy Manager at Redwings, said: “The debate was extremely well attended and overwhelmingly positive about the need for urgent change. In fact, there wasn’t a single voice in opposition present.
“Powerful stories of tragic incidents and traumatic experiences were shared by MPs, including those involving animals, like King, the foal who became impaled on farm machinery in Riddlesden, West Yorkshire, because of fireworks.
“Lizzie Collinge MP told of her constituent Stephen, whose previous guide dog, so frightened by fireworks, dragged him across a main road in a desperate attempt to get away from the noise.
“Sarah Dyke MP told of twenty cattle who were frightened and escaped when fireworks were let off near a dairy farm. One heavily pregnant cow died, another had to have treatment and never recovered.
“Helen Maguire MP shared her own experience of being an army veteran triggered by the noise of fireworks after her return from Iraq.
“Robbie Moore MP, who introduced the debate, told of elderly men with Alzheimer’s disease trying to leave their care home because they felt unsafe, while others were crying and distressed.
“Calvin Bailey MP spoke about an incident of anti-social behaviour where fireworks were thrown at a woman and her small children on a high street. The children spent the evening cowering under a table, suffering trauma.
“There was a lot of passion and frustration during the discussion, reflecting the perceived lack of Government action on this issue and the almost annual scheduling of a petition debate.”
Justin Madders MP said: “We have had these debates year on year. I remember being sat across the Chamber while we were in opposition, I remember being sat in the Minister’s seat a year ago, and now I am here again. Every year, we get more and more Members attending, and more and more members of the public demanding change. I think the case has been made that it is now time to act.”
The Minister present, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade Kate Dearden, was unable to give a timeline or strategy of what will happen next, but assured those present that she had heard their concerns and would be asking for better regulations and urgency of action. She said: “We will continue to gather evidence and continue to hear from organisations, charities and campaigners to ensure that any changes to legislation are effective.”
Though this may have been disappointing, Helen says it was not unexpected: “The aim of a debate like this is to get this evidence in front of a Minister, which we achieved thanks to everyone who has supported us by signing our petition and contacting their representatives.
“As frustrating as it is for all of us who care about this issue, change takes time and the Minister has indicated her willingness to meet with us, which we’ll of course be taking her up on.
“We’ll be continuing to work with Robert, who started the other petition after his family dog became so terrified of fireworks they had to move house, and Alan Smith, who has been a tireless campaigner since his mother was killed by a firework posted through her door, both of whom we’ve been brought together with through this work.
“We’re an active part of the Fireworks Impact Coalition of 19 charities, highlighting the impact of fireworks on people as well as horses and other animals and will be continuing to contribute to research and data collection so that we can evidence the impact of fireworks.”
Helen added: “We have lots of activities planned for 2026 and encourage people to sign up to our campaigns mailing list to receive updates and find out how to get involved.
“Campaign supporters have got us this far and we need their help to keep up the pressure. Keep signing relevant petitions. Don’t sign fewer, sign more, and keep writing to your MP.”
To find out more about Redwings’ work on fireworks please visit: redwings.org.uk/fireworks
Just a few days before Christmas, The Donkey Sanctuary led several organisations in the rescue of six mules and two ponies, who were living on an exposed hillside in rural South Wales.
Responding to a request for operational support from the Lluest Horse and Pony Trust in Carmarthenshire, The Donkey Sanctuary was able to call on fellow National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC) members to provide urgent assistance to move the equines to safety following the death of their owner.
A team of nine from The Donkey Sanctuary, including Donkey Welfare Advisers, a vet, a lorry driver and donkey care staff, alongside staff from Lluest, The Mare and Foal Sanctuary and a vet from Redwings, worked together on the day to ensure a positive outcome for the equines. To help confine the equines and allow the teams to work safely, specialist handling pens were needed. The Mare and Foal Sanctuary brought one set to the site, and though not able to attend themselves, World Horse Welfare provided a second set, without which the rescue would have been much more challenging.
The six unhandled mules, a Shetland stallion and a pony mare were living on an exposed hillside with very little shelter from the elements. One mule in particular had severely overgrown hooves and required urgent veterinary assessment and specialist farriery care.
As a result of a successful operation, all eight equines were safely transported to the Lluest Horse and Pony Trust, where they are now receiving the care, shelter and attention they so desperately needed.
Hannah Bryer, Head of Welfare at The Donkey Sanctuary and a Director of NEWC (National Equine Welfare Council), said: “This was a complex operation in challenging conditions, but thanks to the collective teamwork, experience and compassion of several organisations, the mules and ponies will now benefit from immediate care, veterinary and behaviour support at Lluest. In the longer term, The Donkey Sanctuary will continue to offer advice and support during the rehabilitation of the mules”
“This is a brilliant example of working together, sharing resources and expertise to ensure a positive outcome. Being able to call on fellow NEWC members is instrumental in allowing us to reach equines in urgent need of help.”
Dionne Schuurman, Equine Manager at Lluest Horse and Pony Trust, said: “These mules and ponies were living in extremely exposed conditions at one of the harshest times of year, with no one able to meet their ongoing welfare needs. Getting them to safety while causing minimal stress was critical.
“We’re incredibly grateful to The Donkey Sanctuary and our fellow welfare partners for their professionalism, compassion, and teamwork. Thanks to this joint effort, all eight equines are now safe, sheltered, and beginning the careful process of assessment and rehabilitation.”
The rescue is a reminder of what can be achieved by the collaborative efforts of organisations that put animal welfare first, which is particularly poignant at this time of year.