Three NEWC member organisations are collaborating on a new training series designed to help people understand the realities of taking on a feral or semi-handled pony.
Led by the British Horse Society (BHS), the Feral Pony Education Series brings together the expertise of BHS, The Mare and Foal Sanctuary and The HUGS Foundation, alongside Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust, vets, farriers, behaviourists and BHS Accredited Professional Coaches.
The three events, taking place across Devon and Cornwall during September and October, aim to help people make informed decisions about taking on a pony from a semi-wild environment and support better welfare outcomes once ponies move into domestic homes.
Feral and semi-handled ponies can make rewarding companions, but their previous experiences and natural behaviours can present very different challenges from those associated with traditionally handled horses and ponies.
The series aims to help people understand those differences before taking on a pony, with a particular focus on behaviour, social needs, handling, facilities, feeding, healthcare and the practical realities of responsible ownership.
The first event, Understanding Feral Ponies – Dartmoor Walk and Talk, takes place on Thursday 10th September at Bellever Forest on Dartmoor.
Run by the BHS and Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust, the guided walk will give participants the opportunity to observe ponies in their natural environment and learn more about herd dynamics, social structures, natural behaviour and communication, grazing and feeding patterns, seasonal changes and the role of ponies within the Dartmoor ecosystem.
The second event, Feral Pony Preparation Clinic, takes place on Monday 14th September at The Mare and Foal Sanctuary's Coombe Park Equestrian Centre near Totnes.
The full-day workshop will explore the transition from moorland to domestic life, covering areas including equine behaviour and body language, safe facilities and field set-up, initial handling, companionship, feeding, parasite control, hoof care and veterinary planning. The clinic will also consider common challenges and mistakes when taking on a feral or semi-handled pony.
The final event, Feral Pony Preparation Clinic with The HUGS Foundation, takes place on Sunday 4th October at Higher Whitley Farm near Bodmin.
The clinic will cover similar themes, using local examples and experience to help prospective and existing Cornish owners prepare for the challenges and responsibilities involved in caring for a feral or semi-handled pony.
The organisations involved emphasise that good intentions alone are not enough when taking on a pony from a semi-wild environment.
Understanding where a pony has come from, how it communicates and behaves, and what it needs to remain physically and mentally healthy is an important part of deciding whether an individual can provide an appropriate home.
The series therefore focuses not simply on encouraging people to take on ponies, but on helping prospective owners make realistic, informed decisions and prepare appropriately for the responsibilities involved.
The BHS says the aim is to understand the pony, prepare the owner and support the partnership for the future, with charities and equine professionals sharing their expertise to provide consistent, practical guidance.
For those who do decide to take on a feral or semi-handled pony, developing trust can be a gradual process requiring patience, appropriate facilities and an understanding of the pony's behaviour and needs.
The events are aimed at people considering buying, rescuing or retraining a feral or semi-handled pony, as well as those who already own one or simply want to learn more about their behaviour and welfare.
Thursday 10th September 2026
Bellever Forest, Dartmoor
5.30pm–8pm
Book via Dartmoor Walk and Talk booking page
Monday 14th September 2026
Coombe Park Equestrian Centre, near Totnes
10am–3.30pm
Book via Mare and Foal Sanctuary clinic booking page
Sunday 4th October 2026
Higher Whitley Farm, near Bodmin
2pm–4pm
Book via HUGS Foundation clinic booking page
The events are free to attend, with suggested donations welcomed.
NEWC is pleased to highlight this initiative involving three of its member organisations - The British Horse Society, The Mare and Foal Sanctuary and The HUGS Foundation - working alongside Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust and a range of equine professionals.
Book and find out more:
10th September: Dartmoor Walk and Talk booking page
14th September: Mare and Foal Sanctuary clinic booking page
4th October: HUGS Foundation clinic booking page
With periods of hot weather becoming increasingly common, assessing heat risk and supporting horses to remain safe and comfortable is a key welfare consideration.
NEWC President Dr David Marlin, an equine physiologist with internationally recognised expertise in equine exercise physiology and thermoregulation, has shared guidance on the use of the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) Index when assessing heat risk for exercising horses.
The WBGT Index is a recognised method of assessing environmental heat stress risk. It has been used in equestrian sport since the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games and takes into account several environmental factors that influence a horse’s ability to lose heat:
Unlike the Heat Index, which combines air temperature and humidity and was developed for human heat stress assessment, the WBGT Index provides a more appropriate measure of the thermal environment for exercising horses.
The WBGT Index is calculated using:
0.7 x Wet Bulb Temperature + 0.3 x Black Globe Temperature
The FEI guidelines provide the following recommendations:
🟩 Below 28°C
No changes required to competition format or timing. Standard precautions, including access to shade and cooling facilities, should be available.
🟨 28–30°C
Additional precautions may be required, including close monitoring of horses and access to effective cooling.
🟧 30–32°C
Further measures should be considered, such as modifying timings, reducing distances or enhancing cooling strategies.
🟥 32–33°C
Conditions become hazardous, requiring significant modifications and effective cooling measures.
☠️ Above 33°C
Conditions may be unsuitable for safe competition and suspension or major alterations should be considered.
Dr Marlin highlights two important considerations when using WBGT:
1. Measurements should reflect the actual conditions experienced by horses
WBGT should be measured in full sun rather than in shaded areas, where temperatures and radiant heat load may be lower.
2. Heat acclimatisation is important
The FEI guidance applies to heat-acclimatised horses. Horses that are trained in cooler conditions and then compete in high temperatures may not have developed the adaptations needed to cope with increased heat load, potentially increasing the risk of heat-related illness and earlier fatigue.
As climate patterns continue to change, understanding environmental conditions and using appropriate risk assessment tools are essential parts of responsible horse management.
For more information about WBGT and managing horses in hot weather, visit Ask Animal Web
Representatives from ten member organisations of the National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC) recently came together for an online workshop exploring how charities can continue to support equines in need amid increasing welfare pressures.
The workshop was run by NEWC for its members and led by The Donkey Sanctuary, bringing together colleagues from across the sector to share expertise on the veterinary, behavioural and practical considerations that support informed welfare-led decision-making for equines in need.
The workshop provided an opportunity for teams from different organisations to connect, share experiences and learn from one another, reinforcing the value of collaboration in addressing the challenges currently facing the equine welfare sector.
The impact of the rising cost of living on equine keepers has been well documented, with 81% of respondents to NEWC's 2024 Cost of Living Survey expressing concern about increasing costs. Since then, financial pressures have continued, while poor crop yields and forage shortages have created further challenges for horse, pony, donkey and mule owners.
Speaking about the workshop, Hannah Bryer, Head of Welfare at The Donkey Sanctuary and a Director of NEWC, said:
"Charities are not immune from these economic and environmental challenges, so whilst demand for help is rising, capacity in charity care is becoming increasingly limited. Many charities have needed to adapt to ensure the long-term future of the animals in their direct care and carefully manage new admissions.
"At The Donkey Sanctuary, we have a long history of rehoming and providing lifelong sanctuary care for donkeys and their hybrids. We are continually learning from these experiences and regularly review how we do things to support good welfare outcomes for donkeys in different contexts.
"It is always valuable to get together with NEWC partners to share insights and explore solutions to common issues. By working collaboratively, we can work more effectively and in turn support more equines."
The importance of sharing knowledge and experience was also reflected by Rosie Mogford, Head of Equine Care and Training at Bransby Horses, who recently visited The Donkey Sanctuary's headquarters in Sidmouth to learn more about its approach.
Rosie said:
"We work together a lot with other equine charities. We have worked with The Donkey Sanctuary for a number of years, and it's important to us to share ideas and learn from each other, to help donkeys in the UK.
"At Bransby Horses, we're being asked to help people more as life becomes more difficult, and the challenge for us is to help the people who ask for our help and the equids out there in welfare need.
"I've found it really impressive how The Donkey Sanctuary takes both veterinary and behavioural care very seriously and finds a balance. At Bransby Horses too, we think the holistic care of our equines and donkeys is important, and we like to keep a balance for the wellbeing of the animals in our care."
Hannah added:
"We understand it is a difficult time for equine owners and encourage them to seek advice and support at the earliest opportunity."
NEWC is grateful to The Donkey Sanctuary for leading this workshop and to all member organisations who contributed their expertise and experience. As pressures on equine owners and welfare charities continue, opportunities to collaborate, share learning and develop best practice remain an important part of NEWC's work in supporting high standards of equine welfare across the UK.
If you are an equine owner seeking advice or support, you can find details of NEWC member organisations on our Members page. Many members, including The Donkey Sanctuary, also provide specialist guidance and support through their own advice services.
NEWC member Redwings Horse Sanctuary has welcomed the launch of the UK Government’s public consultation on proposals to strengthen fireworks regulations.
Redwings, alongside other organisations including fellow NEWC member Blue Cross, the British Horse Society, the RSPCA and other members of the Fireworks Impact Coalition, has worked to raise awareness of the impact fireworks can have on horses, other animals and people.
The consultation provides an opportunity for individuals and organisations to share their views on proposed changes, including measures relating to fireworks noise levels and the availability of certain high-risk products.
NEWC supports its members in sharing evidence, experience and expertise that contributes to improving equine welfare. We encourage our members, supporters and the wider equine community to consider responding to the consultation before it closes on 7th October 2026.
Today, the government has launched a 12-week public consultation on proposals to strengthen fireworks regulations. Redwings is urging people to use the opportunity to make their voice heard before 7th October 2026.
The proposals included as part of the consultation include reducing the maximum noise level of consumer fireworks, a step the charity has been campaigning for as part of their Keep Horses In Mind campaign, as it has the potential to reduce the devastating effects very loud fireworks can have on both animals and people.
Redwings was behind a petition, which closed in March with over 184,000 signatures, calling for the noise limit of fireworks available to the public to be reduced from 120 decibels to 90 decibels. Whilst acknowledging that this doesn’t eliminate the risk to horses entirely, the charity believes this is a practical measure that would significantly reduce the number of horses who become very distressed, injured, ill or even tragically lose their lives when fireworks are used nearby.
Redwings Campaigns Manager Helen Whitelegg said: “Having sadly experienced the loss of three much-loved rescued residents here at the Sanctuary due to loud fireworks, as well as hearing from countless horse owners who have lost dear family horses, or suffered injuries themselves due to fireworks frightening their horses, we know we are not alone in dealing with the tragic outcomes when fireworks are used inappropriately. Like many horse owners, pet owners and others, we feel a huge weight of anxiety and uncertainty every year, particularly when approaching traditional dates such as Bonfire Night and New Year’s Eve.”
In Redwings’ survey of over 5,000 UK horse owners, more than two-thirds had direct experience of a horse in their care being impacted by fireworks and in 10% of those cases, a person had also been injured by a distressed horse. Over 95% of survey respondents wanted to see tighter regulation of fireworks. Data collected by the British Horse Society reveals that at least 28 horses have died in fireworks-related incidents in the last five years, with many more cases going unrecorded.
Somerset horse-owner Jayne has been in touch with Redwings since her mare, Lucy, broke her jaw after being spooked by a loud firework last November. Relieved to see progress that is being made that could help prevent similarly devastating incidents happening to others, Jayne said: “Lucy’s wound became infected, and she required round-the-clock care, special feed, vet visits, and wound treatments for more than four months.
“It was exhausting and I couldn’t really do anything other than care for her during all that time. The costs just kept going up and although it was all worth it to see Lucy pull through against the odds (though her jaw will never fully heal), I’m now terrified of what might happen if loud fireworks are let off again nearby in the future."
As a member of the Fireworks Impact Coalition, Redwings is one of 19 charities representing not just the devastating impact fireworks can have on domestic pets, but also farm and zoo animals as well as wildlife, plus the impact on military veterans, people living with PTSD, burn survivors and those who rely on assistance dogs. The charity stands alongside many organisations and individuals who have campaigned for a better balance between traditional celebrations and the protection of vulnerable people and animals.
The consultation also seeks views on proposals to review whether additional high-risk products should be banned from public sale.
Helen added: “When our petition was discussed by 58 MPs in parliamentary debate in January, we heard several MPs echo the thoughts of Robbie Moore, MP for Keighley and Ilkley, when he said, ‘the time for talk is over and we need action now’. Petition debates have become an almost annual event, and we welcome the public consultation as a key step on the road to meaningful regulatory change that will help protect both animals and people.”
Anyone can take part in the consultation. An online form allows respondents to indicate whether they approve of the proposals being put forward by government and, crucially, give their reasons. A link to the consultation is available here, and more information about the consultation and guidance from Redwings to support anyone thinking of taking part is available here.
For more information about Redwings’ Keep Horses In Mind campaign, please click here.
The National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC) is inviting nominations for the NEWC Strategic Goal Recognition Awards 2026, celebrating the people, teams and partnerships making a positive difference for equine welfare.
These awards recognise achievements that support NEWC's Strategic Goals, demonstrate positive impact and showcase good practice across the equine welfare sector.
Whether recognising an innovative research project, an education initiative, collaborative partnership working, or a colleague who consistently goes above and beyond, we encourage our Members and Associates to celebrate the excellent work taking place across the NEWC network.
Nominations are open to staff, volunteers, teams and collaborative partnerships associated with current NEWC Members or Associates.
Self-nominations are not permitted, and multiple nominations are welcome.
Supporting information is encouraged where available, but achievements of all sizes are welcome. We encourage nominations that recognise both significant initiatives and the smaller contributions that make a meaningful difference to equine welfare.
📅 Nominations close at midnight on Sunday 2nd August 2026.
Recipients will be recognised at the NEWC Annual General Meeting in September and featured across NEWC communications.
👉 Submit your nomination here.
If you're unsure which category best fits your nomination, the NEWC Strategic Plan is available to help guide your selection.
We look forward to celebrating the outstanding work taking place across the NEWC community.
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
