March round-up: Top horsey news around Wales

Award for Show

The Royal Welsh Show won the Best Event Award at the National Tourism Awards, recognising its impact on Welsh agriculture and culture. Attracting thousands of visitors, it showcases Welsh farming, food, and rural traditions. Having previously won at the Mid Wales Tourism Awards, the event further solidified its national reputation. Last year marked its 120th edition, celebrating over a century of dedication to Welsh agriculture and rural heritage.

Fly-grazing clampdown

Pembrokeshire Council is forming a working group to address the rise in fly-grazing, where horses are abandoned on public land or highways. The Control of Horses (Wales) Act 2014 provides enforcement powers, but increasing incidents have strained council resources. Fly-grazing issues are most significant in the south of the county. The working group will review existing policies, including requests from private landowners for enforcement support, aiming to refine strategies and promote a fly-grazing-free Wales.

Star judge for Show

Martin Clunes OBE, acclaimed actor and equestrian advocate, will judge the Supreme Horse Championship at the Royal Welsh Show on July 24. As president of the British Horse Society, his dedication to horse welfare and equestrian excellence makes him an ideal choice, adding prestige to this highlight of Europe's agricultural calendar.

*Photo courtesy of the British Horse Society.*

Horse ‘crisis’ report

A lack of turnout and owner knowledge were identified by an RSPCA report as drivers of an “equine welfare crisis”. The RSPCA published Horse Sense, a report by the universities of Bristol and Dublin, and Human Behaviour Change for Life to explore the “horse crisis”, and it showed that “most equines in England and Wales are not having welfare needs fully met”. The report highlights social interaction, obesity and rough handling.

Five years since lockdown

March marked the fifth anniversary of the first Coronavirus lockdown here in Wales. It was a very strange time, and challenging for so many. But for some, who may have been furloughed or struggling with the stay indoors order, the ability to get out in the fresh air with our horses was a real high moment in an otherwise difficult time.

Royal visit

This one’s a little late for a March round-up, but in late February, the BHS were joined by Vice-Patron HRH The Princess Royal in Cardiff to celebrate their 'Stable Mates Plus' initiative. It took place at Lower Stockland Farm Competition and Livery Centre, and included sessions on horse health, weight management and bitting guidance.