To: BHS Trustees, President, Vice Presidents, Regional & County Chairmen, Chairmen of Advisory Committees, Vice Chairmen, Committee Secretary, all BHS staff.
March 2021 Monthly Report- March
Table of Contents
Chief Executive’s Report ...... 2 1. Access and Rights of Way –Heather Clatworthy ...... 2 2. Approvals – Oonagh Meyer ...... 8 3. British Riding Clubs/Participation – Rachael Hollely-Thompson ...... 9 4. Communications / Press – Seona Shuttleworth ...... 9 5. Education – Megen Alsop ...... 10 6 Merchandising - Karen Irving ...... 11 7 Membership - Emma Day ...... 12 8 Safety - Alan Hiscox...... 12 9 Volunteers - Sally Gardner ……………………………………………………13 10 Welfare -Sophie Cookson & Emmeline Hannelly ...... 14 11 Equality and Child Protection-Ellie Vajcovec ………………………………………15 REGIONAL MANAGERS……………………………………………………………….16 12 East of England - Janet Holmes ...... 16 13 East Midlands - Sally Andrews ...... 17 14 Ireland - Susan Spratt ...... 17 15 London and South East - ...... 18 16 North of England - Claire Maddison ...... 18 17 Yorkshire - Amy Clements … …………………….…………………………....19 18 North West - Lyndsay Dring ...... 19 19 Scotland - Helene Mauchlen & Julie Hanna ...... 20 20 South - Hannah Marsh ...... 23 21 South West - Julie Garbutt ...... 23 22 Wales & The Channel Islands - Kathryn Stewart ...... 24 23 West Midlands - Andrea Jackman ...... 25
Please circulate this Monthly Report to your Committee Members
Chief Executive’s Report
Welcome to the March monthly report – it has been a very busy month for the entire team here at the BHS as we support our stakeholders to prepare for the easing of lockdown restrictions. With March behind us and the Spring and Summer months ahead, I know that we’re all looking forward to getting outside and seeing some of the friends and family that we’ve been separated from through the winter.
At the beginning of the month we met with the Chairman’s Consultation Committee and had a very constructive meeting, including the firming up of plans for Ride Out UK. We have a stretching target for the campaign this year, so if you’re able to, please do get out and enjoy and organised Ride Out UK ride near you this summer.
On 4 March many of us across the BHS attended the National Equine Forum (NEF21) which was held virtually for the first time. It was an excellent event with speakers from across all aspects of equestrianism, both recreational and sport based, and Committee Members BAME Equine & Rural Activities Focus Group, to name but a few. We also heard from our very own Trustee, Professor Tim Morris, and our Director of Safety, Alan Hiscox. The most recent Dead Slow Statistics were released at the event, and since then the horse incidents reporting app ‘HORSE I’ has been launched. Our colleagues from the BHS do a marvellous job of representing us at the National Equine Forum, spreading the word of our excellent work across our charitable aims.
You can access the programme and a re-run of NEF21 here: https://www.nationalequineforum.com/resources-2021/. As a final point on NEF21, it was very good to hear the Secretary of State for Rural Affairs, Lord Gardiner, acknowledge the positive work of the BHS at NEF21:
"The BHS set up the Hardship Fund to help meet the cost associated with maintaining the health and wellbeing of horses and ponies. I thank the BHS for their collaboration with the Government to identify the implications that the changing Covid 19 restrictions have had on various equestrian activities”.
An incredibly proud moment for us all, I’m sure you’ll agree!
There’s been plenty more happening throughout the month, with lots of internal and external meetings taking place as more activity is able to resume. At the end of the month, Tim Lord and I attended the BEF Council Meeting which provides a great opportunity for us to meet and discuss matters with our peer organisations and fellow BEF Member Bodies.
We continue to work closely with the British Horse Council, Defra and the DCMS to lobby government for the benefit of all our stakeholders, and in particular, riding schools.
Please read on for more detail on what the Team have been up to across all departments.
1. Access and Rights of Way – Heather Clatworthy
HQ Updates: DOBBINDATA We have recently launched DobbinData, a new mapping tool where you can share or find information on equestrian use of selected features on public rights of way, roads and certain other routes. This information is crucial to us when we are lobbying for change or submitting proposals for new plans, so that we can ensure equestrian inclusion and user-friendly features. This is for the UK. Find out more here: https://www.bhsaccess.org.uk/dobbin/DobbinData.php
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Consultation responses Department Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Northern Ireland - The provision of access for outdoor recreation in Northern Ireland - Key Stakeholder Consultation Welsh Government Consultation Document Agriculture (Wales) White Paper
New starter – welcome Molly We welcome Molly Bannister as Full-Time administrator to the HQ team. Having studied animal welfare in college, she has found great joy in volunteering as a way to work alongside her favourite creatures: whether it be with horses at a riding school or turtles in Australia. Her pride and joy is her rabbit, a Netherland Dwarf named Squib. In her spare time she plays piano, paints, does DIY and tinkers with her car. She is also eager to start taking riding lessons, a life-long dream of hers. Molly is delighted to now be working somewhere she can use her passion, doing her part to make a positive difference for horses and their riders. She has only been with the BHS for a few weeks but reports that she has already “fallen in love with the role and the work we do, and she can’t wait to see what else it has in store”.
Volunteering Volunteer recruitment in the Access Department since the start of 2021 has been very busy! After a successful first phase of our recruitment campaign we’ve had a brilliant number of applications for Access and Bridleway Officers. We currently have 288 Access and Bridleway Officers and nearly 100 2026 Historical Researchers.
BHS 2026 Project (England) currently at 1199 applications
Resumption of notification of owners / occupiers Monday March 29th sees the end of the prohibition of non-essential travel as part of the staged relaxation of the Covid restrictions – the advice though is to still stay local. Since January, the BHS has had in place a moratorium on the service of notices on landowners of DMMO applications made in the name of the BHS, where notices were required to be erected on site. As a result of the end of this limitation on travel, there is no reason why the service of notices, including posting on site, cannot resume and volunteers may now carry out this element of the process again as of 29th March if this can be done locally. Volunteers are reminded of the continuing need to observe social distancing and to comply with any other public health advice.
Scot Pit Lane – Schedule 14 Appeal Decision If, when the Council reviews an application, it decides to reject it the applicant has the option to make what is known as a Schedule 14 Appeal to the Secretary of State. Success at this stage means that the Council will be directed to make the DMMO but there is the still the possibility of objections to the order from landowners and others. There has just been a very interesting Schedule 14 appeal decision in North Yorkshire relating to an application made by our County Access and Bridleways Officer, Caroline Bradley. You can read the decision letter here and see the route plotted on Dobbin as NYK-0249. Well done Caroline and good luck with the next stage!
Dobbin news – the Dobbin 2026 site at www.bhsaccess.org.uk/2026 continues to grow and develop. There are currently over 13,500 routes plotted on it across England and Wales, and many people use it to create some or all of their application documents. For those that do use it, just a reminder that any comments entered on the research records could be viewed by anybody – other researchers or landowners or local authorities. Comments should be objective and appropriate at all times. If you have any queries about this or concerns about any particular content then do let us know at [email protected].
Training update for 2026 Volunteers
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Over the last year or so we have been overwhelmed by the number of people wishing to get involved in Project 2026, whether they be BHS members or not or equestrians or not. In the past we have been grateful to Sarah Bucks and Phil Wadey, authors of Rights of Way: Restoring the Record, for their training courses as well as their book! It obviously hasn’t been possible to run face-to-face course over the last year or so, but we are aiming to make more and more training resources available online. On the Restoring the Record website there are various videos and presentations that can be viewed on demand and this is expected to grow . We also currently offer two 2026 specific online webinars – “Getting Started” and “Using Dobbin – The BHS 2026 Mapping and Research Website” and we are looking to develop a third “Making a DMMO Application – a guide to the process”. Details of all the available courses and how to book can be found here.
Sport England funding extension Finally, some really good news. In recognition of the impact of Covid, Sport England has now confirmed that it is extending its funding for Project 2026 for a further 12 months until March 2022. This will enable the BHS to maintain its focus on this and to offer the financial assistance to applicants at least until that date. Over that period we will be looking to prepare a new bid to Sport England to continue the project for several more years closer to 2026.
Access Training for BHS Bridleway Officers Our Access training continues virtually. For details of future courses please look at our website or BHS Riding Out UK Facebook page.
BHS Affiliated Equestrian Access Groups Our Equestrian Access Groups throughout the UK have completed their affiliation renewals for 2021 and the team have processed these for the proceeding year. We look forward to working together and supporting these groups with their aspirations for 2021. Find out more about our Equestrian Access Groups and which ones are operating in your region, and what they do by visiting https://www.bhs.org.uk/our-work/access/equestrian- access-groups
Public Advice and Support – We continue to respond to access queries despite lockdown. Popular queries can be solved through the great selection of advisory leaflets we have online which are free to download. Hardcopies are available from the Access team. More than 2500 receive our free monthly Ride Out Enews – are you one of them? Stay in the know with everything the BHS are working on in ARoW in your area – subscribe to the mailing list [email protected]
Northern Ireland Increased opportunities for vitally needed safe off-road places for equestrians of Northern Ireland continue to be investigated and supported with individual landowners and relevant bodies. Updates on some current sites below: Drumkeeragh Forest – Co.Down – Newry, Mourne & Down Council - Work continues for the inclusion of equestrian access on a pilot multiuser route with the hope of launching soon. Great works have been undertaken with the support of Outdoor Recreation N.I and Newry, Mourne & Down Council. An equestrian car park is in situ as well as the installation of BHS recommended Horse Friendly Vehicle Barriers and waymarking. BHS is providing two mounting blocks at this site to support the project from the Ride Out Fund. Progress will continue to be reported. Gortin Glen Horse Riding Trails – Co.Tyrone – Fermanagh & Omagh Council An 8 km horse riding trail in Gortin Glen Forest which is being developed by Fermanagh and Omagh District Forest. The British Horse Society Ireland have supported this development. The trail will be way marked, have a car park and riders will need to register
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to use, providing insurance information annually, but there will be no charge for usage which is significant progress away from charged for permits for horse riders. BHS Ireland is providing guidance and information and financing a mounting block in the car park from the Ride Out Fund. Gosford Forest Park Horse Riding Trail – Armagh – Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council Gosford Forest Park, Boundary Trail - WalkNI This trail is managed by Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon District Council . A daily or annual permit was required however we are hoping that this will not be required to be charged for moving forward. We are working to release a video for Northern Ireland to encourage responsible use amongst all users when Riding Out.
Regional reports from access field officers in England Yorkshire - Mark Corrigan Meeting with Pennine National Trails Partnership who are looking for help with some match funding for 3 routes, the main project is called Mitton Sisters and is located near Holme Chapel south of Burnley in Lancashire there is also a project at Feizor in North Yorkshire & one at High Stennerskeugh in Cumbria. The work required is mostly to repair washed out routes. Some funding has already been received from Natural England.
Completed and submitted DMMO KIR-0120 Marsden Lane Slaithwaite an original pack horse route which is recorded as a footpath during the research of this route photographs taken showed a carving sculpture at the start of the route of a pack horse loaded up with goods. The route leads directly to Slaithwaite Hall one of the oldest buildings in the area. Clearly an incorrectly recorded route.
Caroline Bradley’s Appeal has been won against NYCC to make an order for Scott Pit Lane as a bridleway, the Council will now have to make the order.
Met with The National Grid consultation liaison group regarding works being constructed in Dunford bridge South Yorkshire this stakeholder group has been in existence since 2014. A diversion on the Trans Pennine Trail (TPT) will be in place along with a new bridge for all users, the work will take a year and a half, there will be safety marshals on site who will ensure that very heavy machinery is controlled when near horses. Horse warning safety signs will be used along the access roads. There will be a grant fund available for local project throughout the length of the project up to £10,000 per project
East Region - Charlotte Ditchburn Supporting local riders, livery yards and RDA yard regarding a planning application which has now been withdrawn. Responded to Suffolk Highways re proposed crash barriers joining a rail bridge heavily used by equestrians. Helped local rider on Mersea Island with queries about 2026 routes, planning matters and road safety issues. Submitted 20 DMMO applications to Suffolk County Council. Supporting CABO with Cole Green Way proposals regarding asphalt surfacing of Sustrans route. Contacted East of England Sustrans to raise concerns and request meeting. Response sent to Natural England Coastal Path, Bawdsey to Aldeburgh. Improvement works to Washpit Road, Girton have been completed providing a grass verge alongside hard top surface. Responded to Uttlesford District Council Local Plan Consultation. Highlighted current exclusion of horses and provided suggestions for how best to include us in all aspects.
West and East Midlands Regions - Wendy Bannerman Responded to: - North East Northants Local Plan Part 2
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- Rutland and South Kesteven council Design Guidelines consultation - Solihull Residential backlands Development consultation - Warwickshire survey on country parks - Coventry City consultation on Statement of Community Involvement. - Lincs CC Walking Strategy Consultation - Worcestershire 6 Business Park pre-application stakeholder consultation with developers. The existing bridleway through the site is to be retained in the same position. They are open to suggestions re surfacing. - Spalding and Holbeach Cycling and Walking Plan. - Markfield Housing Development – supported local riders requesting equestrian access on multi-user routes
Met with Notts County Council and local rider re Leverton byways.
Attended: - Derbyshire Committee meeting followed by Access catch up - Meeting re A52 crossings meeting - Lincolnshire North and South Access and Project 2026 volunteer meeting
Submitted 4 DMMO applications
Liaised with - Solihull Metropolitain Council re the HS2 diversion of the Greenway. Local riders have responded to the diversion with concern over width of route. Width is 4m with stock fencing either side. Surface crushed stone/dust. - Staffs CC re maintenance works commencing on Bowhill Lane, Betley and sent guidance on steps/gradients.
South West -Philip Hackett Commented on Double Waters Bridge consultation regarding moving location of existing footbridge and replacing with a bridleway bridge.
Made representations re - Langport Lane, Dawlish following damage caused by 4x4s, after discussions with Devon County Council a horse stile has been installed at the entrance to the bridleway to prevent motor vehicle access to the bridleway. - Abbots Leigh, Ham Green, Pill and Easton-in-Gordano Neighbourhood Plan Consultation. - Chew Valley Trail for horses to be included. - Bow Common, regarding sand and gravel extraction with assistance from local rider
Met with - Mid Cotswold Tracks and Trails to discuss ongoing issues. We have been campaigning with them for a road sign on the busy A433 warning of a bridleway crossing which is part of the Tetbury Trail in Gloucestershire. The Council has now agreed to erect a totem pole warning sign in March. - Gloucestershire Public Rights of Way Warden team to discuss various issues - bridleway obstructions, gates, and overgrowth. - the Bournemouth Christchurch Poole Transforming Travel team, and riding opportunities have been identified on the new cycle routes.
Compton Dundon Parish Council is putting in a permissive bridleway to take horse riders off the B3151.
Liaised with Gloucestershire County Council to reopen a route which had been closed; this was reopened within a week.
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The consultation report for the M5 Junction 10 Improvement Scheme has been published for the Cheltenham North access. The BHS’s comments have been taken on board - horse riders will greatly appreciate the following statement in the report “I think horse riders should be well accommodated at Coombe Hill as there are stables nearby” and in respect of the segregated footway and cycleway it is clearly stated “there is effective integration of sustainable travel and walking, cycling and horse riding (WCH) facilities.” This scheme, when it is constructed in 2024 will represent the best possible outcome for equestrians in the area and will be of great benefit for access and safety in that it links all the bridleways that run in to this busy road.
The A417 Missing Link, Birdlip Gloucestershire Statement of Common Ground meeting ran through of all the proposals. There are some very welcome gains for local horse riders with the provision of new routes which have been connected up to provide circular rides and safe crossing points over (and under) the A417. In addition the scheme will, when delivered provide parking for horseboxes.
South - Petronella Nattrass Responded to enquiry from Network Rail about minimum heights for new shared underpass at Tackley level crossing, for both mounted and led horses. Following a report to BHS Bucks Committee on recent discussions with HS2 Engagement team about bridleway diversions and closures in Grendon Underwood area, an update on BHS continuing involvement with HS2 was posted onto the South Region Facebook page, with links to further information on HS2 construction and path/road closures. Objected to a planning proposal for 2,500 homes at One Horton Heath (Hampshire) after contacting 2 nearby BHS approved centres re potential impacts. Received an immediate invitation from the developer’s agents to meet and discuss new equestrian access. Agents agreed to discuss with their client 2 potential new on-site bridleways within the site. HCC Countryside Service is proposing to produce educational videos on controlling dogs near horses and not feeding horses while out in the countryside. Regional AFO is supporting this in consultation with BHS Safety and Welfare departments. Work is due to start in April on the major Ride Out Fund bridleway resurfacing project in Binsted, Hampshire that is being led by Gill Plumbley, ABO for Alton area. Consultations responded to: - Responded to consultation on new Southern Water desalination plant and pipeline. - Responded to Oxfordshire Local Transport and Connectivity Plan draft vision.
South East and London - Sarah Rayfield Liaised with Approvals and East Sussex County Council regarding illegal obstruction of a bridleway. The obstruction has now been removed. Received an informal pre application consultation from Brighton & Hove regarding the downgrade to bridleway of three restricted byways within the Highways authority boundary. The reason given was that these are dead end Restricted Byways as they become bridleways when they cross into the neighbouring county. Following feedback from two British Driving Society representatives and with the information obtained online, indicated to Brighton & Hove that BHS would object to the downgrading of these routes but would be willing to work with the Highways Authority (and its neighbouring authorities) to find a solution to whatever issues are causing this action to be considered by the Local Access Forum and/or to seek a pragmatic solution which would not limit access for carriage drivers or render them less safe.
North & North West - new starter welcome - Victor Pogson We are pleased to welcome Victor to this post. Yorkshire born and bred; Victor has a love of the great outdoors. When not acting as unpaid chauffeur to his partner’s horse Max, he 7
can often be found with his walking boots on and a rucksack on his back navigating his way along country lanes and footpaths. With a lifelong interest in map-reading, his involvement with routes old and new ranges from helping the Ancient Roads Conservation Volunteers repair an ancient moorland byway with pick and shovel to his volunteer work as Footpath Secretary with his local Ramblers Group and most recently Ramblers Don’t Lose Your Way Team Coordinator for North Yorkshire. Victor worked in operations and sales roles in retail banking before striking out on his own to run a successful travel business for 15 years. In the last four years he has worked with global consultancy firms as Manager for UK and Swiss operations and Project Support Specialist for global strategy planning workshops.
2. Approvals – Oonagh Meyer
Centre Activity Throughout March, where able to, Centres started to return to restricted operations as restrictions eased, which helped some in partial preparation for opening with restrictions as easements adjusted across the differing nations. Some local authorities continue to challenge the information and guidance being put forward by BHS and BEF in the belief that either a riding school arena is not a ‘public place’, or challenge the interpretations upon when a covered arena is an indoor building or not.
Centre Support Support phone calls from both Operations and Business Support teams continue. Coffee Mornings are scheduled and much use is being made of the Approved Centres FB group to further promote all activities and more recently the return this year of a virtual BHS Approved Centres Riding Schools Championships!
March 2021
Coding F Facility HW Horses Welcome L Livery RH Riding Holidays RS Riding School S Showing R Retraining
New
Sandridgebury Riding School Hertfordshire
RS/L Pending – this is for centres who have had a virtual inspection and are awaiting a face to face visit when restrictions allow
Tower Farm Riding School Scotland
RS/T/T Deleted Durham Equestrian Centre Durham
L
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3. British Riding Clubs – Rachael Hollely-Thompson
Following the changes to the BRC structure earlier this year, we are delighted to say Merlin Perlo has been appointed into the role competition coordinator. Work now begins to recruit Merlin’s replacement for the Competitions Administrator role.
Rider magazine dropped on doorsteps at the beginning of March. This issue features a fabulous interview with Laura Collett, a great feature from BHS Welfare around stable enrichment and a training feature supported by Dengie amongst a whole host of other interesting things.
The entries have now closed for the virtual dressage championships and we have a huge number of entries, enough to fill 60 arenas at a physical competition! The competitions team will now work hard to process all the videos and send them to judges.
4. Communications / Press – Seona Shuttleworth
BHS in the media Summary Press enquiries: 14 Coverage: 118 BHS mentions: 137 In total, we had: • National: 2 • Broadcast: 13 • Trade: 47 • Regional: 55 • International: 1 Reach for the month is 27,585,606
Highlights Dead Slow campaign This month we release the annual Dead Slow statistics, along with the new ‘horse i’ app. Alan Hiscox released the statistics in a presentation at this year’s National Equine Forum, as well as giving an interview with Horse & Hound. We released the Dead Slow statistics to targeted trade and regional press. In total we have received 91 pieces of press coverage with a reach of 7 million. The ‘Horse i’ app has been well received by media, members and stakeholders and was in the ‘top 100 downloaded app’s’ in its first week.
#BeHorseAware campaign The #BeHorseAware campaign continued to gain regional and broadcast coverage again this month. The total reach of the campaign currently stands at 25,999,312 – and we are still getting a steady flow of coverage coming through.
Other highlights We have been working in partnership on several joint initiatives; Strangles Awareness Week in May and the Countryside Code with Cycling UK,
British Horse Magazine The team are working on the next edition of British Horse Magazine, due out on the 27 of May. We are pleased that we have been able to go out and photograph Masterclass as well as one of the main features for this edition.
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5. Education – Megen Alsop
Education Team We would like to welcome back into the Accredited Professional Team Emma Read. Emma left the society just over two years ago and we are delighted she has decided to come back into the team. Please do send her a warm welcome back!
Pony Stars We have begun our information and training roll out of Pony Stars to our Approved Centres and Accredited Professional Coaches. This started with a series of information videos followed by three weeks of live information Q&A sessions from 22 March. At the time of writing, we had only finished our first day of information sessions having spoken with over 60 coaches. Feedback was really positive, and all coaches were delighted with the program and looking forward to delivering. We received this email after only the first few sessions:
“I've just finished my Starleaf event and am suitably inspired! Thank you and a very well done to everyone who has contributed to this - it's going to make a big difference to me, my junior coaches and of course the children! I look forward to the developments rolling out over the next few weeks.”
We also sent an email comms to our volunteers and BRC committees letting them know Pony Stars is coming soon.
We plan to continue with our training and information roll out until the public launch in May. You can find out more information on our website
Ride By Your Side The Ride By Your Side Accredited Professional Taskforce sent out a survey to all of our Accredited Professionals to find out how they felt about the BHS and membership package. We are delighted that 666 coaches responded, which is just under 25% of the total number of coaches. The task force team are currently working through the responses and results will be shared shortly.
Challenge Award Coach Training We continue to deliver the Challenge Award Coach Training in 2021. Below are the dates we are running, to book click here • 9th March 2021 • 24th March 2021 • 6th April 2021 • 5th May 2021 • 1st June 2021
Stage 4 Trainer Calls For a Performance Coach to sign off a Stage 4 Skills Record they need to attend a training session via starleaf. This will ensure they are completely aware of the requirements at this level. The Skills Record forms part of the Stage 4 qualification so it is vital they attend one of the following calls, to book click here • 3rd March 2021 • 7th April 2021
First Aid and Safeguarding Courses In the month of March we have run 10 safeguarding courses with 84 delegates attending in total. To date, 125 people have booked the online safeguarding update throughout 2021.
We have held 16 first aid refresher courses with 222 delegates attending in total. 10
6. Merchandising – Karen Irving
Events The situation with regards to which events will be running this year and how they will be running continues to evolve. Last month we advised that Royal Windsor Horse Show has moved from its traditional May dates to new dates in early July (1 – 4 July) it is looking as though ticket numbers will be limited so it is unlikely that there will a ticket offers for BHS members this year. The Great Yorkshire Show has confirmed it will be running between 13 – 16 July. They have added an additional date to ensure they can accommodate any Covid 19 requirements still in place and they continue to provide updates. The Royal International is planning to run in some form and we look forward to receiving further information on what this will look like. We will also be attending a new event this year, HorseFest, an exciting new outdoor summer festival for Horse Lovers. Taking place from 23 – 25 July at the stunning Weston Park in Shropshire, you can camp or ‘glamp’ to fully embrace festival life and feel part of the HorseFest Tribe. HorseFest is promising a packed line-up that includes a variety of interactive and inclusive performances and demonstrations from top riders and experts across all areas of the equestrian world. Join their free online community HorseTribe before 30 April to receive 15% off entrance tickets prices to HorseFest. For further information visit www.horsefest.org The plans for our Covid 19 safe trade stand continue and we are looking forward to seeing it out and about in action. Plans for virtual events continue and will be released when finalised although we are hoping to do something around the Olympics which we hope will be exciting.
The BHS Masters’ Series During April we will be releasing the next of our BHS Masters’ Series ‘Lateral Learning’ with Richard Davison FBHS. Richard looks at lateral work from a number of aspects including jumping and hacking out. With exercises for riders and coaches of all levels and a few famous faces in the mix we hope you won’t be disappointed. By the time you read this you should have received your members email detailing its release.
The plan is for the next episode to be released in early June, then the next in August, with a Q&A panel discussion with all the coaches taking place in October.
All the programmes are looking great with something for everyone whatever their level or ambition
Tickets for the new programme with Richard and Yogi are available at buytickets.at/bhs . We also have a package available which will give you access to all the programmes in the series for a discounted rate. To receive a further member discount on this package please use MEMB21
Merchandise Sales in March continue to be positive and we are hoping this continues for the rest of the year. We are currently planning a number of different marketing initiatives for the site which we hope will raise awareness. The first of these, BHS Book took place during the week commencing 1 March to coincide with World Book Day on 4 March. We were able to take a number of learnings from this and hope to apply these throughout the year. We are planning a book of the month each month on social media and a blog on the website with a different product each month.
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The BHS Horse Aware ‘Don’t Feed the Horses’ signs continue to be our bestsellers and we are glad to be supporting individuals to make people aware of the danger of feeding horses that are not their own when out enjoying the countryside. We have recently brought on board a number of new products to the site which we hope our members will find relevant and these should be going live at the beginning of May. Keep your eye on our social media to find out more.
7. Membership – Emma Day
Our target membership for the end of 2021 is 119,085.
We ended the month of March with a net gain of 595 members taking the overall membership figure to 118,470.
This brings our net growth this year to 2,150 members.
The current membership type breakdown is as follows:
Start of 2021 End of March 2021 Growth in numbers Life & Founder Members 1,193 1,175 -18 Friend 53 55 2 Gold Family 25,541 26,161 620 Gold Adults 73,123 74,175 1,052 Gold Junior 12,473 12,940 467 Silver 1,120 1,110 -10 Helping Horses 195 191 -4 Overseas Full 135 128 -7 Overseas E-Membership 108 97 -11 Professional Gold 2,379 2,385 6 BHS Pathway (Ireland) 0 41 41 BHS Supporter (Ireland) 0 12 12 116,320 118,470 2,150 Total
8. Safety – Alan Hiscox
Incident Total since 28.02 - 31.03 launch Dog attack 1870 55 Road accident 5838 356 Fireworks 590 7 Low flying 408 15 Slippery roads 346 35 Gates 170 0 Windfarm 10 0 Cycles 291 0 Transport 29 0 Chinese Lanterns 27 0 Bird Scarers 78 0
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The Safety Team met/attended: • National Equine Forum - Dead Slow presentation • Honest Truth Driving Instructors Webinar • Hits Radio - Dead Slow interview • Heart FM – Dead Slow interview • Fireworks discussion with Office of Product Safety and Standards, and other animal welfare organisations • Lincolnshire Police – Re Dead Slow • Equestrian Safety Group meeting • Safety issue meeting in Leicestershire, Harby • Road and Rider Awareness evening – BHS London • Road and Riders Awareness evening- Vale of the White Horse Riding Club • Road and Rider Awareness Evening – BHS Leicestershire • Dead Slow presentation – Strathclyde Riding Club • Dead Slow presentation – Hampshire Police Mounted Volunteers • Be Safety Minded evening – BHS Orkney • Hampshire Rural Crime Unit and Mounted Volunteers • Bikeability Briefing • Jockey Club – Re Prescribed Signs for Horse Crossings. • Reverse my Trailer - Jim Bedigan
9. Volunteers – Sally Gardner
Another busy month for applications, with 30 new forms received. Overall volunteer numbers increased again this month with a net gain of 12. At the end of March there are 1,033 individuals carrying out 1254 different volunteering roles for the BHS. This is a 13% increase on March 2020 (917 volunteers). The largest increase by Region is in the East of England where there has been a 33% increase in the number of volunteers over the past 12 months.
Month New applications Number of active Volunteers January 2021 43 1,006 February 2021 34 1,022 March 2021 30 1,033
Region/Nation Number of Volunteers Number of Volunteers March 2020 March 2021 East of England 77 103 East Midlands 78 89 Ireland 8 8 London 19 24 North 49 57 North West 66 73 Scotland 167 162 South 60 68 South East 80 87 South West 131 157 Wales & Channel Isles 64 75 West Midlands 54 61 Yorkshire 64 69 Total 917 1033
Volunteering Update During March we launched virtual Event Safety Training for BHS committees who had no (or 1) current volunteers trained. This training is mandatory for all committees to be able to organise events, meetings, and activities. Initial feedback shows that the virtual training is
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working well, and we plan to extend the sessions to more committees in the coming months.
Fay has been working with Julie Garbutt and Lyndsey Dring to support the delivery of a new virtual training session covering all other aspects of running an event/activity. This training will follow the journey of planning and organising an event, from initial concept, venue or online platforms, budgeting, speakers, marketing, ticketing right through to the event itself and feedback/follow up. The training will be delivered in April/May.
Jeanette has been working on the marketing and promotion for the 2021 Annual Awards and Long Service Awards. The nominations for the 2021 awards will open in May. We have many categories, including a new one from 2020: Unsung Hero’s Award for an individual, group or organization that has gone above and beyond to contribute to their local equestrian community. Our awards represent the equine community as a whole. It’s not always the high-profile people who should be thanked. If you feel someone has affected your local community in a positive way please, do nominate them.
Sally finished preparing our annual volunteer survey to understand what support our volunteers require, how we can communicate more effectively and where we can make improvements to the programme and volunteer experience. The survey will be distributed on 1st April. Work is currently being carried out to the volunteer resources webpages. We are refreshing, reviewing, and redesigning this area and hope to complete this work in March. Do let us know what you think!
During March, the Team attended the following:
3rd March – Chairman’s Consultation Committee 4th March – AROWCC 10th March – Volunteer Programme Advisory Group 22nd March – South West Regional Committee meeting 23rd March - Volunteer Managers (Animal Welfare Network) Meeting 23rd March – East Midlands Regional Committee meeting 24th/25th – Event Safety Training 25th March – Volunteering and the Law webinar 31st March – Equestrian Road & Rider Safety evening
10. Welfare – Sophie Cookson & Emmeline Hannelly
Welfare Operations In March, we received 115 new welfare concerns. Of these 6 were Friends At The End cases. This is an increase of 16 concerns compared to the same period last year. The most frequent welfare issues for this March were regarding field conditions with a lack of grass and no forage provided. Interestingly, there have been a lot of concerns regarding Shetlands this month with concerns focusing on poor living conditions. We still consider the increase of welfare concerns being reported is due to the increase of general public being out and about walking during this pandemic lockdown.
Friends at the End Both Cathy and Sophie provided talks about Friends at the End this month. Cathy provided support to the BHS Cheshire Committee who ran a virtual ‘End of Life’ event. Sophie spoke at a webinar organised by Moredun about Equine Grass Sickness (EGS). We are supporting a new EGS Biobank three-year research project at Moredun. Researchers at The Moredun Foundation and The Equine Grass Sickness Fund are leading on this project and aim to gather a range of samples, so support from horse owners and vets will be critical.
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Welfare Education Gabby has been very busy providing online presentations throughout March; ‘Laminitis prevention and getting horses fit’ for BHS West Midlands, ‘BHS Welfare and Covid-19 Impacts’ for Brooksby College and Moreton Morrell College and ‘Considerations for Buying & Loaning a Horse’ for BHS North. Emmeline provided a presentation to third year degree students at Writtle College on ‘Equine Legislation and the Role of BHS Welfare’. Following a meeting with the British Equine Veterinary Association Trust, it was decided not to proceed with our Healthcare & Education Clinics until Autumn 2021. The continued Covid-19 restrictions and current pressures faced by many veterinary practices were the deciding factors. We are delighted to announce that the proactive work involving our welfare vehicle for our Horse Health Days and events (such as Ride out UK), initially local to BHS HQ, will commence from May onwards. Please contact Nicola if you have an event that you would like the team to attend: [email protected] Nicola provided refresher training on Horse Health Days and Fat Scoring to the Welfare and Development Team. Two alternative dates were provided for people to attend. As an outcome, this will also be provided as CPD training for our Welfare Advisers. The team has been involved with attending a wide range of meetings which is too extensive to list. Emmeline attended the National Equine Forum and Animal Welfare Research Network (AWRN) / NEWC Sporting Disciplines Workshop. A new report looking at the use of alternative grazing systems in the UK has been published by the University of Liverpool, supported by the BHS and many other organisations. For further information and to download the report visit: https://www.bhs.org.uk/our-charity/press-centre/news/2021/march/thinking-outside-the-box
Website Updates • A new webpage has been added to the Horse, Health and Sickness section of our website on Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS). • We have also reviewed and updated the webpage - ‘Bringing Your Horse Back into Work’. This now has a greater focus on developing a fitness plan and maintaining horse health and fitness.
New Welfare Concerns Received
December 2020 82 + 32 Covid-19 enquiries (up until 18.12.20) January 2021 212 + 275 Covid-19 enquiries February 2021 148 + 78 Covid-19 enquiries March 2021 115 + 42 Covid-19 enquiries (until 30.03.21)
Passport Applications Received December 2020 173 January 2021 119 February 2021 169 March 2021 165
11. Equality and Child Protection – Ellie Vajcovec
Safeguarding Courses Face to face courses are currently offered virtually via our Starleaf platform, we had 87 participants attending over 11 courses in March.
Criminal Record Checks DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) – England and Wales
102 Online DBS Application Forms 7 Paper DBS Application Forms 15
PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) - Scotland 1 PVG forms
Safeguarding Concerns 0 new, 2 ongoing
REGIONAL MANAGERS
12. East of England - Janet Holmes
Starleaf meetings and catch-ups 1 Pony Stars Meeting 22 Pony Stars Meeting 2 Catch up with Regional Chair 23 Pony Stars Meeting 3 Pony Stars Meeting 23 Delivery of Pony Stars 5 Pony Stars Filming 23 Suffolk Committee Meeting 8 Cambs Committee Meeting 24 Delivery of Pony Stars 9 Pony Stars Meeting 25 Q&T 10 Pony Stars Meeting 25 Delivery of Pony Stars 11 Handling Difficult Conversations 26 Delivery of Pony Stars Training 29 Pony Stars brief 11 1-1 with Georgina Walters 29 Delivery of Pony Stars 17 Home Team Meeting 31 Welfare Training Session – Horse 17 Pony Stars Meeting Heath Days & Fat Scoring 19 Development Team Meeting
Lectures/ presentations/events/CPD held 4 Keeping Motivated During Lockdown – a free session for Campers delivered by Jo Winfield FBHS – Donations were excepted for the Hardship fund - £70 was donated. 11 Mar: BHS Bedfordshire Vet Talk: Buying and Selling horses – passing the vetting process Presented by Dr Andrew Wallace BSc BVSc CertEP CertAVP PgDip(VPS) MRCVS. Advanced Veterinary Practitioner in Equine Practice. One-hour virtual session. 18 Mar: BHS Bedfordshire Vet Talk: Gastric ulcers – how to spot and solve this painful condition. Presented by Dr Philip Ivens MRCVS.EBVS European Veterinary Specialist in Equine Internal Medicine & RCVS Specialist in Equine Medicine (Internal Medicine). We had 78 participants on this call. 22 Mar: The Scales of Training with Claire Lilley. (Part one) One-hour virtual session with limited places available to enable discussion. This was fully booked. 25 Mar: BHS Bedfordshire Vet Talk: Supporting the geriatric horse Presenters: Dr Alice Swetnam BVetMed MRCVS and Dr Jess Mullard BVetMed MRCVS.
Forthcoming lectures/ presentations/events/CPD 8 Apr: BHS Bedfordshire Vet Talk: Lameness diagnosis and modern treatments Presented by Dr Jess Campbell BVetMed MRCVS. One-hour virtual session: Book online: https://buytickets.at/bhsbedfordshire 12 Apr: The Scales of Training with Claire Lilley. (Part two) One-hour virtual session with limited places available to enable discussion. Book online https://bookwhen.com/bhseast
20 April: Any Horse Any Rider Clinic with Caroline Meads. Accredited Professional Performance Coach BHSI. At Forest Edge Arena, Drymere, Swaffham, Norfolk, PE37 8AS
22 Apr: BHS Bedfordshire Vet Talk: What’s new in diagnosing and treating laminitis. Presented by Dr Philip Ivens MRCVS.EBVS European Veterinary Specialist in Equine Internal Medicine & RCVS Specialist in Equine Medicine (Internal Medicine). One-hour virtual session: Book online: https://buytickets.at/bhsbedfordshire
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The vet talks delivered by BHS Bedfordshire have so far raised £650 for the Hardship fund! Well done team Beds!
13. East Midlands - Sally Andrews
News, Events and Meetings 9 Mar: BHS Derbyshire Committee virtual meeting 11 Mar: We ran a very successful Virtual Road and Rider Awareness evening presented by Equine Lawyer, Cathryn Godfrey from Irwin Mitchell LLP; BHS Director of Safety Alan Hiscox; and Stuart Mottershaw, Casualty and Speed Reduction Coordinator with Leicestershire Police Traffic Management Department. 23 Mar: East Midlands Regional Committee virtual meeting 24 Mar: BHS East Sussex Committee virtual meeting (hosted as caretaker RM) 31 Mar: BHS Northamptonshire Committee virtual meeting
Michelle Storer, one of our Volunteer Access and Bridleways Officers in Nottinghamshire was on Radio Nottingham raising awareness about Project 2026.
We are delighted to welcome a new volunteer Access and Bridleways Officer and an Events and Education Officer to our BHS Nottinghamshire Committee.
Our Access and Bridleways Officers have remained busy, with research, submitting claims and liaising with local authorities across all East Midlands Counties. This has become even more apparent with the launch of Dobbin Data showing the spread of routes plotted and applied for.
All counties have been spreading the word via their local networks to raise awareness for reporting local incidents and accidents on the new the Horse i App which has been extremely well received.
Forthcoming Events and Meetings 13 Apr: BHS North Lincolnshire Committee virtual meeting 21 Apr: BHS South Lincolnshire Committee virtual meeting 26 Apr: BHS Leicestershire & Rutland Committee virtual meeting
14. Ireland - Susan Spratt
I have spent this month:- • organising new training opportunities and events for 2021 and promoting online training opportunities and the key BHS messages on Facebook. • Online Safeguarding starter and refresher courses are available through Sport NI. • We ran three Blended BHS First Aid Refresher Courses – theory online and the practical session take place once we can.
Virtual Training – CPD courses Talks by Brendan Bergin, BHS Accredited Professional Coach/BHSI 10 March - Keeping Horses Naturally – What are the Options? 24 March - Stereotypical Behaviour – The Facts and the Fictions 31 March – How to Run a Business – A Self Help Information Evening Talks by Mark Robinson, BHS Accredited Professional Coach/BHSI 22 March - “Understanding Horse Anatomy and Physiology – Part 2”
Talks by Hilary Vernon 1 March – Talk 4 “All about Bits and Bitting – The Double Bridle” 15 March - “The Young Horse – Bitting and Initial Training”
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Meetings 2 March – East Wicklow Bridleway Group 3 March – Drumkeeragh Forest Meeting 3 March - Safeguarding Officer Meeting with NSPCC Northern Ireland 9 March – Catch up meeting with Coillte (Forest Service in Republic of Ireland) 11 March – CAFRE Virtual Welfare Conference 19 March – Interim Equine Forum 25 March – Leave No Trace Ireland Launch 29 March – Gortin Glen Forest Horse Trail Meeting 30 March – TREC Ireland Catch Up Meeting
General ongoing work • Managing and administering the membership of the BHS Ireland Greyabbey Toll Ride and continuing to work on off-road horseriding opportunities. • Keeping in touch with my BHS NI Committee and also talking to members, BHS APCs and Riding Schools with concerns or who just need to talk. • Keeping up to date with and communicating the information relating to Covid which is particularly relevant to our BHS Accredited Professional Coaches and Riding Centres in my two countries – Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. Further update was provided on 26 March for changes on 1 April for Northern Ireland. The Republic of Ireland continues to be at Level 5.
15. London and South East
Committee News - London We are seeking two volunteers to take on the role of Chair and of Secretary for the committee. Enquiries to [email protected]
Event The online Equestrian Road and Rider Safety evening was held on Wednesday 31 March 2021. Presented by Des Payne (BHS Safety Team Leader) and Cathryn Godfrey (Irwin & Mitchell solicitors) this informative event covered the rights and responsibilities, the Law and how to stay safe on the roads. This free virtual event was attended by 18 people, with £76 donated to the Dead Slow campaign.
16. North of England – Claire Maddison
Virtual events/shows 29th March 2021 – The ins and outs of buying, loaning or sharing a horse
Meetings 4th March 2021 – AROWCC meeting 8th March 2021 – Mental Health First Aid meeting 11th March 2021 – Dealing with difficult calls training 17th March 2021 – Home Team meeting 19th March 2021 – Development meeting 23rd March 2021 – Horse Health Days & Fat Scoring training 24th March 2021 – Pony Stars session 26th March 2021 – Pony Stars session 30th March 2021 – Ride Out UK meeting with Regional chair and landowner 30th March 2021 – BHS Northumberland Committee meeting 31st March 2021 – BHS Cleveland’s Committee meeting
Forthcoming virtual meetings/events/CPD Training 5th April 2021 – Meeting with Safety volunteer and member of public regarding safety issue 7th April 2021 – Pony Stars session
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8th April 2021 – Lameness Diagnosis and Modern Treatments with Jess Campbell 13th April 2021 – C-Me Workshop for the Development Team 15th April 2021 – Home Team meeting 27th April 2021 – Follow up Mental Health First Aid course Any other news I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Sarah Hutton, who is our new Access and Bridleways Officer for Houghton Le Side and Heighington.
17. Yorkshire - Amy Clements
Meetings 2 MAR – Yorkshire Access Volunteers team meeting, Star Leaf. The first we have done in the region and very well received by all. These will continue quarterly alongside committee meetings. 9 MAR – Yorkshire Welfare Volunteers team meeting, Star Leaf. The first we have done in the region and very well received by all. These will continue quarterly alongside committee meetings. 24 MAR – Site meeting with Jane Donaldson, RMBC – walking possible routes to be added to Definitive Map and also highlighting repair work to be carried out on existing bridleways.
Events 11 MAR – Digesting the Digestion, Understanding How Your Horse Eats – an evening talk with Gina Burgoyne from Spillers Horse Feeds, delivered via Star Leaf. Almost £300 raised for the Hardship Fund. If volunteers would like to watch this then please contact Amy for the link. 22/23 MAR – Close Pass Operation with South Yorkshire Police, Fishlake and Loxley. Over the two days, 35 drivers were stopped and spoken to by officers. Of the 35 drivers, 30 were spoken to about their poor driving, lack of awareness and space or overall behaviour while passing our horses. Five drivers were also stopped and praised by officers for their actions. 25 MAR – Equine Obesity and Laminitis – an evening talk with Junior Vice President of BEVA, David Rendle, delivered via Star Leaf. Over £450 raised for the Hardship Fund. If volunteers would like to watch this then please contact Amy for the link.
Forthcoming meetings 6 APR – West Yorkshire Meeting, Star Leaf 8 APR – North East Yorkshire meeting, Star Leaf 13 APR – North West Yorkshire meeting, Star Leaf 14 APR – East Yorkshire meeting, Star Leaf 19 APR – South Yorkshire meeting, Star Leaf
18. North West – Lyndsay Dring
Events/shows BHS Manchester Online Dressage has launched this month, entries close 11 April 2021.
Meetings BHS IOM and NW Safety Advisors have met this month.
CPD Training Online Training - Make Time For Marketing’s second course has been cancelled due to lack of uptake which is likely to be down to coaches and centres busy preparing for reopening. We will look to offer this course again in the future as it has proven very beneficial.
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Lectures/ presentations 'Equine end of life' Virtual Event was very beneficial to those who attended, and we had some great feedback… “I would like to thank all who had input into this interesting and informative event. Whilst I had some knowledge of ‘end of life procedure’ I have to admit that most of it was vague! As an owner of 2 elderly horses - 22 and 26 - both in light work - the event has made me realise that I ought to make plans - sharing them with my family and friends for that (awful) day!”
Forthcoming meetings/events/CPD Training April Regional Manager Annual Leave BHS Isle of Man Welfare Adviser Training session1 BHS Manchester Online Dressage - Entries Close BHS Wirral Meeting BHS IOM Meeting BHS IOM - Ask The Experts Talk BHS Cheshire Meeting BHS Events - What You Need to Know (Volunteer Training) BHS Events - What You Need to Know (Volunteer Training)
Any other news- Volunteer Changes Abbey O'Toole Sweeny has decided to step down from her role supporting BHS Manchester as Communications Officer due to a lack of time. However, she will continue to support the BHS as a casual volunteer, which means when we get back to running events and we need extra pair of hands we can call on her which is great, thanks Abbey!
19. Scotland - Helene Mauchlen & Julie Hanna
Events 4.3 Virtual Talk with Professor Derek Knottenbelt on the A to Z of Horses 5.3 BHS Central Scotland 'Back to Basics - Let’s Talk Fitness’ with Jayne Faulkner Vet Physio 6.3 BHS Grampian A live discussion with mindset and confidence coach Josie Alexander 11.3 BHS Lothian Improve your position with ‘Activate your seat’ with Maeve Sheridan 15.3 BHS Tayside Bring your Horse back to Fitness with Richard Johnston-Smith 25.3 Equine Grass Sickness webinar for horse owners 31.3 BHS Orkney Safety Talk with Alan Hiscox
Meetings 1.3 SRUC on Pasture Management 1.3 Scotways Board meeting 2.3 Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime meeting 2.3 Scottish Borders Partnership Against Rural Crime meeting 4.3 ACOSVO meeting 8.3 Road Safety Framework meeting 8.3 BHS Scotland committee meeting 10.3 Animal Welfare Stakeholders meeting 16.3 BHS Argyll committee meeting 18.3 West Lothian Partnership Against Rural Crime meeting 18.3 BHS Shetland committee meeting 23.3 BHS Scotland Training committee 24.3 StrathRag meeting 25.3 Horsescotland Equality meeting 26.3 Loch Lomond Visitor Strategy Management meeting 26.3 NAF LAF meeting
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29.3 A83 meeting with Argyll Chair 30.3 Ayrshire Partnership Against Rural Crime meeting 30.3 Scottish Borders Partnership Against Rural Crime meeting 31.3 Scotways EGM
Training 3.3 Equestrian Access Training: Maintaining and Improving Equestrian Access 3.3 BHS Stage 1 Training with Caroline Wilson 10.3 BHS Stage 1 Training with Caroline Wilson 15.3 Virtual Safeguarding Course 17.3 Equestrian Access Training: Mapping and Promoting Equestrian Access in Scotland 17.3 BHS Stage 1 Training with Caroline Wilson 24.3 BHS Stage 1 Training with Caroline Wilson 29.3 Virtual Safeguarding Course 29.3 BHS Stage 2 Training with Caroline Wilson 31.3 BHS Stage 1 Training with Caroline Wilson
Forthcoming meetings/events/CPD Training 5.4 BHS Stage 1 Training with Caroline Wilson (BHS introduction from BHS Scotland) 6.4 BHS Stage 2 Training with Caroline Wilson 8.4 BHS Shetland Virtual Members meeting 12.4 BHS Stage 1 Training with Caroline Wilson 12.4 BHS Stage 2 Coaching training with Richard Johnston-Smith 12.4 BHS Ayrshire 'Field to Fabulous' - Virtual Evening with Niki Baxter (Baxter Equine Services) 13.4 BHS Stage 2 Training with Caroline Wilson 13.4 Virtual Safeguarding Course 14.4 Starleaf discussions with ABK/ARC award applicants 15.4 Scotways board meeting 15.4 BHS Strathclyde committee meeting 16.4 SORA meeting 19.4 Horsescotland members meeting 19.4 BHS Stage 1 Training with Caroline Wilson 20.4 BHS Stage 2 Training with Caroline Wilson 21.4 BHS Scotland Access committee 22.4 Joint Welfare Conference 26.4 Virtual Safeguarding Course 26.4 BHS Stage 1 Training with Caroline Wilson 26.4 BHS Stage 2 Coaching training with Richard Johnston-Smith 27.4 BHS Stage 2 Training with Caroline Wilson 27.4 BHS Central Scotland Tack MOT evening with Laura Nickel of Amazing Saddlery (Virtual)
5.5 Animal Welfare Stakeholders meeting 5.5 SORA meeting 5.5 BHS Stage 1 Training with Caroline Wilson 6.5 BHS Stage 2 Training with Caroline Wilson 10.5 Virtual Safeguarding Course 10.5 BHS Stage 2 Coaching training with Richard Johnston-Smith 13.5 BHS Stage 2 Training with Caroline Wilson 16.5 ROUK ride at Culbin 17.5 Our Safety Saviours - Join Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and BHS for a life-saving equestrian safety discussion 24.5 BHS Stage 2 Coaching training with Richard Johnston-Smith 26.5 SORA meeting
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Any other news Call for government outdoor champion to capitalise on rising numbers: a dozen outdoor organisations are together calling for a new Outdoor Recreation Champion role to be created within the Scottish Government, to ensure everyone in society benefits from being active in nature. The new cross-departmental role is one of several innovative ideas within a joint manifesto published today by Scottish Outdoor Recreation Alliance (SORA), aimed at supporting the booming demand for the outdoors. SORA’s Manifesto for the Outdoors also calls for: • A guarantee that every primary and secondary school pupil has at least one week away at an outdoor centre • Long-term strategic investment in infrastructure such as facilities, ranger services, education and skills training • More support for BAME communities and people in deprived areas to engage with the outdoors • The creation of a standalone fund for outdoor recreation, including paths and signage.
The publication of the manifesto before the Holyrood elections in May is timely given a major independent survey published this month by the David Hume Institute (DHI) showed 36% of people in Scotland spent more time outside in nature last year than before, with 58% of people in Scotland intending to spend more time outside in future. SORA member Helen Todd, who is Ramblers Scotland’s policy manager, said that recruiting an Outdoor Recreation Champion would help all government departments – from health and tourism to the economy and equalities – capitalise on the surge in outdoor recreation. Ms Todd said: “We need an Outdoor Recreation Champion working across government departments to ensure that everyone across Scotland shares the benefits – and pleasure – of being active in the natural environment. “Scotland has been great at marketing our amazing scenery and outdoor activities – but this hasn’t been matched by investment. Indeed, the Scottish Government’s funding for access has flatlined for more than a decade at £8.1million a year. “SORA’s Manifesto for the Outdoors offers a hopeful and practical vision of a more inclusive outdoors – which will benefit the economy, environment, local communities and everyone’s health and wellbeing, as part of a green recovery from Covid.” The manifesto was developed by Ramblers Scotland, British Horse Society, Cycling UK Scotland, Mountaineering Scotland, ScotWays and Scottish Canoe Association. It is also supported by The Outward Bound Trust, Scottish Adventure Activities Forum, Scottish Countryside Rangers Association, Scottish Wild Land Group, HorseScotland and Scottish Orienteering. Download the full manifesto at www.ramblers.org.uk/SORAmanifesto
Down the Right Path with the BHS: BHS Scotland is excited, way more than excited we are exhilarated and ecstatic even to be working with generous and beautiful venues across Scotland to bring you as broad a suite of ROUK rides that we can manage. Putting in an appearance with be some established favourites like Culzean and Barskimming, some nearly new like Blackford and Culbin and some totally new like an exciting stunning venue in Argyll and something in our national parks. All dates can be found on our website, for now save the date for our first ride at Culbin on May 16 - bookings will open soon.
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Cycling UK: The British Horse Society is one of 33 organisations calling for online system to help catch dangerous drivers in Scotland. Cycling UK Joint Letter In March, Cycling UK led the production of a joint letter from 33 organisations to Police Scotland, asking them to introduce a nationwide camera footage submission and reporting system. Scotland is the first nation of the UK to set a goal for zero deaths and serious injuries on the roads. The Scottish Government is aiming for this ‘Vision Zero’ to be met by 2050, and by 2030 it aims to have the best road safety record anywhere in the world. Such an ambitious goal should be matched with urgent effort to employ every weapon in the armoury to fight the scourge of road danger. Sadly, in Scotland this isn’t the case. Police Scotland is not making use of a widely used online system which allows people to easily upload their camera footage of dangerous driving and report it to the police. You can help put pressure on political parties in Scotland ahead of the Scottish elections on 6 May to make the introduction of this system a priority in their manifestos. Sign and share our election petition to show politicians that cycling and road safety are important to you - https://action.cyclinguk.org/page/75816/petition/1
Keep the Date Free for BHS Scotland Camp 2021: BHS Scotland is planning their annual adult camp for BHS Gold members at Lindores Equestrian, Fife on the 17-19 September 2021 subject to Covid restrictions. Booking details will be made available in the May edition of the BHS Scotland ENews.
This year’s coaches are confirmed as Sam York FBHS, Diana Zajda, Richard Johnston- Smith and Jen Morris.
20. South – Hannah Marsh
March meetings: 1st Oxfordshire committee 3rd Approvals Advisory Group 4th National Equine Forum New Forest Consultative Panel 8th Buckinghamshire committee 15th Hampshire Constabulary 25th Hampshire Road Safety Council 29th-1st April Annual Leave
A great deal of time this month has been spend on both the Ride By Your Side project and on the launch of Pony Stars (about which I am super-excited and channelling my inner six- year-old!). It’s been great to welcome Steph Geran to the new role of Business Support Manager for the South and South West regions. Upcoming Meetings: 12th April Hampshire committee 14th Forestry England 21st Berkshire committee
21. South West - Julie Garbutt
News from the Counties Dorset and Devon committees met this month, and both have plans for events to support the Ride Out UK Fund. South West Region committee welcomed Sally Gardner to their meeting for an update on what the Volunteer Support Department have been doing and future plans. The committee 23
congratulated Gill Longhurst on her appointment to the Board of Trustees. They also welcomed Julie Ticehurst as the new Secretary. Royal Cornwall Show have cancelled. They had moved their dates from June to September but have now decided not to run this event in 2021.
Other News Julie Garbutt gave a presentation on careers in the equine industry to students from Bridgwater College. A further two sessions on how to present online training and how to produce a PowerPoint presentation were delivered to coaches.
22. Wales and The Channel Islands Area -Kathryn Stewart
Meetings 8th March Caroline Ferguson Carmarthenshire ‘Horse Strategy Questionnaire’ update 9th March Fay Moore Volunteer update 11th March Difficult Conversations CPD 11th March Spillers Rep Isabel Harker meeting to arrange events etc in Wales 12th March Staff Training - Pony Stars 15th March NRW Meeting - North Cardiff woodlands Stakeholder Group 17th March Channel Islands committee meeting Starleaf 17th March Cynon Gateway Access meeting Leanne Davies RTC Council 18th March Natural Resources Wales NRW - long term vision for sustainable management of natural resources in Wales (Aber Uni). 18th March Pony Stars meeting 18th March Mid Wales committee meeting Starleaf 22nd March BHS Approvals ‘CIC’ meeting 23rd March ‘Trenos Bridge’ meeting Access South East Wales with local Community Council, Persimmon Homes and Network Rail 25th March South East Wales committee meeting Starleaf 26th March Welfare Catch up Wales Vicky Johns 30th March South West Wales committee meeting Starleaf 31st March Horse Health Days – training session
Events 4th March National Equine Forum 23rd March Online presentation Sue Hurford BSc (Hons) PGCE BHS Stage 4 Senior Manager – Purchasing a horse (pre checks, ailments, pitfalls, vetting) 24th March Equine Pilates – North East Wales Corinne Farinha 29th March Online presentation Shelly Buffery BHS Stage 4 coach Registered APC (lecturer Aberystwyth University) – Riding Side Saddle
Other Outdoor Alliance Wales Equine document update completed – coming out of lockdown roadmap Finalise manifesto for Wales COVID – Road Map out of lockdown review 12/3/21 Affiliation to the Welsh Sports Association Membership liaison Meet and greet new volunteers online.
Proposed April 2021 1st April Government review 8th April Catch up meeting Volunteer Chair and Vice Chair 9th April Team meeting 13th April C -Me workshop
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13th April Volunteer update Fay Moore 14th April Spillers online events - Mid Wales event Isabel Harker 15th April Welsh Approved Centres Coffee Morning 23rd April Wales government review 26th April BHS Stage 4 working group 28th April Volunteer events training
Government reviews 1st and 23rd April – statements Riding school visits tbc CPD events tbc Riding clinics tbc
23. West Midlands - Andrea Jackman
Meetings & Activities 1-7 Mar – BHS Book Week – coinciding with World Book Day on 4 March.
3 Mar – Step into Spring – Laminitis Prevention & Getting Horses Fit – virtual talk. What a great evening! 50 attendees, great questions and lovely feedback from all. We had so many requests for further information, videos and infographics plus we’ve been asked to give a student talk at a college and to visit a yard with the welfare lorry when restrictions allow. This was Gabby from our Welfare Teams first virtual talk and she did a fantastic job! 8 Mar – Warwickshire Committee Meeting 15 Mar – Regional Committee Meeting 24 Mar – Step into Spring – Alternative grazing systems – virtual talk. Another great evening with 70 attendees really keen to hear the results of Dr Tamzin Furtado’s research into alternative grazing systems and hear from Larri Davison-Bowe the owner of Horse Haven Livery about implementing tracks at her yard and the benefits she sees in the horses. It was so successful and over-subscribed that I’ve organised a re-run of the talk on 21 April. 25 Mar – Herefordshire Committee Meeting 29 Mar – 6 April – Annual Leave
Future meetings & Activities 13 Apr – Worcestershire Committee Meeting 14 Apr – Step into Spring – Disease Prevention and Worming – virtual talk 17 Apr – Improving Rider Alignment – Mechanical Horse Training Session 20 Apr – Shropshire Committee Meeting 21 Apr – Step into Spring – Alternative grazing systems – virtual talk 27 Apr – Staffordshire Committee Meeting
Other News We’ve said goodbye and thanks to Mary Stephens, Access Officer from the Warwickshire Committee.
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