|
Vets are urging everyone to keep on red alert for Strangles which is still making an appearance in the Borders. There is a recently confirmed case 'in the Lammermuirs' and another now confirmed in the Hume area. This has implications for Kelso Civic week's Tuesday rideout.
The Kelso, Stitchhill, Hume ride on Tuesday evening will still take place but the route will be slightly altered to take the now confirmed case of Strangles into account. The usual barbeque at Hume will not take place and riders will be diverted elsewhere. Sensible precautions are being taken and full details will be given at the start of the ride which begins at the Springwood carpark at 4pm.
If you are going to be riding with others, whether you own the horse or not - the following points should be noted.
1) Don't share water containers. Get a friend to bring your water in a container that only your horse will be drinking out of. Some of the Common Ridings are organising a supply of water from mini mobile tanks -again use your own container when collecting water from these.
2) During breaks in events, don't allow your horse to come into contact with another horse. When dismounted, or if watching other people who have been riding, don't wander from horse to horse patting each one ? this could spread infection.
3) Don't allow your horse to graze near others. If you dismount during a break, keep your horse away from the others if you can and don't allow it to graze on a patch another horse has been grazing on.
4) Observe the highest standards of hygiene at all times.
For those concerned about keeping their horses completely safe from strangles, vets strongly advise that vaccination is by far the best way to ensure that your horse is properly protected.
|
