Horsewatch Scotland launches on 1 October

And you are invited!  BHS Scotland is delighted to announce the formal launch of Horsewatch Scotland on 1 October at Gleneagles EC. Horsewatch Scotland is the culmination of several years' work to bring all 8 police forces and the equestrian community together to fight equine related crime. 

Join us between 4pm and 7.30pm on Friday 1 October to receive your free security information pack, access to invaluable safety information and the many freebies on offer from the organisations supporting the launch.  Entry is free, and no booking is required.  We look forward to seeing you there.

Calling all riders in Falkirk and West Lothian

We are supporting the Central Scotland Forest Trust consultation into developing riding and carriage driving in the Falkirk and West Lothian area.

If you ride or carriage drive in these areas, or would like to ride / drive in these areas, please give us your views. (Added 2 Sept)

Worming survey - we need your help

The University of Edinburgh and Moredun Research Institute are conducting a survey throughout Scotland to investigate the different worming strategies used.  All grazing horses are at risk of developing a worm burden, potentially leading to diseases such as colic, weight loss, diarrhoea and in extreme cases, death.  We currently rely heavily on wormers to such control these however resistance to these wormers is becoming increasing common and it is therefore important that we try to identify factors that may further accelerate the development of resistance.

So please take a few minutes to complete the survey to help us build a clearer picture of worms and worming in Scotland. Thank you! (Added 2 September)

BHS welcomes 5000th Scottish member in style

Hot from winning the 3* at Blair International Horse Trials, William Fox Pitt took time out of his busy schedule to present Rosanne Ogden from Edinburgh with a bottle of champagne to celebrate her becoming BHS Scotland's 5000th member. 

BHS Scotland Chairman Loraine Young said "This is a fantastic milestone for the BHS in Scotland making us far and away the largest equestrian organisation in Scotland.  Nearly 100 members joined at Blair alone and this is testimony to the benefits and reassurance that BHS membership brings." (Added 2 September)

BHSS thanks retiring Trustee

At Blair Castle International Horse Trials BHS Scotland Chairman Loraine Young (pictured left) presented Annella Cowan (right) with various gifts from the Board to mark the end of Annella’s tenure as a BHS Trustee.

Annella has volunteered as a trustee for six years and now BHS Scotland is represented on the BHS Board by Marjorie Norrie. (Added 2 September)

What to do if you have a problem with ragwort
We are aware that ragwort is an increasing problem in many parts of Scotland and that it can sometimes be difficult to know how to start resolving the problem.

So we have prepared simple guidance on the steps to take. The leaflet has been endorsed by SGRPID, who are the agency responsible for enforcing the legislation.

You can download this guidance here.

Get set for coach of the year,
27 September, Sandyflat RDA, Glasgow

"A competition to encourage and inspire today's coaches"

Open to everyone with a BHS teaching qualification.  There is no age limit, but there is a maximum qualification limit of BHSII.

Click here for application pack.

We have launched a long-term campaign to encourage horse owners to ‘Think Before You Breed’. We feel strongly that taking preventative action now is far better than waiting to pick up the pieces. For this however, we need funding, and this is where you come in. Over the last year we have been asking celebrities and famous faces to draw a picture, or donate an item or experience to The British Horse Society which we can auction. Check out the donations now.

Scottish Equine Welfare Conference

Saturday 6 November, Perth Racecourse

BHS Scotland and British Riding Clubs in Scotland invite you to the Scottish Equine Welfare Conference.  Open to everyone interested in equine welfare you will join top vets and other experts to hear about the latest on a number of key welfare topics.

For full details and to book online click here.

Ride South Africa Challenge 2011 launched
Join the adventure and raise funds for the Dick Vet by riding out on safari across the Waterberg region of South Africa in June 2011.

BHS Scotland is pleased to support this fund raising initiative to fund the purchase of an equine scanning table which will enable our vets to use cutting edge scanning technology to diagnose horses with lameness, dental and sinus problems.

You can find out more about this trip of a lifetime here.