News

Photo: Hay Farm Heavy Horse Centre REGISTRATIONS CRUCIAL: RARE BREEDS’ SURVIVAL

Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) is encouraging smallholders and farmers to ensure timely registration of their rare breed livestock and equines despite the disruption to shows and sales for a second year, to help safeguard the breeds’ futures.

In normal years the summer’s county shows, agricultural shows and sales often provide key milestones ahead of which rare breeds are registered but many of these shows have been cancelled or disrupted. RBST Chief Executive Christopher Price said: “If registrations of rare breeds are overlooked in 2021 as a result of disruption to summer events, crucial information will be lost and the work to support the future of these breeds will suffer.” www.rbst.org.uk

DISCOVER NEWMARKET: TRAIL OF DICK FRANCIS

Fans of Dick Francis can now follow the author’s trail around Newmarket on one of two new guided tours from Discover Newmarket.

‘On the Trail of Dick Francis’ takes in many of the places that the late former champion steeplechase jockey knew from his horseracing days and which he used in the plots he based in Newmarket. Tours are available on 1st October, 5th November and 3rd December.

www.discovernewmarket.co.uk

CHARITY HIT: VANDALISM AND THEFT

Bransby Horses is sad to report the charity has recently been the victim of theft and several cases of vandalism.

“As a charity we rely solely on support from donations, so any loss of income through theft or damage has a huge detrimental impact,” said a spokesperson. “We have a wishing well on site and we encourage visitors to donate spare change and make a wish. We are sad to report the contents of our wishing well were recently stolen.” In addition to the recent theft, thirteen in-memoriam plaques have been damaged.

Should anyone have any information about these incidents, please get in touch on 01427 788 464.

May/June Competition Winners:

Covalliero Outfit Molly Horsenell Essex; Robinson First Aid Kit Carina Brock - Suffolk; Clare Mealing-Mills Norfolk; Dawn Farnish - Suffolk; Michelle Baldwin - Essex; Rowen Barbary Bev Hughes - Norfolk; Deborah Oldroyd-Jones - Essex; Elizabeth Mackenzie - Cambs; Eva Bush - Essex; Janice Cousins - Suffolk; laura Sheldrake - Suffolk; Pam Wells Essex; Sarah Flatman - Norfolk; UVEX Louise Harding - Cambs.

STALLION STUCK

STRADDLING GATE

Astallion who was desperate to reach his neigh-bours got stuck straddling a metal gate.

Walkers spotted the skewbald stuck - with his front end one side and his back legs the other - and contacted the RSPCA for help. Inspector Tina Nash attended. She said: “The stallion, was trying to get to the mares on the other side of the gate and obviously thought he could clear the 4ft gate. But he got himself stuck halfway! “If he’d have spent a little more time looking, he’d have realised that if he walked along the fenceline a little further, he could have just trotted around to see his lady friends!” Tina called for assistance from Fire & Rescue Service who carefully winched him up and off of the gate and back onto all four hooves.

STAR HORSEY PHOTOS SET TO SNAFFLE PRIZE

The British Equestrian Trade Association’s annual Calendar Competition is up and running and on the lookout for twelve horsey pictures to be the stars of the 2022 BETA calendar.

Images will be picked to represent each month, with the one judged Best in Show bagging the entrant a fantastic gift hamper. The deadline for submissions is Friday 17th September 2021. Email info@beta-uk.org to find out more.