07 June 2018

Promoting good examples of health, happiness and horsemanship at Appleby Horse Fair

Redwings attends Appleby Horse Fair each year, together with colleagues from six other organisations, to promote and ensure good welfare. Appleby has a 300+ year heritage and is the largest horse fair in Britain.

Subsequently, Appleby is also one of the biggest multi-agency undertakings of the year with Redwings three vets in attendance as well as our Education and Campaigns Manager, and Education Officer, working alongside colleagues from Blue Cross, Bransby Horses, British Horse Society, The Donkey Sanctuary, RSPCA and World Horse Welfare.

Commenting on the collaborative working of various organisations at the Fair, RSPCA Chief Inspector Rob Melloy said: “There’s nothing else as big as Appleby for us from a staffing or multi-agency point of view.

“It’s a great - and after several years, long-standing and successful - example of everyone working together towards the same goal.”

Our three vets will be on-hand at the vet station at Salt Tip Corner to offer assistance for animals that may need it. An information and education tent – which has been a popular Fair fixture for the past eight years – also provides an opportunity for fairgoers to share knowledge and discuss any issues or concerns relating to horse care.

Now in its fifth year, we’ll again be running our #BestAtAppleby welfare awards to recognise and reward excellent examples of equine health and horsemanship, with the overall champion and junior champion announced on Sunday.

Find out more about Redwings’ Welfare Awards at Appleby Horse Fair here.

Ahead of this year’s Appleby Welfare Awards, Redwings Education and Campaigns Manager who spearheaded the initiative said: “Best At Appleby enables us to put more focus on the positive welfare standards that fair-goers strive to provide for their horses; the pride and effort that goes into them.

“By celebrating high-quality horses and good horsemanship, we hope fair-goers are encouraged to talk about welfare and to set standards for others”.

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