05 January 2023

Redwings says thanks to SPILLERS™ for donation

Redwings has started the new year on the right ‘hoof’ with a generous donation of £5,000 from SPILLERS™' most recent equine obesity campaign.

Feed company SPILLERS™ invited horse owners to join the Slimmers’ Club last year, with the goal of members' horses collectively losing 100,000kg. As the weight loss accumulated it was converted into a financial contribution to support Redwings’ vital equine welfare work, which includes rescuing horses from the risks of obesity.

Lynn Cutress, Chief Executive of Redwings, said: “This is a fantastic way to start 2023.

“We are very grateful to SPILLERS™ for supporting us through this important campaign.

“Redwings is a charity 100% funded by donations, and we could not do the work we do, caring for over 1,500 rescued horses, ponies, donkeys and mules every day and rescuing hundreds more, without donations like this.”

Being overweight can pose as much of a welfare risk as being underweight for horses, not only because of the direct weight-associated effects, but also due to the increased risks posed by certain clinical conditions, especially laminitis. Other health and welfare implications include increased joint strain, respiratory stress, heat intolerance, an increase in chronic low-grade inflammation in senior horses and reduced fertility.

Nicola Jarvis, Head of Veterinary Services at Redwings, said: “Fat has long been regarded as just an innocent way to store excess calories, but we now know fat produces chemicals that negatively affect our horse’s metabolism and health, as it does in humans.

“By helping our horses safely reach an ideal body condition score we decrease their risk of laminitis and the agony and suffering this condition brings. At Redwings we empathise with the challenges of managing weight, especially in our cobs, Welsh Ponies and Shetlands, but getting an honest opinion as to whether your horse is overweight is essential. Don’t wait for laminitis to strike before seeking advice.”

The SPILLERS™ Slimmers’ Club was launched last summer to help address the problem of equine obesity in a positive way. Now with almost 5,000 members, the club provides practical support and camaraderie for owners of overweight horses and ponies, to aid them on their weight loss journey. It provides information and advice including weight loss tips, details of how to body condition score and use a weigh tape, diet plans and weight loss records. Club members also receive access to a dedicated Facebook group where they can share their horse’s progress and tips with other owners, get inspired with success stories and post questions for SPILLERS™ nutritionists to answer.

“We are thrilled to be able to start the New Year with such a good news story,” said Sarah Nelson, Product Manager at SPILLERS™. “Our £5,000 donation is not only supporting our favourite charity’s vital equine welfare work, but the project has also helped to draw attention to the risks posed by equine obesity and has supported and encouraged safe, sustainable weight loss for many overweight horses and ponies in the UK.”

To sign up to the SPILLERS™ Slimmers’ Club go to: https://www.facebook.com/groups/322710156018763

If you'd like to make a donation to us here at Redwings please visit www.redwings.org.uk/donate or call 01508 505246. Thank you #RedwingsAngels!