Redwings At Appleby - 2006
In June 2006, Redwings contributed to the welfare of hundreds of horses over a week-long period by sending intrepid vet and Head of Welfare, Nicolas de Brauwere, to monitor and treat equines at the world famous Appleby Horse Fair.
The large numbers of horses at the fair and the popular tradition of ‘flashing’ (racing horses in trot along the road to show them off), means that there will inevitably be some horses that require veterinary attention. In recent years there has been a concerted effort by the RSPCA to improve facilities for horses at the fair and there are always several inspectors to monitor proceedings and give advice if necessary. Veterinary back-up for these inspectors is vital, and this was the first year that Redwings supplied one of the two vets who are on site for the duration of the event.
In view of the number of horses, people and vehicles crammed into a small town, it is perhaps extraordinary that there are not more problems at Appleby than actually occur; particularly when temperatures escalate as they did this summer. Most of the treatments administered over Appleby week were for minor wounds caused by bumps and scrapes or ill-fitting harness. Other equines were assisted when their owners were instructed to stop working their horses and give them a rest. In the vast majority of cases, owners accepted (however begrudgingly) the advice and treatment they were offered and most take real pride in the horses and ponies they own.
Sadly, amongst the hundreds of reasonable, responsible horse owners at Appleby, it only takes one heartless individual to cause a tragedy. Nic’s most difficult task during this particular week in Cumbria was to put down a horse that had been severely injured when she collapsed whilst being driven on a main road. Rather than seek help, the driver simply left her, lying in the road, in terrible pain and unable to move. The mare had been reported to the police who immediately called for veterinary help. Unfortunately, Nic realised very quickly that the mare’s injuries left him no other choice than to put her to sleep. The RSPCA tried hard to discover who was responsible for leaving the mare in such an appalling state, but so far the search has proved unsuccessful.
Thankfully, such callousness is not common at the fair, but whilst events of this nature occur at all, Appleby will continue to be an important date in our welfare diary.
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