Staff from nine animal welfare charities, including Redwings, who make up Appleby Horse Project are highlighting the importance of watering horses during the Fair next week.

The annual gathering of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, which is the biggest in the UK, begins next Thursday (6th June) and runs until Monday (10th June) in the Cumbrian town of Appleby-in-Westmorland.

Redwings welfare vet Nicola Berryman has been going to the Fair since 2012, said: “There is a hard-to-bust myth within the horse community that watering horses straight after exercise can lead to colic. The science says that the risk of this is negligible compared to the risk of not watering a horse that needs it.

“Dehydration poses a huge danger to horses, and we have seen changes, recognising this, in other environments where horses are worked – for example in sport. The issue was the biggest to arise at last year’s Fair, along with horses being worked too young or too hard for the conditions.

“We know that there are so many amazing horsemen and women within the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities and are looking to them to lead the way for others who are less knowledgeable or experienced.”

Top tips on watering your horse at Appleby Fair 2024

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