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Equine Welfare

The health and welfare of horses and ponies is at the heart of The Pony Club, becoming the foundation for much of the training given to our Members. We focus on the highest standards of equine welfare and veterinary care.

Under the Animal Welfare Acts, every owner or person responsible for an animal has a duty of care to ensure the animal’s well-being. Please click the button here for our full Equine Welfare Policy.

 

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The Pony Club Equine Welfare Policy

Equine Influenza
Veterinary Cover
Biosecurity Policy
Useful Advice

Equine Influenza Vaccination Requirements for The Pony Club Championships

For The Pony Club Championships at Offchurch Bury, it is strongly recommended that horses and ponies should have either received a booster or the primary course V1 and V2, within 6-months and 21 days prior to arrival at the event in line with the FEI protocol.

All vaccinations must be given at least 7 clear days before arrival at the Championships.

What this means in practice:

If your horse or pony is already vaccinated within the 6-month and 21-day window, NO ACTION is required.

If the last vaccination falls outside the 6-month and 21-day window, a booster should be given before attending.

Full Information Vaccination Rule

Equine Influenza

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As of 14th May 2026, there have been 60 confirmed cases, with a further 16 currently being investigated. Of the known cases, 6 were vaccinated, 36 were confirmed unvaccinated, the remainder are either unknown or unconfirmed. 58% of the affected horses had recently moved premises before becoming unwell.
Source: EIDS  (Equine Infectious Diseases Surveillance)

To help our Members, parents, Coaches, Officials and Volunteers well informed, we have a variety or resources available to advise and support.

Full News Report Information & Resources Vaccination Rule

Veterinary Cover

 

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For all Pony Club activities, the organiser must undertake a risk assessment to determine the levels of veterinary cover required. This would be based on the nature of the event, the location and complexity of the site, the number of Members attending with their horses and other significant factors, to define if they need to have a Veterinary Surgeon present, or it is sufficient to use “on call” arrangements.

The recommended level of cover for Pony Club activities are given in Appendix A2 – Veterinary Cover Matrix, link to the right.  However, as a result of the risk assessment, the cover for Pony Club activities may be amended to suit the size and complexity of the venue.

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Veterinary Cover Matrix

Biosecurity Policy

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The Pony Club is committed to maintaining high standards of biosecurity to protect the health and welfare of all horses and ponies. Effective biosecurity helps prevent the spread of infectious diseases, safeguarding both individual animals and the wider equestrian community.

Whether at home, at rallies, camps, or competitions, we ask all Members to follow key hygiene practices, such as avoiding close contact with horses or ponies from other yards, not sharing equipment, and staying alert for any signs of illness.

Biosecurity Policy Disease Prevention Advice

Equine Welfare Advice

Hot Weather Guidance

To help organisers and competitors make informed decisions about how to keep everyone safe during hot temperatures.

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Use of Spurs

Members wishing to ride with spurs at Pony Club activities must have achieved the C+ Riding Test or The Spurs Test.

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Suitably Mounted

Practical advice to help Coaches and Officials assess suitability, approach sensitive discussions with care, and make informed decisions.

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Health & Safety Rulebook

Please find all details on Pony Club Health & Safety in our Rulebook here.

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Equine Welfare Contacts

If you have any queries, concerns or need more information then please see the contact details to the right.

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Ellie Phillips

Safety and Welfare Officer
E: equinewelfare@pcuk.org