Our survey needs YOU to help give horses a better future

Blue Cross runs the National Equine Health Survey (NEHS) in partnership with the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA). It is a unique opportunity for horse owners to give feedback about the health of their horses, ponies and donkeys so that the most common diseases and problems can be identified, prioritised and addressed. It's one of the UK's most important endemic disease monitoring initiatives and the results are referenced in leading veterinary and equestrian publications and papers.

Blue Cross are proud to champion the NEHS survey. We take, on average, 300 horses into our charity's care every year, many of whom need dedicated rehabilitation programmes. By gaining greater knowledge of the health of the nation's horses, ponies and donkeys we can all get a better understanding of how to help our equine friends and keep them happy and healthy — something which is at the core of Blue Cross’ ethos.

Last year survey records were returned for almost 16 751 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules, with 5635 people taking part, showing an increase of 14% on the previous year. We are determined to achieve an even bigger response this year. In terms of participant details most horses were kept in livery or a private yard and used for leisure and hacking, 62% of horses were healthy (i.e. had no health problems recorded) and 38% of horses had one or more health problems recorded.