Unfortunately due to the ongoing outbreaks of strangles in our area and after taking advice from a vet, Flint & Denbigh Hunt Branch of the Pony Club has decided to cancel all mounted rallies and training for the next 2 weeks, until 14th April, when the situation will be reviewed. Any unmounted rallies and training will continue but please ensure that you have clean footwear and clothing before attending anyone else’s yard or property.

About Strangles

Strangles is a highly contagious infectious disease which affects the lymph nodes. It is spread via the bacteria by direct contact, contaminated food, water, equipment or people’s hands/clothing. The bacteria can survive for long periods in a carrier horse or in the environment in the right conditions.

Strangles itself is not usually life threatening, but if left untreated the lymph nodes can abscessate.

Symptoms include:

  • Depression
  • Loss of appetite
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Swelling in the throat area
  • Nasal discharge
  • High temperature
  • Coughing
  • Lymph glands may abcessate and discharge pus in throat area and under jaw

TREATMENT

  • A horse with suspected strangles must be immediately isolated, away from all other horses before calling the vet. The Vet will advise you on treatment.
  • Your horse will show signs of improvement within a week but they can remain infectious for up to 8 weeks after the symptoms have disappeared.
  • A horse that has had strangles should be checked for carrier status before being taken out of isolation. This is done over a 2 week period via throat swabs. 3 negative swabs in 2 weeks indicates that the horse is clear and can return to contact with other horses.

PREVENTION

  • Ideally any new horse entering a yard should be quarantined for 3-4 weeks and closely monitored.
  • Maintain strict hygiene at all times.

B Test Success

Congratulations to Ben Reed and Jac Cernyw on passing the Horse and Pony Care part of the B Test.

Llanasa Shoeing Badge

The above badge day has been cancelled this Thursday due to insufficient numbers.

Waen y Llyn Mounted Games Competition – Results

After the first venue being waterlogged and careful thought about the strangles outbreak, Waen y Llyn went ahead with their competition last weekend in Tushingham Arena. Flint & Denbigh put forward 1 senior team, 1 senior novice team, 1 junior team, and 1 junior novice team. The senior team (pictured) of Sophie and Eden Greaves, Lois Williams and Alex Owen did really well and won their competition. The senior novice team of Katie Davies, Ellie Richardson, Twm Cernyw and Georgina and Ellenore (both Waen y Llyn) also did well, finishing 2nd in their competition. The junior team of Twm Cernyw, Abbie Richardson, and Will and Isabella Stone finished 3rd in their competition. The weather finally improved for the junior novice competition in the afternoon. Only one of the Flint & Denbigh team have ever competed before so it was a big day for this team of Daisy, Cari, Leia, Ceri and Mali. They all enjoyed their day but unfortunately needed a bit of outside assistance in some races which affected their score. They finished in 4th place and are looking forward to their next competition!